LAN vs WLAN

Internet speed depends greatly on the type of network the computer is connected to. There are two basic types of networks that allow Internet connection. A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that is established via an Ethernet cable and physically connects a computer to a router, modem, or access point. LANs provide much faster Internet speed, but limits the distance between a computer and the access point it is connected to. As a result, many switch to WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks). A WLAN is a wireless network that is established via a wireless router and wireless adapter and uses radio waves to connect a computer to an access point. WLANs provide various Internet speeds, depending on how close the computer is to the access point. However, WLANs allow much more range when setting up a network, especially for use with laptop computers.

 

Bandwidth

Another variable concerning Internet speed is the amount of bandwidth a user has at any given time. Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that is uploaded or downloaded through a network and is made up of all Internet traffic on all computers within the network. When multiple users are connected to the Internet simultaneously through the same network, the network’s total amount of bandwidth is divided among the users. Also, most ISPs (Internet Service Providers) impose a bandwidth cap, which prevents a single network from using too much bandwidth. While an ISP will never disable Internet access, users may experience slower connection speeds once the monthly bandwidth cap has been reached.

 

CPU

CPU (Central Processing Unit) memory is another factor concerning Internet speed. The CPU is a computer device that allows multiple applications to run at the same time by managing allocated portions of the computer’s total memory for each program, service, and process that is run on the computer. When there are too many programs running at the same time or a single program is using too much memory, the CPU becomes overworked and may prevent all programs from running correctly, including the Internet browser and network manager. Likewise, if there are too many add-ons or plug-ins running in the browser, the CPU may become overworked or the browser itself may stop running.