Broadband
Broadband is defined as the high bandwidth connection to the Internet. It differs from the traditional dial-up method of Internet access in that data transmission speed is faster, allowing more content to be transmitted at higher speeds; phone lines are not affected, so that telephone calls can be made while the Internet is on; and the connection to the Internet is always on, allowing for constant Internet access. In general, broadband makes using the Internet much faster, easier and efficient.
Broadband can be provided in a variety of ways. Transmission technologies, which dictate how broadband works, include: Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology, cable modem technology, satellite broadband, wireless broadband, fiber broadband and Broadband over Power Line (BPL) technology. Which technology is selected for use depends on a variety of factors including user location (whether the user is located in an urban or rural area), packaging (how broadband Internet access is packaged with other services such as telephone service), price and availability.
DSL transmission technology delivers broadband across already existing copper telephone lines. Transmission speeds are fast, and large volumes of information can be transmitted at any one time, with availability and speed dependent on the distance from the computer to the closest telephone company facility. DSL technologies include Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology used primary by residential users and Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) technology used primarily by business users. The main advantage of DSL is that it works with existing wiring. Such service, however, is limited in that it cannot be delivered more than 18,000 feet from the telephone company facility, and thus, it is not practical for remote areas.
Cable modem technology delivers broadband Internet service to computers through use of the same coaxial cables that deliver television programming. Cable modems are generally external devices that connect to both a cable wall outlet and to a computer. Internet is available by simply turning on the computer, and speeds are generally comparable to DSL, provided that speeds do vary depending on type of cable modem, cable network and traffic load. A major disadvantage with this type of service is that it is only available where cable is available.
Satellite broadband delivers Internet through the same small satellite dishes used to deliver video services. Users, by way of such satellite dishes, transmit information to and from a satellite in space, which retransmits signals to and from a network operation center connected to the Internet. One major advantage is that such service is available to nearly all locations. Such service, however, is more expensive, offers lower broadband connection speeds than other types of broadband services, may be affected by weather conditions and generally has high latency periods.
Wireless broadband connects a user to the Internet through use of an antenna and radio link between a computer’s location and the service provider’s facility. Such broadband can be mobile (as provided by mobile telephone service providers) or fixed (allowing users to access the Internet from a fixed point while stationary). Wireless networks are advantageous in that they cover wide geographic areas.
Fiber optic broadband technology uses fiber optic cables carrying digital information in the form of light pulses to deliver broadband. Specifically, this technology connects a fiber optic strand to the user’s home or business. The advantage is that fiber optic cables transmit data at speeds far greater than current cable modem and DSL speeds, at lower cost of maintenance. The cost of installing and lighting the fiber cable, however, is high.
BPL technology is the delivery of broadband through existing electric power lines. Speeds are comparable to DSL and cable modem speeds, and such technology allows customers to access the Internet simply by plugging a modem into any electrical outlet. Such technology, however, is very new and currently used in only very limited areas.
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