A dial-up connection is a type of internet access that uses a standard telephone line to connect to the internet. When a user wants to go online, their computer dials a specific phone number, which connects to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). This method was common in the 1990s and early 2000s, allowing users to access the web at relatively slow speeds, typically ranging from 56 Kbps to 128 Kbps. One of the main drawbacks of dial-up connections is that they tie up the phone line, meaning users cannot make or receive phone calls while online. Additionally, the connection can be slow and less reliable compared to modern broadband options like DSL, cable, or fiber-optic internet. Despite its limitations, dial-up was a significant step in the evolution of internet access.