connection types

Ethernet

A wired connection that uses network cables to link devices; it offers high reliability, speed, and interference resistance, but requires physical cabling.

Fibre-optic

A connection type that uses pulses of light through thin glass strands to transmit data rapidly over long distances, providing immunity to electromagnetic interference at higher setup costs.

Wi-Fi

A wireless networking technology that relies on radio frequencies to link devices, providing portability and convenience, though signal strength diminishes with range and physical barriers.

802.11n (Wi-Fi 4)

A legacy wireless communication standard suited primarily for basic online tasks such as standard web browsing.

802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5)

A high-throughput wireless standard optimized for high-bandwidth tasks such as media streaming.

802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)

An advanced wireless standard designed to enhance data throughput and minimize latency across environments with high device density.

Bluetooth

A low-power, short-range wireless standard commonly used to connect computer peripherals like mice, keyboards, and headphones.

USB

A wired peripheral interface standard used to transfer data between hardware components and deliver electrical operating power.

HDMI

A high-definition interface cable designed to transmit uncompressed digital video and multi-channel audio simultaneously between multimedia hardware.

VGA

An older analog interface used exclusively for transmitting video signals to visual monitors.

DisplayPort

A digital cable interface primarily designed to transmit high-definition digital video and accompanying audio to monitors.

ADSL

An internet connectivity type that uses existing copper telephone wiring infrastructure to transmit data.

FTTC

A broadband deployment using optical lines to a local street cabinet and existing copper wiring for the remaining distance to the customer premises.

FTTP

A broadband deployment where optical glass lines run directly into the end-user building, offering superior speed and stability.

Satellite broadband

An internet delivery method that transmits data via orbital relays in space, serving remote areas lacking terrestrial infrastructure.

Mobile broadband

A wireless internet solution that provides network access via cellular phone infrastructure without needing a physical fixed-line installation.

Factors in choosing a network connection

Key evaluation criteria including speed for data throughput, reliability for uptime, equipment and installation costs, operational range, security safeguards, and local geographical availability.