Installing the Internet: How to get internet access

In order to benefit from the advantages of the connected world, you must first install the Internet. The type of Internet depends largely on the region you live in.

Installing the internet: How to get the net into the house

There are several ways to access the internet these days. Many people use a DSL connection to use the internet. However, many are also dissatisfied with this, as only slow internet can be offered through the copper lines. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

• ADSL: The Internet is installed via the telephone line. A “splitter” is installed, which routes the telephony as well as the data traffic over different frequency bands. The nearest local exchange decides on the availability as well as the bandwidth available to you. The download speed is up to 16 Mbps. However, it is often lower. The upload speed is 512 Kbit/s, which is quite slow. The monthly costs are 25 to 30 euros.

• VDSL: This is also provided to you via the telephone line. With a download speed of 50 or 100 Mbit/s, it is much faster than ADSL. The upload speed is often 10 Mbit/s. However, VDSL is only offered in a few regions. Monthly access costs between 30 and 45 euros.

• Satellite: You can get this Internet access wirelessly. It is especially advantageous if you live in a remote area. The data is received and sent via satellite dish. However, the speed is always slightly slower than via cable. The download speed is 10 or 20 Mbps and the upload speed is 0.4 and 6 Mbps. For installation, you need a satellite system that is capable of transmitting. You can buy or rent this. The monthly costs for access range from 30 to 80 euros.

• LTE: This internet access is especially common for smartphones. However, there are also tariffs for home use. Here you get a monthly data volume of 10, 15 or 30 gigabytes. When you use up this, the LTE bandwidth is throttled. Download speeds of 16 or even 100 Mbit/s and an upload speed of up to 10 Mbit/s are promised. You need a sim card for access. You also need an LTE WLAN router, which you can buy or rent.

• Cable: This Internet access is installed via the TV cable. This Internet offers high download speeds of 100 up to 150 Mbit/s. Rarely, even 200 Mbit/s are offered. The upload speed is 1 to 10 Mbit/s. The monthly costs range from 30 to 60 euros.

• Fibre optic: This is the most promising internet connection. If fibre optics are offered in your area, you should take advantage of it. Optical fibres deliver a theoretical transmission rate of 1 GB/s. At the same time, the Internet costs somewhat the same as conventional DSL connections. There are offers from 30 to 60 euros.

Installing the Internet: More tips for choosing the right internet access

In the end, you can only influence the choice of Internet access to a limited extent. It mainly depends on the network coverage available in your region.

• Availability: If you know which Internet connection you prefer, you must discuss this with your provider. They can tell you which tariffs are available in your area. Providers also provide availability checks on their website.

• Equipment: Depending on the type of access, you will need different equipment. This will also be provided by your provider. However, you may not be able to make your own settings. For your own settings, the devices from AVM (Fritzbox) are recommended. These are easy to use and available for every type of connection.
• Combination offers: Packages with internet and television are also frequently offered. If you are interested in this, check with your provider.

Installing the Internet: Technical Terms

There are some technical terms around the Internet that can be confusing at first. However, they are easily explained.

• Data rate: This is the amount of data that is transferred to or from the Internet in one second. The unit of measurement is called bit per second (bit/s).

• Mbit/s: This is the term used to describe the data speed for your internet. On average, internet connections have a download speed of 6 Mbit/s. For your video stream to run smoothly, your internet should be 25 Mbit/s.

• WLAN: The abbreviation stands for “Wireless Local Area Network”. It is used to connect computers and other devices to the internet via radio. You need a WLAN router to do this.
• Download: This is the English word for download. The term is used to describe the loading and saving of various data. Documents, music, photos or videos can be downloaded from the Internet to your terminal device.
• Streaming: In German it means to stream or flow. Video or sound data is prepared in such a way that it can be viewed or listened to while it is being downloaded from the network. So you don’t have to wait until the file has been completely transferred.