Internet service providers offer DSL internet access. DSL connects users to the ISP through a phone line, without the need of installing new wiring and cables. DSL allows users to use one phone line to connect to the internet and talk on the phone simultaneously. This is possible due to the DSL technology, which splits frequencies of a phone line into two bands of high and low frequencies. DSL delivers faster speeds than dial up internet access. DSL internet infrastructure and hardware includes a phone line, phone line splitter, phone line filter, DSL modem, and Ethernet cable to connect to the computer. Prices for DSL internet services are competitive and may include other fees for installation and equipment. DSL internet speeds depend on the distance between a user and the ISP office, with the closest distance providing faster speeds and farther distance providing slower speeds. There is also a distance limit for DSL delivery, and if a user is too far away from the ISP the service cannot be delivered.

Cable modems deliver high speed internet through an established cable television service. Cable internet infrastructure and hardware includes coaxial or fiber optic cables, cable line splitters, cable modems and router, and ethernet cables to connect to the computer. A Cable line can be split, allowing separate connections to the a computer and a television. A user can watch cable television and use cable internet all coming from a single cable line. Inquiries from local cable companies can be made about cable internet service, which are available at competitive prices and sometimes within bundled multi-service packages and deep discounts. Cable internet service is very reliable and is rarely affected by external factors. The use of cable wires and fiber optics means that there are no distance limits for the service delivery and very low losses of signal strength if any.

DSL and cable modems allow computers to be connected in a network, such as a small home or office network. Multiple computers can connect to each other and share files and folders and a single internet connection. Typically, routers or “access points” are connected to the modems to provide network connections among the computers and other peripherals. Ethernet networks can be created by physically connecting all the computers to the router or modem with Ethernet cables. Wireless networks can be created by connecting computers to the router with either PCI or PC cards or USB wireless adapters.

Another internet service in the most basic form of internet access is dial up. This method of internet access connects users to the ISP through a telephone line. The connection is established right from a users computer which has a built in modem inside, or a separate router and modem could be used. Dial up internet access requires no infrastructure except an established telephone line. Dial up speeds are typically 56 Kbps with common 56k computer modems. Dial up internet access may require some time before signing on to the internet and the ISP may also periodically sign users off to avoid hogging of the internet lines. Dial up internet is also tentative, as it's influenced by external factors such as other wiring and networks.