Explaining the Dial-Up System

Meaning of Dial-up System

Access to the internet has become a vital part of our lives. There exist various methods to connect or access the internet. One such method, which is cheap and has been used for a very long time, is the Dial-Up system. So, what is the meaning of a dial-up system? Do you dial numbers to access the internet? As the name suggests, A connection to the internet service provider is established by dialling a telephone number by utilizing the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) facilities. In simpler terms, it is a method of connecting your personal computer to, say, and another device. 

The meaning of dial-up connection could be explained by stating that they are usually connections between two devices using standard telephone services. Users can gain the required internet access as they link their phone line to a computer. In this type of connection, we observe that the devices dial each other up to establish the internet connection. Thus, using your telephone line, you are able to connect with an outside Internet Service Provider, who in turn will help you connect to the internet. The middle man in this series on connection is a modem. A modem is basically a device that can modulate and demodulate carrier signals to process the digital signals. 

Use of modem

Earlier, the Dial-up system relied on audio communication. Here, a modem would modulate the digital data from the computer into an audio signal and send it to the ISP modem. This receiving modem would then demodulate the data back to the digital data for the computer to process. Due to this, people cannot make or receive phone calls until the call is finished.

After understanding the meaning of dial-up connection, let us understand how exactly it is carried out. 

In order to initiate the dial-up process and access the internet, the user first needs to give the required signal on the computer, like double clicks on Internet Explorer, for it to connect. Once this is done, the user would hear a series of beeps and clicks, similar to dialling a phone number, which will then render in connection to the Internet Service Provider’s modem. This is where the modem came into the picture, which modulated and demodulated the carrier signals. Once this is done, you are able to connect your computer to the internet with the help of the IP address provided by your service provider. Thus, in this way, the user is able to link their phone line to a computer. 

Uses of Dial- Up

Although outdated now, dial-up connections were the most common method of internet connection and were used at almost every place where there are both telephone lines and computers present. Credit Card processing equipment, electronic bulletin boards, serial networks, email machines, rural areas where cable and broadband are hard to get, etc. 

Advantages and Disadvantages 

Dial-Up Internet Connection has both advantages and disadvantages, which we will be discussing. 

The advantages of Dial-up connections are very cheap. In fact, they are the least expensive method of internet connection a user could go for. The set-up for dial-up connection is extremely easy as there is no hassle of finding and arranging the cables, as telephone lines are available almost everywhere, users just need to link their phone line to the computer and with the help of a modem, their internet access is set.  

Having said that, dial-up connections have their disadvantages too. The speed offered by the Dial-up method of internet connection is extremely slow, as the telephone line permits only a certain amount of data (52kbps) from the internet provider. Another disadvantage is the fact that your phone line remains occupied when you use dial-up services. Thus, you cannot make or receive phone calls.

At present, broadband services and wireless internet services have replaced dial-up methods for internet connection in many parts of the world, though in rural areas and areas where placing cables and fibre optics for broadband is not feasible, the Dial-up system still remains prevalent.

Conclusion

Thus, to conclude, after understanding the meaning of the dial-up method of internet connection, we come to know its convenience and hardships. Depending on your region and locality, the bandwidth you require, the availability of internet services, and the cost and reliability of your internet provider, you will now be able to make a sound decision.