IWT 6 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Types of Connectivity**

Introduction
The Internet is an essential part of modern life, enabling communication, data
exchange, entertainment, business, and much more. But how do we actually get
connected to the Internet? This is made possible through Internet Service
Providers (ISPs) using various types of connectivity methods like Dial-up,
Leased Lines, VSAT, DSL, Cable, Fiber Optic, and others. This document
discusses ISPs and their connectivity technologies in detail with examples.

1. Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

1.1 Definition
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company or organization that
provides individuals, businesses, and other organizations access to the Internet
and related services such as web hosting, domain registration, email services,
and cloud storage.

1.2 Roles of an ISP

• Provides access to the Internet via different technologies.
• Offers email and web hosting services.
• Maintains infrastructure such as routers, servers, and data centers.
• Ensures cybersecurity and usage monitoring.
• Offers customer support for technical issues.

1.3 Examples of ISPs

• India: Jio, Airtel, BSNL, ACT Fibernet, Hathway
• USA: Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, Spectrum
• UK: BT, Virgin Media, Sky
• Global: Google Fiber, Starlink (by SpaceX), HughesNet

2. Types of Internet Connectivity

There are several types of connectivity technologies used by ISPs to provide
internet access. Each has different speed, cost, and coverage characteristics.

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2.1 Dial-Up Connection
Definition: Dial-up is an older form of internet access that uses a telephone
line and a modem to establish a connection to the ISP.

How It Works:
• The computer dials a phone number provided by the ISP.
• The modem converts digital signals to analog (and vice versa) for trans-
mission over the telephone line.
• Maximum speed is around 56 kbps.

Advantages:
• Widely available where landlines exist.
• Low cost.

Disadvantages:
• Extremely slow.
• Can’t use the telephone line for calls while connected.
• Outdated for modern internet applications.

Example: In rural areas of the early 2000s, BSNL provided dial-up access for
homes and cybercafés in India.

2.2 Leased Line

Definition: A leased line is a dedicated symmetrical connection between the
user and the ISP, used mainly by businesses.

How It Works:
• A leased line is always active.
• Offers the same upload and download speeds.
• Uses fiber optics or copper cables.

Speed: Ranges from 64 kbps to 1 Gbps or more, depending on the plan.

Advantages:
• High speed and reliability.
• Guaranteed bandwidth and uptime (SLA-based).
• Suitable for VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud services.

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Disadvantages:
• Expensive.
• Not typically used by home users.

Example: A software company like TCS or Infosys may use a leased line for
uninterrupted 24/7 connectivity.

2.3 VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal)

Definition: VSAT is a satellite-based internet connectivity solution used in
remote and inaccessible locations.

How It Works:
• A small dish antenna communicates with a geostationary satellite.
• The signal is then relayed to a central hub and routed to the internet.

Speed: Speeds typically range from 512 kbps to 4 Mbps, though newer
systems offer more.

Advantages:
• Can provide connectivity anywhere, even in deserts or mountains.
• Useful for disaster recovery and defense.

Disadvantages:
• Expensive installation and maintenance.
• Latency is high due to long satellite transmission delay.

Example: ISRO, Indian Army bases, and remote banking ATMs in villages
use VSAT technology.

2.4 DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

Definition: DSL provides internet access over traditional telephone lines but
uses a different frequency than voice calls.

Types:
• ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) – Download speed > Upload speed.
• SDSL (Symmetric DSL) – Equal download/upload speed.

Speed: Up to 24 Mbps for ADSL2+.

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Advantages:
• Faster than dial-up.
• Allows simultaneous voice and internet use.

Disadvantages:
• Performance degrades with distance from the exchange.
• Not suitable for very high-speed requirements.

Example: BSNL and Airtel offer DSL broadband services in Indian cities and
towns.

2.5 Cable Internet

Definition: Cable Internet uses the same coaxial cable that delivers cable TV
to provide broadband internet.

How It Works:
• A cable modem connects the user to the ISP via a coaxial line.
• Shared bandwidth among multiple users in an area.

Speed: Speeds vary from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps depending on provider.

Advantages:
• Higher speed than DSL.
• Widely available in urban areas.

Disadvantages:
• Speed may fluctuate during peak usage hours.
• Limited in rural areas.

Example: Hathway and ACT Fibernet provide cable broadband services in

Indian metros.

2.6 Fiber Optic Broadband

Definition: Fiber-optic connectivity uses light signals through fiber cables to
deliver extremely high-speed internet.

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Types:
• FTTH (Fiber to the Home)
• FTTP (Fiber to the Premises)
• FTTN (Fiber to the Node)

Speed: Up to 1 Gbps or more.

Advantages:
• Super-fast and stable connection.
• Suitable for streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.

Disadvantages:
• Expensive to lay the infrastructure.
• Limited in remote locations.

Example:
• JioFiber, Airtel Xstream Fiber, and ACT Fibernet provide FTTH
in India.
• Google Fiber is a global example.

2.7 Wireless Broadband (Wi-Fi, 4G/5G)

Definition: Wireless broadband uses radio frequencies (RF) to deliver internet
without wires, often through cellular networks or wireless routers.

Types:
• Mobile Broadband (4G/5G) – Via SIM cards.
• Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) – Home routers with SIM.

Speed: 4G – up to 100 Mbps, 5G – up to 1 Gbps and beyond.

Advantages:
• Portable.
• No cables needed.

Disadvantages:
• Coverage varies.
• Dependent on signal strength and tower congestion.

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Example: Jio, Airtel, and Vi provide mobile broadband using 4G/5G SIM
cards.

2.8 Satellite Internet (Other than VSAT)

Definition: Modern satellite internet uses low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites
to deliver high-speed internet globally.

How It Works:
• A network of satellites beams internet to ground receivers.
• Lower latency compared to traditional satellites.

Example: Starlink by SpaceX offers global satellite internet with speeds up

to 200 Mbps.

3. Comparison Table of Connectivity Types

Speed Usage Example

Technology Range Latency Cost Area Use Case
Dial-Up Up to 56 High Low Rural, Basic
kbps outdated email, text
browsing
DSL Up to 24 Medium Moderate Towns, Home
Mbps cities browsing,
video calls
Cable 10 Mbps Low-Med Moderate Urban Home
to 1 Gbps entertain-
ment
Fiber 100 Mbps Low High Cities Gaming,
Optic to 1 streaming,
Gbps+ business
Leased 1 Mbps to Very Low Very High Enterprises Servers,
Line 1 Gbps+ VoIP,
cloud
systems
VSAT Up to 4 High High Remote ATMs,
Mbps areas defense,
disaster
areas

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 Speed Usage Example
Technology Range Latency Cost Area Use Case
Mobile 10 Mbps – Medium Low-Mod Everywhere Personal
4G/5G 1 Gbps mobile
broadband
Satellite Up to 200 Medium High Remote/globalStarlink in
(LEO) Mbps rural areas

4. Conclusion
Internet connectivity has evolved from slow dial-up lines to blazing-fast fiber
and satellite connections. ISPs have been at the heart of this transformation,
offering various connectivity options depending on user needs, geography, and
technology. For students, mobile broadband or fiber is ideal for online learning
and coding. For businesses, leased lines or dedicated fiber ensure reliability. In
remote areas, VSAT or satellite internet helps bridge the digital divide.
Choosing the right ISP and connection type depends on factors like speed,
availability, cost, and reliability. As technology continues to improve, the
future will bring even faster, more accessible, and more intelligent connectivity
solutions for everyone.

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