Internet Services

Correct use of sockets is only part of network communicating programs. Once you have a way for two programs to talk, you still need a protocol for communication. This protocol lets each party know when to talk, and it precisely defines who is responsible for which part of the service. Even something as relatively simple as connecting to a remote computer requires intricate negotiations between client and server and has numerous dynamically configurable options. If you had to write the Perl code to implement these protocols each time you wanted to use a network service, you'd probably end up writing a lot of buggy programs, try to get demoted into a management position, or both. Fortunately, CPAN has modules for these protocols. Most modules implement the client side of the protocol rather than the server side. This means your program can use these modules to send mail, but not to be a mail server that other clients connect to; to read and post news, but not be a news server that other clients connect to; to transfer files to and from an FTP server, but not to be an FTP server that other clients connect to; and so on. 

--Types of Internet Services--

                         Internet service has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Personal and public Internet service makes it easier to get online regardless of where you are. The airline industry, well-known for telling patrons to "turn off all electronic devices," has even bowed to this growing trend, testing Wi-Fi service on flights, according to an MSNBC article. Yet, with so many types of Internet service out there, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. With some basic information about varied services, the process can become much easier for the average consumer.

Dial-up :: 

              Dial-up is the oldest method of Internet access, and it's still around today. Dial-up access remains useful because of its low price. However, in an age of massive MP3 downloading and webcam chatting, the low bandwidth of dial-up renders this service less than desirable for advanced web surfers. Standard dial-up is still about 56 Kilobytes per second. At 56 Kbps, 1 MB of data would take 2.5 minutes to download, according to ConnectMyHighSpeed.com, a site powered by White Fence. A fast 6.0 Mbps cable connection could handle 1 MB in 1.5 seconds. 

Cable ::
            As the name implies, cable Internet service is usually piped into a home via the "Cable TV" cable. The cable must go through a hub or router to properly send Internet signals, requiring in-home setup by the provider---unlike dial-up service, which can be more easily installed directly by the user. Cable provides a number of speeds based on price; however, even if a higher speed is purchased by the consumer, the connection may still be limited if the computer's internal Ethernet card is slow and outdated. 

T1 :: 

     Typically more expensive than both dial-up and cable, T1 has impressive bandwidth best suited for businesses or multiple home computers. T1 is less widely available than cable high-speed Internet, further diminishing its relevance as a personal Internet service. When high-speed Internet first posed a direct challenge to dial-up, T1 was more readily offered as an alternative to cable. This is no longer the case, and T1 has fallen into niche business markets.

Wi-Fi :: 

          Wi-Fi service is wireless Internet, typically provided via cable connections; however dial-up and T1 wireless are also possible. Wireless takes an Internet input and broadcasts it wirelessly. Wi-Fi signal strength and speed depend largely on the wireless router used to broadcast the signal; however, internal and external wireless cards used to pick up the signal do have some impact on the transfer rate. Wi-Fi is typically part of a broader Internet package. However, with Wi-Fi capable routers available at major retailers, it's also possible for consumers to set up their own wireless networks independently of their normal Internet service provider. Wi-Fi is also increasingly offered for free at many public locations like restaurants, bookstores and coffee shops.

Brands :: 

             Internet service is offered through many companies. The various types of Internet can be augmented with third-party service plans and customer support for a better Internet experience. Generally speaking, most brands are similar, and the transfer speed of each connection remains the most important element to consider. Popular companies include Road Runner, Charter Communications and AT&T. In some cases, the type of service and the Internet Service Provider (ISP) are limited based on region. In large cities, several providers will compete for your business, while in smaller areas, one company may have a pseudo monopoly on Internet service. 

--Advantage & Disadvantage--

Cable and DSL Internet access are both well known by most computer users, as those in urban areas typically have access to one or both of these types of Internet connections. However, satellite Internet access may be less known. Satellite Internet access is one of the few high speed Internet options available to rural users, and it has both advantages and disadvantages compared to other Internet connection types. 

Availability :: The biggest advantage of satellite Internet access is its availability compared to other Internet connection types. Satellite Internet access is a way for those who do not have access to terrestrial broadband connections such as cable or DSL to have access to high-speed Internet access. Satellite also is one of the only ways to receive Internet service in areas where telephone lines are not available. 

Speed :: Satellite Internet access is much faster than dial-up, with entry-level service tiers typically providing approximately 1 mbps download speeds--nearly 18 times faster than a dial-up modem. Faster speeds are generally available at higher service tiers. In general, the highest speeds available to home satellite Internet customers are slightly slower than the highest speeds offered by cable and DSL providers. Additionally, many satellite providers limit the amount of data that can be downloaded during short time periods to curb frequent large file transfers.

Latency :: Satellite Internet connections are high-latency, meaning that a great deal of time is required for packets of information to travel to the satellite and back. The total delay can amount to about one second from the time that you send a request to the Internet to the time that a reply is received. Satellite Internet providers use various technologies to make this delay less noticeable to the end user and create an acceptable experience for browsing the Web. However, the latency makes a satellite Internet connection unsuitable for high-speed gaming. 

Reliability :: Home-based satellite Internet connections are generally no less reliable than terrestrial broadband. However, all satellite communication is subject to interruption during periods of heavy snow or rainfall. Talk to other customers about their experiences if you live in an area where either of these are common. The likelihood of weather-related interruptions is lessened with a larger satellite dish, which some providers offer. 

Cost :: The cost of entry for a satellite Internet connection is quite high. The equipment costs several hundred dollars to purchase, and some types of installations incur additional fees. Additionally, the monthly cost for satellite Internet tends to be slightly higher than the cost of cable or DSL. There are ways of reducing the up-front cost. The equipment can be leased rather than purchased, and discounts or rebates may be available. Sometimes, installation fees are included in the lease price.