Q: What is the difference between "dial-up" & "always on" internet
access?
A: Dial-up access is exactly what the term states. The user must dial
into the service provider in order to get online. A typical example of
this is with home internet access, the user "dials-up" through a modem
to connect. In the wireless medium, a similar example would be the WAP
access via handheld phones.
Always-on access is a networked system that is constantly connected to
the Internet. There is no need to separately link to Internet
services.
An example of this is broadband for online and DoCoMo's iMode service
for handheld phones. This means the user does not need to wait to
connect.
Ease of access and cost effectiveness for the user makes the latter the
method of choice for many.
If you have any questions for this column, write to
cnni.asia@turner.com.
