Elements of Networking: Connection Methods

A network is also defined by the way that computers within it connect to each other. Some networks require that connecting users use telephone lines; others use Ethernet or television cables; others use only wireless connections; and some networks permit several types of connection. For example, UIUCnet users can connect with telephone lines, Ethernet cable, or wireless cards, but not with television cables.

Each connection type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Telephone lines
  56K Dialup: Although traditional 56K dialup is the slowest type of connection, nearly any location will have a telephone line that you can use to connect. However, outside the local area code, you may need to dial a more complex string of numbers in order to connect to your service provider, and some hotels also require an extra string of numbers to dial an outside line.
  
  High speed DSL/ISDN: Some high speed Internet connection options are also available through telephone lines. You can have high-speed phone-based network access installed in your home or apartment. Because DSL and ISDN require reliable phone lines of a certain length, however, you can't typically use your DSL or ISDN modem from a hotel room on the road.

• Ethernet
  Ethernet is the fastest type of wired connection in common use. Many offices use Ethernet networking, and nearly any computer built within the last few years has an Ethernet port built in. However, few hotels and coffeehouses will offer Ethernet connections to travelers, and very few apartments and houses can be conveniently and inexpensively wired for Ethernet.

• Television cable (cable modem)
  Your television cable is a convenient way to get high-speed network access at a house or apartment, since most houses and apartments are easily connected to the existing cable network. However, most offices are not wired for television cables, and most computers don't have a television cable connection built into them for connection while traveling; a typical computer will use its Ethernet or USB port to connect to a cable modem, which attaches to the television cable network. Therefore, cable modems are most commonly used in homes, and rarely if ever in hotels or offices.

• Wireless
  Wireless networks offer speed and convenience at the cost of lower security and variable access. Many hotels, coffeehouses, bookstores, and libraries offer wireless access to their patrons, and some cities are designing citywide wireless access. On the other hand, a wired connection is almost always more secure than a wireless connection; any wireless network user connecting to the same access point can "overhear" what your computer is communicating, which makes the use of strong encryption essential. In addition, the number of users connecting to a wireless access point can make a noticeable difference in your connection speed. For more information about wireless security and speed, see VPN for Wireless Users and Wireless Networking Speed: Ideals and Experiences.

Next element: Data and file sharing