Question

What are the type and speed of the internet connectivity at college in Florida.

Answer 1

Dial-Up (Analog 56K).

Dial-up access is cheap but slow. A modem (internal or external) connects to the Internet after the computer dials a phone number. This analog signal is converted to digital via the modem and sent over a land-line serviced by a public telephone network. Telephone lines are variable in quality and the connection can be poor at times. The lines regularly experience interference and this affects the speed, anywhere from 28K to 56K. Since a computer or other device shares the same line as the telephone, they can’t be active at the same time.

DSL. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It is an internet connection that is always “on”. This uses 2 lines so your phone is not tied up when your computer is connected. There is also no need to dial a phone number to connect. DSL uses a router to transport data and the range of connection speed, depending on the service offered, is between 128K to 8 Mbps.

Cable. Cable provides an internet connection through a cable modem and operates over cable TV lines. There are different speeds depending on if you are uploading data transmissions or downloading. Since the coax cable provides a much greater bandwidth over dial-up or DSL telephone lines, you can get faster access. Cable speeds range from 512K to 20 Mbps.

Wireless.   Wireless, or Wi-Fi, as the name suggests, does not use telephone lines or cables to connect to the internet.   Instead, it uses radio frequency. Wireless is also an always on connection and it can be accessed from just about anywhere. Wireless networks are growing in coverage areas by the minute so when I mean access from just about anywhere, I really mean it. Speeds will vary, and the range is between 5 Mbps to 20 Mbps.

Satellite. Satellite accesses the internet via a satellite in Earth’s orbit. The enormous distance that a signal travels from earth to satellite and back again, provides a delayed connection compared to cable and DSL. Satellite connection speeds are around 512K to 2.0 Mbps.

Cellular. Cellular technology provides wireless Internet access through cell phones. The speeds vary depending on the provider, but the most common are 3G and 4G speeds. A 3G is a term that describes a 3^rd generation cellular network obtaining mobile speeds of around 2.0 Mbps. 4G is the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. The goal of 4G is to achieve peak mobile speeds of 100 Mbps but the reality is about 21 Mbps currently

Top 5 colleges

University of Florida (UF)

Students can access the campus wireless network from the Reitz Union Colonnade, the South Terrace, Game Room, the Blue Room Lounge (between Taco Bell and the Game Room), the 1st Floor Information Desk, and the 2nd Floor Colonnade Meeting Rooms. In order to go online, students need to have a valid Gatorlink account Username and Password. This can be obtained from the UF Computing Help Desk by calling (352) 392-4357.

Florida State University (FSU)

Students can access Wired Internet in the Residence hall Network — providing students with direct, fast access to the campus network and the worldwide Internet. To configure Wired internet using Ethernet ports, here are the instructions: ResNet Set-up and Configuration

To access Wireless internet, a student only needs to connect to these networks using their wireless device: FSUSecure or FSUWIN

University of South Florida (USF)

You can get connected to the internet in using the USF network. All you need to do is register your laptop or computer with your valid USF NetID and your computer’s MAC address. Once done, you will be able to surf the USF network for free! This is a per-semester basis so you only need to register your computer once per semester.

University of Miami (UM)

UM offers internet to all Residential Colleges in the dorm rooms. This is made possible with the CaneNet service. For wireless connection, students can access internet on-campus via WirelessCanes. A student only needs to sign up to get access to the internet. Take note that this service is only available to UM students in the Coral Gables campus. You can call the university’s Help Desk at (305) 284-6565, option 1.

University of Central Florida (UCF)

Students of UCF can access wireless internet using two secure connections UCF_WPA2 (recommended) and UCF_WPA. Authentication requires your UCF NID and NID password.

For guests, available wireless connection can be accessed using UCF_Guest. For authentication, you only need to open a web browser and accept UCF’s Acceptable Use policy each time they connect.

Free Internet Access Spots in Florida

Free internet access in Florida can be found is most major malls, restaurants, and libraries.

There are also multiple parks wherein internet is free:

• Cutler Ridge Park in Cutler Bay
• Topeekeegee Yugnee Park – campground area in Hollywood
• Barron Park – North Bridge Sreet at Park Avenue in LaBelle
• Alifia River State Park in Lithia
• Myakka State Park in Myakka City