Life without computers and the Internet is unimaginable for modern society. From education to business and domestic to commercial matters, the World Wide Web has become an integral part of life, and our dependency on it cannot be denied. With the Internet ever expanding, the applications supported are becoming larger every day. From animation and high quality graphics and pictures, to movies and music videos, the data being exchanged is rapidly increasing. Being larger in size, these types of files may typically take minutes to hours to download with conventional Internet access technologies. With the demand for Internet access accelerating, novel methods are being devised to ensure hassle-free Internet access. From the traditional method of accessing the Internet via telephone lines, to the latest technology of satellite and wireless web access, Internet access technology has indeed come a long way. New Internet technologies facilitate the use of heavy applications at a faster pace by enhancing the rate of sending and receiving data. DSL, cable, wireless, satellite and ISDN Internet technologies have revolutionized the concept of accessing the web. Various Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer one or all forms of access technology, as per the requirements and budget of the final consumer. While dial-up connections are still the least expensive, newer technologies offer more services at competitive prices. Earlier, accessing the Internet required a fixed-point connection, whether from home or the office. Now, satellite broadband and wireless Internet have overcome this restriction, making it possible to access the net while on the move as well. With these cutting-edge technologies, and more in the pipeline, high speed Internet access has undergone a dynamic transformation, giving unprecedented impetus to the concept of the World Wide Web. |
