Although new high bandwidth alternatives for online training have emerged over the past few years, dial-up connections are forecast to generate the majority of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) profits over the next four to six years. Emerging technology associated with compression techniques and archiving of data will allow online training to continue to occur over dial-up connections for years to come. There are several advantages and disadvantages to using a dial-up connection for your online training needs.
Advantages of a dial-up connection:
1.Low Price
2.Secure connection – your IP address continually changes
3.Offered in rural areas – you need a phone line
The main advantage you experience while using a dial-up connection is low price. You would expect to pay between $9.99 and $30 for dial-up Internet service, depending on the speed and functionality you desire. In addition, a dial-up connection is considered to be much safer and secure than a broadband connection. Each time you dial online, a unique IP address is assigned to your account. Since the IP address constantly revolves, it essentially makes your dial-up connection more secure and lessens the threats from hackers. Another distinct advantage a dial-up connection possesses is the availability of the service anywhere your phone service is offered. Dial-up service allows you to complete online training programs whether you live in a metropolitan city or in rural community.
Disadvantages of a dial-up connection:
1.Slow speed
2.Phone line is required
3.Busy signals of friends and family members
The main drawback using a dial-up connection for facilitating online training is the relatively slow speeds available to you (low bandwidth). The maximum speed your dial-up connection can achieve for online viewing is 56,000 bytes per second, better known as a 56K speed connection. The functionality of online training programs can suffer when you are interested in using applications such as Java or Shockwave. In addition, viewing streaming video, large email attachments or graphical images can become quite cumbersome with a low bandwidth connection. Another disadvantage you have when using a dial-up connection for online training is the necessity of having a landline. With the advent of cell phones and portable electronic devices, you may opt out of paying for landline phone service. With a dial-up connection, a landline is necessary for you to connect to the World Wide Web. Another drawback with using a dial-up connection is the busy signals friends or family may encounter when you are connected to the Internet. Your dial-up connection ties up the phone line, unless an extra phone line is purchased.
Dial-up connections are still considered to be the leading way of providing Internet service for customers around the country. However, with the advent of broadband services, dial-up connections may become an outdated technology for you to view online training programs. Many of the applications and programs necessary to operate your online training programs may not be able to be used in the future with a dial-up connection.
etools4Education
P.O. Box 1138
Cypress, TX 77410-1138 Questions?
See our FAQ Database Program Directors: Nancy and Bob
Brackett Main Line: 832.220.3451
Fax Number: 832.220.3485
