6 S P R I N G 2 0 2 3 Internet service providers have a choice of technology with which to build their networks, which can be divided into the two main categories of wired and wireless. Understand the Difference Between Wired and Wireless Internet Get Ready to Celebrate Small Business Week Since 1963, the Small Business Administration (SBA) takes the opportunity each year to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Small Business Week is held during the first week of May. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. During National Small Business Week, the SBA recognizes the 28 million small businesses that drive our nation’s economy and showcase the resources and services the SBA provides to entrepreneurs at every stage— whether they’re just starting up, expanding, or getting through a tough time. If you own a small business, take a moment during Small Business Week to remind your customers and supporters why you started your business by sharing your story on social media. For more ideas on ways to celebrate, visit www.sba.gov/nsbw. Wired Systems are More Reliable and Secure Wired internet is carried over either coaxial or fiber-optic cables. Coaxial cables have a copper center conductor surrounded by an insulating material, a braided shield, and a protective covering. Fiber-optic cables contain a strand of glass about the size of a human hair, with an outer covering to protect it. Wired systems are generally more reliable than wireless because they offer better signal integrity. They’re not affected by weather, topography, or other “line of sight” obstructions. Wired systems also tend to be more secure since data transmitted through wire is more difficult for someone to hack than data that’s essentially floating around in the air. Wireless Systems Have Significant Drawbacks Wireless internet typically comes into the premise by radio waves, transmitted from cell phone towers or satellites. Wireless systems require a receiver at the premises, such as an attachment on the computer, a modem, or a satellite dish and receiver. Every obstruction along the way is a barrier to wireless data and can weaken the signal—including buildings, hills, trees, and rain— since antennas need to have clear sightlines between them to pick up the transmission. Even the air itself slows the effective speeds that can be achieved wirelessly. Another problem with wireless systems is that their signals degrade with distance. The further away the user is from the broadcast station, the weaker the signal. So, while wireless systems can reach people in rural areas, the signal degrades as it travels further from the broadcast point, leading to decreased quality of internet service. The Adams network is primarily wired, and we continue to invest in this infrastructure. For details on the stable and secure internet services we offer, visit www.adams.net.
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