1. Connecting to the Internet
T3, T1, Satellite, DSL, Cable-Modem, ISDN & Dial-up

2. Zzzzzooooooomm! The fastest common connection is T3 44.746 Mbps
Mbps is Mega-bits per second. Not Mega-BYTES per second.

3. Zzzoom! After T3 comes T1. 3 is bigger than 1. 3 is faster than 1
1.5 Mega-bits per second.
T1, T3 lines leased at expensive rates.

4. Satellite Options
Various satellite options are in various states of release and implementation with various speeds.

5. Upload vs. Download
Since more people download than upload, and since time is the criteria users choose their service on, services may be throttled to have downloads occur faster than uploads.

6. DSL DSL Claims to reach speeds from 1.5 to 8 Mbps.
SBC Communications/Pacific Bell is ultimately the provider of DSL and is currently the respondent of many class-action lawsuits due to alleged failure to meet their committments.

7. DSL Speed DSL Speed depends on distance from the “Central Office”.
9000 ft 8 Mbps
12000 ft 6 Mbps
16000 ft 2 Mbps
18000 ft 1.5 Mbps

8. Cable Modem 1.5 – 2 Mbps Sometimes 5 Mbps Supposedly less secure
DO NOT ASSUME YOUR COMPUTER IS SECURE WITH ANY STATIC IP ADDRESS

9. Static IPs
These solutions typically have Static IP addresses, so they are easier to Hack.
The provider usually does not guarantee static IP addresses unless you are at a business rate.
Because they have a static IP address…

10. Small Site Servers
Because DSL and Cable Modem may offer static IP addresses, you may choose to host a Web site.
The provider may have policies about this.
They may require a business rate.

11. Ultimately….
Ultimately all that is happening with a server is you have a location communicating with other locations.
The other locations typically make GET requests, and the server processes those requests.

12. ISDN
ISDN typically takes two phone lines and typically has no advantages over other services. It transmits at about 128 Kbps.

13. Phone line
Phone lines use modems at 56 Kbps but typically operate at around 33 Kbps.
IP addresses are usually assigned as users log on.
Nevertheless, if you know the IP you can communicate with that machine.

14. Host your own site?
Although you may host your own site, you may choose to go with an internet hosting service or your ISP.
Consider the rewards and risks involved.
Many hosting services allow you significant access to the servers
Ultimately you are limited.
How much control do you want?