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General discussion

WiFi, DSL, Wireless, Cable, Broadband etc.

by lyrical56 Oct 28, 2005 7:19AM PDT

I am totally confused as to what each of these means. Is DSL - Direct Satellite Link? What is difference between DSL and Satellite? Is there a difference in that and Broadband?

Does wireless refer to mouse and keyboards too or does that mean satellite too? What does it mean on picpitstop when it has you choose between

LAN/Cable/DSL,Satellite,ISDN, T1 (Safe)
and
LAN/Cable/DSL,Satellite,ISDN, T1 (Max).

Besides the SAFE and MAX, it implies to me that DSL and Satellite are different. So what do I have? DSL or Satellite?

Of course I've been reading about the ethics of using someone else's signals, which has prompted me to ask these questions, am wondering if it applies to me since I have a satellite connection (maybe DSL?Wireless, Broadband etc?)

I have a modem, but not a router (at least that is what I think), but don't understand what a router is either. I think that it is a modem that is allowing my computer to talk to the satellite, right? But then what does a router do?

I know WAY too many questions, but I do want to understand. Thanks for any clarification.

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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For your reading pleasure...
by jackintucson Oct 28, 2005 7:34AM PDT
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Lyrical, Google Is A Great Tool
by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Oct 28, 2005 7:40AM PDT

DSL is a high-speed internet connection provided through the telephone jacks in your home or office.
DSL Definition
_______________________

Cable is a high speed internet connection provided by your cable company.
Cable Modems and Internet
_______________________

Satellite requires a "dish" type antenna to receive data from a satellite.
Satellite Broadband Internet
________________________

Wireless networking is the ability of a wireless device to connect to another wireless device..That can be from a wireless router/modem to a wireless adapter in a computer..It can also be from a wireless mouse or keyboard to a wireless adapter in the computer.
Wireless Networking

LAN/Cable/DSL,Satellite,ISDN, T1 are all slightly different methods of high speed internet connection.
_________________________

A router connects one network to another network..For home use, that means multiple computers connect to a router either using wires or wirelessly, then the router connects to a modem which then connects to the internet or secondary network. Generally, a single standalone computer does NOT need a router as the modem will connect the computer directly to the internet.
Router Definition

Hope this helps.

Grif

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(NT) (NT) Nice layout.
by Coryphaeus Oct 28, 2005 7:51AM PDT
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Just Exactly What I needed to Understand
by lyrical56 Oct 28, 2005 8:03AM PDT

Thank you very much, now I get it.

You guys, this place (CNET) is so great for answers for us clueless ones!

I surely can't be the only person who is wanting to ask these dumb questions, so just KNOW for sure you are helping a LOT of us NEWBIES!

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(NT) (NT) Thanks for the KUDOS...we appreciate it.
by jackintucson Oct 29, 2005 3:17AM PDT
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