Cable: a cable data connection transfers information from the Internet to your computer and from your computer to the network, through your cable television connection. Cable connections provide high speed data transfer downstream from the Internet to your computer, but they are slower while sending data from your computer to the network. Additionally, transfer Mates are more effective with the increasing number of subscribers connected online simultaneously. All connections originate in one line per street, so signal decreases with the numer of subscribers coming online. Cable connections can be used by individual subbscriber to connect one computer to one line or for connection of multiple computers in a building to the Internet.

Dial-up: data is transmitted through the analog phone connection. You will connect to the Internet by using phone line to dial into an ISP's line. The analog connection is the slowest type of available connections and permits you to use your telephone for a voice connection at the same time.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): DSL and its variations (such as ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), use normal phone lines to transit and receive data digitally. Unlike a cable connection, DSL allows you to use the line exclusivelly so there is no signal degradation caused by other users. Like cable connection, DSL offers high-speed connectivity, and allows you to connect a whole building to the Internet.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network): ISDN is a technology that also provides a high-speed connection. ISDN offers connections throughout ordinary telephone wire, facilitating both voice and data transmission so you can maintain your connection to the Internet while placing telephone calls. ISDN can be used by individuals who needs to connect one computer to one line, or it can be used to connect multiple computers in a building to the Internet too.

T1: is a digital transmission technology that uses copper wire. T1 could be used to provide data service to an entire building, and data wiring would distribuce the service throughout the building. T1 is the technology used in the Cornell campus. A T1 connection requires a substantial investment of money and because of this may not be the most desirable mean for connecting your house.

Wireless: is a high-speed technology that transmits data over radio waves. Wireless transmission can be used for providing connectivity from an ISP to an entire building, however, service is dependent on the existence of a clear line of signal between the ISP and the building, Within a building, a wireless local area network (LAN) can connect multiple computers to each other and to the Internet.