When the internet first emerged, it needed a network for its connections. Telephone network, with its high density and penetration and the ability to carry data was the obvious choice. However, dial up connections today are getting more and more out of vogue because of their slow internet connection speeds and other limitations in the face of fast emerging new technologies like broadband internet.
When the Internet first emerged, it needed a network for its connections. Telephone network, with its high density and penetration and the ability to carry data was the obvious choice. However, dial up connections today are getting more and more out of vogue because of their slow Internet connection speeds and other limitations in the face of fast emerging new technologies like broadband Internet.
We will start with giving you an introduction to the features of dial up connections followed by a glimpse on how dial up connection works and why a significant number of people still use dial up despite the emergence of significantly better technologies.
Some features of a Dial-up connection:
- Ties up a telephone line for connecting to the Internet
- Speed is up to a maximum of 56 Kbps
- The setting up time for getting Internet connected each time is high as time is required for handshaking and protocol synchronisation
- Internet connection is not permanently on
- Good availability since it does not require any extra infrastructure other than telephone lines
- Somewhat cheaper than other modern ways to connect to Internet
- Not suitable for online gaming as the connection has high (around 400ms) time lag (latency)