What connection method provides the highest data transfer rate?

The method that offers the highest data transfer rate is a cable modem. Cable modems utilize the same infrastructure that delivers cable television, allowing for high-bandwidth data transmission. They use coaxial cables to transmit data, which can support significantly faster speeds compared to other connection methods.

In contrast, dial-up modems are limited by telephone lines and typically provide very slow speeds due to the nature of analog technology. ISDN connections, while faster than dial-up, still do not match the speeds of cable modems as they use a digital transmission system over traditional phone lines that top out at lower bandwidth thresholds. DSL connections, although faster than dial-up, rely on existing telephone lines as well and have speed limitations that can vary based on distance from the service provider's central office.

Therefore, the cable modem stands out as the superior choice in terms of high-speed internet access, making it the best option among the listed technologies for achieving the highest data transfer rate.