There are several methods that you can use to connect to the internet. The method you select can have a significant impact upon how you subsequently use the variety of services and applications now available online.
Connection speed has become a vital factor as the requirement to download and upload large files becomes increasingly important. This is something you should consider when reviewing the options for connecting to the internet.
This guide will briefly review each of the major methods of connecting to the internet and provide guidance on the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

What is broadband?
Broadband is the generic term that is used to cover the new generation of internet connections. There is no one precise definition as the term is used to describe a range of services, but they all have common key features such as:

	fast access speeds
	a permanent 'always-on' connection to the internet
	ability to handle large files quickly
	flat-rate monthly charges

There are a number of different types of broadband - it is available by telephone line, cable, satellite and wireless networks, among others. The different types have varying speeds and costs. Your location will determine which options are available to you.
You can check if you are in a broadband area by visiting one of the broadband checker sites provided by broadband suppliers. Check whether you can get ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subsciber Line) broadband on the ADSL Checker website

ADSL broadband
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) as offered by LIME, is the most common form of broadband. To get ADSL, your business needs to be within 6 kilometres of a broadband-enabled exchange.
ADSL operates at the same time over the same pair of telephone wires, which means that you can simultaneously make telephone calls (which are charged separately), send emails, send and receive faxes, and access the internet.
With ADSL you will need a special modem or router and what are known as microfilters on all your telephone sockets. The filters prevent the ADSL signal from interfering with your voice calls. Your internet service provider will often provide you with one or two microfilters and the broadband modem as part of their package.
Connection speeds will vary, but as a general rule, the more you pay, the higher your connection speed will be. Prices are being reduced as competition between providers increases, so it is certainly worth shopping around for the best offer.
The main advantages of ADSL are that it is:

	'always-on'
	the most widely available form of broadband
	can be combined with landline service to offer an attractive package price
The main disadvantage of ADSL is that it is only available within 6 kilometres of local exchanges that have been upgraded. In addition, ADSL may not always be as fast as you would like:
	Upload speeds (ie the speed at which you can send - rather than receive - data) are relatively slow. This can be a problem for businesses that regularly send large files across the internet.
	Parts of your connection are shared with other internet users - known as 'contention'. If too many of these are using the internet at the same time as you, your connection will be slower.

Cable broadband
Broadband services are now available via Karib Cable, using their high speed cable networks. Connectivity is delivered through coaxial copper cables using a high-speed cable modem. The cable modem uses the same cabling infrastructure and connection to your home as cable TV. The cable modem connects to the computer via a local area network (LAN) card.
Most cable companies offer bundled packages that include telephone, broadband internet connection and TV channels. As with ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), there are a number of different deals for different requirements.
Cable offerings
Cable is offered in many areas throughout the country. The main advantages of cable are that:

	it can be combined with cable TV service in a package that offers an attractive price
	it offers high connectivity speeds
	it offers 'always-on' connectivity

You must, however, be in a cable TV coverage area to receive cable broadband.

Wireless broadband
Wireless is a collective term used to describe different technologies that use radio transmitters and receivers to link computers.
Wireless services are quickly gaining popularity across the world and, as they do, products and services are being developed and upgraded to meet demand. For example, where the adoption of broadband has been limited due to lack of broadband-enabled telephone exchanges, or businesses being too remote, broadband has been delivered by using variations of wireless technology.

WiFi
Wireless local area network hotspots, known as WiFi hotspots, are being rolled out globally. They can be subscription only, pay-per-use or free to use and they often appear in airports, hotels, cafes, pubs and motorway service stations. Some operators also offer mobile phone style 'roaming' facilities.

Wimax
Wimax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a fast-emerging alternative to WiFi. Wimax offers a much greater reach than the existing WiFi broadband, making it possible to provide broadband to areas where other technology is unsuitable.

Advantages of wireless broadband
	High bandwidth.
	Access the web on the move.
	High media profile makes advice easy to come by.
Disadvantages of wireless broadband
	Still in its infancy, so availability is limited.
	Setting up a wireless network requires substantial technical knowledge.
	Some security concerns persist about wireless technology.

Dial-up packages

Some businesses manage with a basic dial-up package to connect to the internet. While this can work for businesses that only use the web for occasional browsing, you may find that if you use it for more than a few hours a month, you could be better off with a different payment option. It is also worth noting that reductions in the cost of broadband are making these dial-up packages less attractive.
Pay-as-you-go

Many internet service providers offer pay-as-you-go deals. These deals can be useful for businesses that only use the internet occasionally. There are no monthly subscription charges and you can only pay for the time you are online, which can be as little as one pence per minute plus connect charge.
Package deals

Most internet service providers offer packages where you get free unmetered internet access for a fixed fee every month. This is suitable if you anticipate using the internet for longer periods.

Advantages of package deals
	Cheaper than pay-as-you-go for heavier users of the internet.
	You can choose a package tailored to your requirements, such as all-day or off-peak only.
Disadvantages of package deals
	Download times for larger files and emails are still slow - such packages still use the standard 56k modem.
	Some internet service providers have more users than they can cope with, leading to difficulties in signing on at peak times and connections may be cut if there is a period of inactivity.
	You must consider security, such as a firewall, if you leave the connection open all the time.
	Some packages are not designed to meet normal business needs, for example they may prevent you from sending bulk emails.

Virtual Private Networks
If you want to give off-site workers or remote offices access to your network, you can use your broadband connection to set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This is an extremely secure system of transferring data because it uses the most powerful encryption technology available. It is also a comparatively cheap way of securing data, because you don't need to hire a system of private leased lines - data is sent over the internet instead.

Potential applications
Effectively, a VPN uses the internet to extend your company network globally. In other words, with the correct security clearance, you can use a VPN to access your company network from any internet-connected computer. This opens a huge range of possibilities, as:

	sales people can access real-time data on stocks and prices
	homeworkers can receive email and work on the most up-to-date documents
	people working away from the office, like engineers or delivery people, can provide real-time information - like progress reports on work or immediate confirmation of delivery
	businesses with several offices can network sites more cheaply than by leasing dedicated connections

VPN cost implications
There may be the potential to save on some of the cost compared with remote modem access. Most VPN options require a broadband connection and have installation and annual charges.
Outsourcing VPNs
Increasingly, VPN applications can be outsourced to a commercial service provider who specialises in managed security services. In such outsourced VPNs, the service provider is responsible for VPN configuration (provisioning) and monitoring. Service providers may locate their VPN devices at customer premises, or at their own sites.