Does My Student Have the Best Internet Connection for Online Schooling?

Technology continues to grow exponentially, and so does our need for a reliable, efficient, and safe connection to the Internet. Internet Service Providers have developed several ways to connect to the Internet. Keep reading for a list of internet connection types and how well they work for online students.

Wireless (Wi-Fi)

Does it work well for online students?

Yes, it works well for online students in most cases.

Technical details

A wireless internet connection does not rely on telephone lines or cables to connect to the Internet. Instead, it uses radio frequency, making it accessible from just about anywhere within a certain radius. The speed of wireless internet can vary, with speeds ranging from 5Mbps to 20Mbps.

Common issues and troubleshooting

Occasionally, WiFi may go offline, causing the user to lose their internet connection. This can be due to various reasons, including bad weather, technical issues from the internet service provider, or a high number of connected users at a given time. In such situations, users can either reset their modem or contact their internet provider for assistance.

Although a strong WiFi connection is generally reliable, it's not recommended to use public WiFi due to its instability caused by the high volume of users and other potential issues. When using a public network, it's advisable to focus on lessons and projects that won't be submitted if the connection gets disrupted for any reason. For students using public WiFi, it's also a good idea to consider using a VPN for added security.

Cable

Does it work well for online students?

Cable works very well for online students.

Technical details

This type of internet connection allows users to access the internet through a cable modem that operates over cable TV lines. The speed of this connection varies depending on whether the user is downloading or uploading data. A coaxial cable is used for this type of connection, providing greater bandwidth than telephone lines used in Dial-Up or DSL connections. The speed of cable internet ranges between 512K to 20Mbps.

Common issues and troubleshooting

It's worth noting that cable internet may not be available in all areas. Additionally, the speed of the internet connection you receive may depend on how many people in your area are connected to the internet simultaneously. During peak hours, internet speeds tend to be slower. To overcome these issues, users can disconnect devices that are not using the internet connection to free up more bandwidth for connected devices.

Satellite

Does it work well for online students?

Not always, as satellite internet users are more likely to experience technical issues while logged into the learning platform.

Technical details

A satellite internet connection accesses the internet through a satellite orbiting the Earth. However, the long distance the signal has to travel from the Earth to the satellite can result in a delayed connection compared to Cable and DSL connections. The speed of satellite internet connections can range from 512K to 2Mbps.

Common issues and troubleshooting

Internet speed can be delayed due to the distance the connection has to travel, which can be a problem for certain types of connections, like satellite internet. To help mitigate this issue, users should consider limiting the number of open web pages to avoid slowing down their connection and increasing loading times.

Cellular

Does it work well for online students?

Yes, though users may occasionally experience issues. When it comes to taking tests or quizzes, it's recommended that students use a more reliable internet connection, such as a wired or home WiFi connection, instead of relying on hotspots or other cellular connections. This is because these types of connections may not be as stable, and there is a higher chance of losing the connection, which could lead to issues when taking tests or quizzes. However, hotspots or cellular connections can still be useful for lessons and projects.

Technical details

Cellular technology allows users to access the internet through their cell phone's mobile data. The speed of the internet connection can vary depending on the service provider and the user's location in relation to a cell tower.

Common issues and troubleshooting

While using cellular may work well, the devices associated with cellular use often do not. Please read our blog, “What Devices can be Used with Ignitia?” for more information. Due to the small size of phone screens, users may not be able to view all the content on a webpage, which can impact their ability to fully grasp and comprehend the material being presented. Additionally, the resolution of the phone screen may also affect the clarity of the content displayed.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

Does it work well for online students?

Users can access online courses, but may experience issues.

Technical details

DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, utilizes two separate lines, which enables the user's phone line to remain free for use even when a computer is connected to the internet. Unlike dial-up connections, DSL connections do not require the user to dial a phone number to establish an internet connection. Instead, data is transported via a router. Connection speeds for DSL typically range from 128K to 8Mbps.

Common issues and troubleshooting

The speed of a DSL connection is not always consistent, as it can be affected by the distance between the user's location and the provider. Additionally, DSL is only available within limited distances from the provider, which means that not all homes may have access to this type of internet connection.

Enlightium Academy is a private Christian online school that serves homeschooling families by offering a Bible-based, flexible, accredited, teacher-supported, and affordable education from the comfort of your home. For any other questions about Enlightium, please call (509) 319-2288, or visit EnlightiumAcademy.com.