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Unreliable, spotty, Internet connections may interrupt downloads, because web pages you’re viewing are going to crash and prevent you from streaming music. A quality Internet connection means more music, more downloads, and more of what you want online. But knowing the difference between high-quality and low-quality isn’t always easy.

Sometimes Connected

Dial-up Internet connections are still widely available, though this is one of the oldest Internet technologies. Unless you have a dedicated line for your modem and very steady telephone service, dial-up may prove very unreliable. With dial-up, the fastest available speed is 56 kbps. IDSN Internet connections transmit digital signals over standard phone lines. ISDN is only slightly faster than dial-up, with a top speed of 128 kbps, and isn’t always connected to the Internet.

Always Connected

Some Internet connections are constant. Instead of manually connecting to the Internet through a host that your computer communicates with over the phone, digital signals are transmitted at any time. DSL is a broadband Internet connection that’s meant to stay connected constantly, though service outages sometimes interrupt the connection. DSL connections are very fast, receiving data at a rate of up to 640 kbps.

Cable Internet connections, which are similar to digital DSL, transmit at speeds of up to 50 Mbps during downloads. Cable Internet connections are capable of transmitting a large amount of data at once, because they were designed to transmit huge chunks of video data in the first place. Cellular modems are slow at only 9600 bps on average, but they provide Internet access from almost anywhere when used with mobile phones. Satellite Internet connections usually operate around 600 kbps, but may slow to 150 kbps during peak times.

Wireless

Cellular and satellite technology provides constant wireless connection to the Internet. Devices like e-readers, smartphones and tablets use this technology to provide users with web browsing and music streaming services anytime, anywhere. Cellular modems are slow at only 9600 bps on average, but they provide Internet access from almost anywhere when used with cell phones. Satellite Internet connections usually operate around 600 kbps, but may slow to 150 kbps during peak times.

Streaming and Downloading Music

Tablet and smartphone music apps give you access to streamed music, music downloads and storage options that help you organize your own music collection. But you won’t enjoy listening to the music without a quality, speedy Internet connection. Primarily, you want reliable service. Find this, and nothing will stand in the way of your music appreciation time. With a quality Internet connection, nothing will keep you from enjoying Muve’s artist of the Month Trey Songz with the Muve music app — or any other music you want to hear.