Does Earthlink Have Wireless Internet?
EarthLink is an Internet Service Providers business that has been around since 1994. The business offers Internet solutions to its customers. They provide DSL, fiber optic, and dial-up internet among other online services and bundles. But with service providers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and others advancing wireless internet in the recent past, consumers may wonder: does EarthLink offer wireless internet?
Well, the answer to the question of whether EarthLink has its wireless internet service is negative. It is a service that relies on telephone lines, cable, or fiber optics to deliver its service. However, to create your wireless network at home, it is possible to use EarthLink internet service in conjunction with a wireless router or access point.
The Process of Obtaining Wireless Internet with EarthLink Although EarthLink does not offer wireless internet directly, you can hook up your EarthLink modem or router with a wireless router or a WiFi range booster. This will allow you to extend your internet signal from your EarthLink connection to cover other wireless devices in your home for Internet connectivity.
Most of the modem/router combinations offered by EarthLink for lease or sale are wireless-enabled. What you have to do is switch on the WiFi broadcasting of the device through the admin console. If your EarthLink modem is not wireless capable you can buy a separate wireless router and connect the router to the EarthLink modem via Ethernet cable. This will make your EarthLink internet connection wireless.
You can also use a wireless range extender to take your EarthLink internet connection and boost it further into your home or property. Range extenders are devices that connect to your existing modem/router and then retransmit the wireless signal to create additional coverage. This will enable you to have wireless internet access in places such as garages, backyards, etc.
Considerations with Wireless Internet When it comes to the practicalities of turning your EarthLink home internet service into a wireless network, it is simple and convenient, but there are some potential issues with wireless internet versus a wired connection to think about.
Speed - Wireless networks offer lower speeds than wired networks. It matters to note that you cannot get the full speeds that are provided by your EarthLink plan if you connect wirelessly due to bandwidth sharing and the nature of communication of WIFI networks.
Range & Interference - The range of consumer wireless routers and access points is 100 to 150 feet in a residential area. When it is done outdoors and through barriers, the range is greatly reduced. WiFi signals can also be affected by interference from appliances, thick walls, and even weather conditions.
Security – Wireless networks are less secure as compared to wired networks, as the data is transmitted through the air with no protection. To ensure that outsiders do not penetrate the wireless network, measures such as encryption and password protection are essential.
Reliability -Wireless connection is relatively unreliable than wired connection since the connection speeds fluctuate and sometimes the connection may be interrupted due to interference or distance from the Router. As for the wired connection, there is greater stability and reliability of the connection.
If a stable internet connection is necessary, wired connections are also recommended over Wi-Fi when possible. However, integrating a wireless network with your current EarthLink modem or adding wireless routing functionality is free and simple, which offers additional value as a bonus to your EarthLink service. Remember the disadvantages of WiFi and be more proactive to enhance your wireless security.
EarthLink Internet Plans Concerning the internet service that EarthLink offers, they offer a range of affordable and flexible plans with varying connection types all over the United States.
DSL Internet DSL internet is another package provided by EarthLink where internet connection is delivered through telephone lines with download speeds of 1. 5 Mbps to 100 Mbps or even more based on your location. It is accessible to more than 90% of U. S. households through wholesale relationships that EarthLink has with the major regional telecommunications carriers including AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink, and Frontier.
The cheapest EarthLink DSL package is about $40 per month for up to 5Mbps. Faster plans up to 100Mbps range between $50 to $70 per month. Options are exact depending on what DSL technology each area offers. They also have special promotions where they give cheaper prices for DSL when you acquire other services from them such as phone contracts or high-end technical support services.
EarthLink offers a DSL connection that can accommodate minor web browsing, standard-definition video streaming, and average online gaming. VDSL rates above 30Mbps for faster streaming of HDTV, online gaming 4K video, smart home devices, and more.
Fiber Internet However, if you are one of the selected lucky users who have ultra-fast fiber optic internet infrastructure, then EarthLink also provides fiber internet in some cities and several zip codes through partnerships with providers like AT&T Fiber or C Spire Fiber. There are some plans which offer speeds as high as 500Mbps and some even provide download speeds over 1Gbps.
In terms of pricing, monthly costs are between $60 and $100 for fiber internet from EarthLink depending on your location and required bandwidth. Arrangements with things like cable television can make your monthly costs go down. Like any standard fiber connection, EarthLink fiber offers fast internet connection speeds with very low latency for quick response while gaming, streaming, and working.
Dial-Up Internet Yes, it is surprising but EarthLink does offer traditional dial-up Internet connection across the United States for casual/non-heavy use at $10 per month. They include using it as an auxiliary internet should your primary source be inaccessible. They can reach a maximum of 56Kbps, which means that only the most elementary functions like browsing the web or checking mail can be performed. However, it is relatively inexpensive to keep the connection for elderly and low to moderate users in rural areas.
Therefore, the answer to the question is – Does EarthLink have wireless internet? Sort of but not really. They do not offer their wireless service for cell phones, but you can turn your current EarthLink internet into a wireless network with just some extra equipment. If you can provide your WiFi access point, and given their cheap and versatile internet plans based on existing DSL and fiber connections, EarthLink still stands as a reasonable choice for home internet.
