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Internet connectivity has changed a lot over the past two decades. Not only are more people connected to the Internet than ever before but the ways that people connect to the Internet are also changing at an amazing pace. While the days of dial-up are numbered there are still some places where it is the only way to connect despite broadband Internet connectivity become more prevalent.

 

While few would care to remember the days of dial-up Internet connectivity it must be mentioned that dial-up modems was where it all started. Before the advent of broadband Internet connectivity and ADSL, the only way most people could connect to the Internet was with a dial-up modem. Dial-up modems changed digital signals into analogue signals and sent them along existing telephone copper telephone lines. It was slow, unreliable and meant that a person couldn’t use their normal telephone while connected.

 

On the heels of dial-up Internet connectivity was ISDN. Technology improved upon the existing phone lines and allowed more data to be sent across them. ISDN never really entered the private sector because of the high cost of installation but did pave the way for the next wave of Internet connectivity.

 

ADSL was the next step in improving Internet connectivity. Using existing copper telephone lines, ADSL allowed people to connect to the Internet without any special cables (like ISDN or leased lines) while still being able to use their telephones while connected. ADSL technology improved at an incredible speed bringing broadband Internet connectivity to the world in a matter of years. ADSL is still improving with the increasing use if fibre over copper wires to increase the speed and the distance of connections.

 

Recently wireless Internet connectivity also took off. Wi-Fi and 3G allow people to connect to the Internet nearly anywhere they can find a signal and the new generation of cellular phones also allow people to surf the Internet no matter where they find themselves. Bars and cafes are starting to offer wireless hotspots where clients can connect to the Internet free of charge as long as they have the technology to do so. Wireless Internet connectivity is also playing a huge role in connecting those places in the world where cable connections are lacking or not practical.

 

Internet connectivity has come a long way from the days of dial-up modems that screamed at users while trying to connect to the Internet. Today people all over the world connect to the Internet at high speeds downloading music and videos, talking to one another with messenger programmes and playing games against each other in real time. Considering how far Internet connectivity has come in the last decade, one can only imagine what the next decade will hold.

 

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