There are many ways you can utilize wireless Internet, but it starts with the type of service you have. Once you’ve established a service type, you can hook up a wireless router and establish a network. Then it’s smooth sailing. You can learn about wireless Internet service providers by zip code by typing in your zip code on this site.

So what are the different types of service you can get? In this article, we’ll talk about four.

Wireless Internet via DSL

DSL is the first option. It stands for “digital subscriber line.” DSL uses your phone line for Internet. Your phone line connects with your provider’s local office. For this reason, the closer you are to your provider, the faster your DSL service will be. That’s the big downside of DSL: its signal strength is dependent on your location.

Wireless Internet via your cable line

The second option is cable Internet. You guessed it – cable Internet uses your cable line. If your cable goes out, so does your Internet.

Cable is very popular today and is very common for apartment complexes and other high-population areas. The reason for this is that cable Internet providers can cover a large amount of customers in a small area.

Wireless Internet via a satellite dish

Satellite Internet is mostly used by people in rural areas, as it’s an alternative to the dial-up service they likely already have. It’s much faster than dial-up.

As you probably guessed, satellite Internet uses a satellite dish instead of a phone or cable line. This creates an always-on connection – one that can’t be interrupted when a line goes down.

Satellite is very easy to get. If you have a clear view of the southern sky and live in the continental U.S., chances are that you can get it.

Wireless Internet and mobile Internet

The fourth option, mobile, is quickly on the rise. The more we depend on our devices – whether they’re laptops, smartphones or tablets – the more we need to take them with us. How many times have you been faced with a situation of having to “make do” with your smartphone or tablet because you couldn’t get a connection on your laptop?

With mobile Internet, we’re not talking about smartphone Internet. We’re talking about take-it-with-you Internet for your laptop.

There are small devices called USB modems that you can purchase. Just plug it into your laptop’s USB port and you’re good to go. You’ll connect to your provider’s network – as long as you’re within the footprint – any time you need to get connected on your personal computer.

Mobile Internet is true wireless Internet. If you want to take your DSL, cable or satellite Internet to the next level, you’ll want to go with mobile Internet. Mobile Internet providers also offer in-home modems and other equipment, so you can still use your equipment when you’re not on-the-go.