Wireless Internet – the need for connectivity

Over time the need for an Internet connection has been gradually growing. The most fortunate have a fixed line on which activate ADSL service flat, but there isn't always this possibility: sometimes people do not have a telephone line or simply the mobility induced by the spread of portable computers and smartphones, increases need for a wireless connection.

With a computer you can connect using a modem and sometimes it is already integrated into laptops. These devices are generally four types:

1. Internet key (USB Key)
   
   
2. Connect Card (PCI Express or PCMCIA)
   
   





3. Internet Box (USB Modem)
   
   

There is no particular preference from the point of view of functionality, but from the convenience and size: USB interfaces offer greater compatibility with computers while PCI Express is compatible only with certain types of laptops or Broadband Routers.

Usually in a contract with the established Internet operator shall be declared the number of HOURS or amount of data available and include monthly rental (free or not) of one of those three devices. So evaluate whether you buy it and check what is included in the subscription package.

Even directly from the phone we can connect using paid services offered by the phone company. In any case there are generally three ways of charging:

1. At time
   
2. At amount of traffic
   
3. Free navigation, with content download fee
   

For the first it will normally set a price per minute, but I have seen many plans that mentions "sessions" of 15 minutes. This means that once you are connected you spend 1 session of 15 minutes in which you pay for every minute but if you connect for 13 minutes, you pay for 13 and loose 2 minutes. If the plan provides for 100 hours a month, it means you have 400 sessions by 15 minutes: you can connect at most 400 times for a period less than or equal to 15 minutes or for example, if you connect for 28 minutes two sessions are considered (15 + 15 = 30 minutes, losing 2 minutes), and so forth.

The amount of traffic (Kbyte, or Mbytes Gbyte) pricing depends on how much data is downloaded. It is difficult to quantify this type of navigation in time terms, but it is certain that the payment is made only when a new page is loaded and stay connected on the same page (without update) does not involve any additional payment.

Regarding the free navigation there is a possibility of reaching pages with content such as songs or movies whose download is subject to charges.

In Italy the most popular telephone companies that offer connectivity are Tim, Tre, Vodafone, Wind.

As for the terminology that may see I indicate those referring to the connection speed listed by slower to faster: GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA/HSUPA.

Soon (??) will be released a new technology that will allow us to replace the last mile of telephone lines with a wireless channel: it is the WiMAX.

Who benefits of this service will not necessarily have a fixed telephone line, but simply an external device capable of receiving radio signals to connect with the power of their telephone operator.