Internet connection

Internet connectivity refers to the range of ways people can be connected to the internet which includes, broadband connections, wireless devices and dial up telephone lines (now almost obsolete). It can also be understood as a global network of linked computers, servers, phones, and smart appliances that communicate with each other using a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) standard to enable the fast exchange of information and files, along with other types of services.

What is Internet Speed and How is Internet Speed Measured?

Internet speed refers to the speed at which data or content travels from the World Wide Web to your home computer, tablet, or smartphone. The speed of this data is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). One megabit is equal to 1,024 kilobits. This conversion means 1.0 Mbps is more than 1,000 times faster than 1.0 kilobits per second (Kbps). 
High-speed Internet connection known as broadband (broad bandwidth) is defined by download speeds of at least 768 Kbps and upload speeds of at least 200 Kbps. The difference between download speeds and upload speeds can be explained in the following way: download speed refers to the rate that digital data is transferred from the Internet to your computer, while upload speed is the rate that online data is transferred from your computer to the Internet. 

Understanding the Differences Between Internet Connections

When determining which type of Internet speed and Internet connection type is right for seniors, it's important to understand the distinction between each connection. In today's age, there are numerous ways to connect laptops, desktops, mobile phones, gaming consoles, e-readers and tablets to the Internet. Some of the most widely used Internet connections are described below. 

• Fiber: Fiber internet uses its own network of fiber-optic cables, usually made of glass, and pulses of light to transmit data back and forth. Fiber Internet offers the fastest internet, with the most reliable connection. However, there can be limited availability depending on where seniors live with generally higher prices
• Mobile: Many cell phone and smartphone providers offer voice plans with Internet access. Mobile Internet connections provide good speeds and allow seniors access the Internet.
• Wi-Fi Hotspots: These are physical locations that offer Internet access over a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) by way of a router that then connects to an Internet service provider. Hotspots utilize Wi-Fi technology, which allows electronic devices to connect to the Internet or exchange data wirelessly through radio waves. Hotspots can be phone-based or free-standing, commercial or free to the public. A good example of a Wi-Fi Hotspot is the Wi-Fi access offered to customers in a coffee shop, a hotel or public library.
• Dial-Up: this requires users to link their phone line to a computer to access the Internet. This connection—also referred to as analog—does not permit users to make or receive phone calls through their home phone service while using the Internet. Now more outdated and becoming increasingly obsolete, a dial-up connection used to be among the most common Internet connection types
• Broadband: This high-speed Internet connection is provided through either cable or telephone companies. One of the fastest options available, broadband Internet uses multiple data channels to send large quantities of information. The term broadband is shorthand for broad bandwidth. Broadband Internet connections such as DSL and cable are considered high-bandwidth connections. Although many DSL connections can be considered broadband, not all broadband connections are DSL.
• DSL: which stands for Digital Subscriber Line, uses the existing 2-wire copper telephone line connected to one's home so service is delivered at the same time as landline telephone service. Customers can still place calls while surfing the Internet.
• Cable: this Internet connection is a form of broadband access. Using a cable modem, users can access the Internet over cable TV lines. Cable modems can provide extremely fast access to the Internet, making a cable connection a viable option for many. Cable Internet offers wide availability with Bundled TV/internet service packages, with frequent first-year discounts however there are generally price increases after first year
• Satellite: In certain areas where broadband connection is not yet offered, a satellite Internet option may be available. Like wireless access, satellite connection utilizes a modem.
  When seniors are deciding what Internet connection is the best fit for their needs, they may wish to narrow down their selection based on their preferred download and upload speeds or based on deals and pricing options. Reliably fast speeds and comprehensive coverage make it easier than ever for seniors to stream their favorite TV shows and movies, share photos, chat with friends and play games online.
  What to consider when choosing an internet provider

Availability

Whether seniors are moving to a new location or are simply dissatisfied with the plan options their current provider offers, their search to choose a new internet provider should always begin by checking the availability in their area. Coverage can vary dramatically from one city, town or village to another—sometimes even between neighborhoods—so it’s important for them to know what their options are before digging any deeper. 

Connection type

The second factor to consider when selecting a new Internet Service Provider (ISP) is the internet connection type. Seniors should be encouraged to thoroughly research these two questions:

• What type of internet connection can your residence support?
• What type of internet connection do you need or prefer?

There’s no point for example in opting for fiber internet if the infrastructure doesn’t exist yet in the area. Likewise, seniors can save a lot of research time by first verifying that their house has been wired for a telephone landline before digging into local DSL providers.

Download and upload speed

As seniors start to look through each provider’s plans, a major consideration should be internet speed. This is by far the most important part of a plan because inadequate bandwidth will cause all of their digital activities to come to an abrupt halt.  
Upload speed measures how long it takes for a device such as a PC or laptop to send data to the internet. In simple terms, seniors should think of uploading as anytime they are sending something of theirs out into the larger digital world. This includes activities such as sending an email they have written, posting photos on social media, or using their webcam to share their video feed with another person.
Download speed measures how long it takes for data to move from the internet network to your device. Seniors should think of this as anytime they are watching, reading, or enjoying something on the internet that was created by someone else. This includes activities like streaming a popular TV show, playing online video games, or receiving an email. Download speed is almost always faster than upload speed because most users tend to download data more than they upload.
If seniors don’t already know how much speed they need to keep their online devices running smoothly, they can start by doing a speed test to find out what internet speed they are currently living with. Once they know their current speed, they will have a benchmark for what kind of speed they will need to meet their current internet needs.  Is there frequent buffering for example?  
When it comes to streaming online, the process of buffering assists the software to save a certain amount of data (audio or video) before the audio or video starts playing.

Do seniors anticipate adding more internet devices than what they currently have in the near future? (i.e. replacing old devices with smart devices)?
If the answer is yes, then seniors might like to look at upgrading their plan to higher speeds. Speed requirements will vary based on the activity they are doing. Here are some of the most common minimum speed requirements: 

• Streaming HD content: 5–25 Mbps
• Online gaming: 3–6 Mbps, but more competitive games often require more
• Downloading large files: 100–200 Mbps
• Video conferencing: at least 5 Mbps, but anything higher will provide better video quality

Plan costs and provider contracts

The next criteria for seniors to consider when choosing a new internet provider is plan costs, including whether it requires contracts. If seniors have used the previous criteria to screen companies (i.e. availability, connection type, upload and download speeds) they should now be left with a list of only the plans that can support their current internet habits from providers who service their area. This will make it much easier and faster to do a straight cost-to-cost comparison to see who offers the best rates.
As they compare costs, seniors should keep in mind that many internet providers require an annual contract with extra fees for early cancellations. It’s also common for providers to increase the monthly rate after their first year of service. Seniors should try to ensure they know which plans require a contract and if the advertised cost is a fixed rate or subject to regular price increases.

Reputation and reliability

As seniors begin to narrow down the list of viable internet providers, one of the best things they can do is check the reputation of the options on their list by doing these things:

• Browse online reviews about the provider
• Join a forum discussion about the provider such as Redditt 
• Watch YouTube video reviews about other customers’ experiences
• Read answers from the Internet provider’s support team
• Ask their friends and followers on social media what they think about the provider

Equipment

As seniors compare potential internet providers, they should check what equipment is required for setup and whether the internet company provides it for them. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) require both a modem and router. The modem is the device that connects their home to the broader network. A router connects to the modem to enable wireless internet connection throughout their home. Alternatively, some providers offer a gateway, which combines the router and modem into one device.
Before making a final decision on an internet provider, seniors should know if the modem and router they currently have (if they already have internet) is compatible with its services. If they aren’t, then that’s a cost they need to plan for. Many companies will provide seniors with their own approved equipment to set up their internet service or offer to rent it to them for a small extra fee. Others might require seniors to purchase the equipment themselves.