According to Webster’s dictionary, broadband (high speed internet access) is defined as of, relating to, or being a communications network in which a frequency range is divided into multiple independent channels for simultaneous transmission of signals (as voice, data, or video).

A major advantage of broadband or high speed internet access that it is “always on.” In addition, choosing broadband internet service will allow you to explore the full potential of the web. It will give you access to a whole new world of entertainment of rich media content such as film, music and interactive presentations.

Moreover, high speed internet access allows faster download times than a standard dial up connection, which can take hours to download large files such as software updates or music files. With broadband internet service, you can download large files, movies, software updates, music and films in a matter of minutes, if not seconds!

Furthermore, high speed internet access does not have to be expensive, either. With broadband, you are able to sign up for a set monthly subscription. You can use your broadband connection as much as you want, day or night, without having to worry about additional call charges and unexpectedly large phone bills.

There are several types of high speed internet access: satellite DSL, VoIP, satellite internet, T1, DS-3 and Frame Relay. Below describes and defines each type of broadband service.

What is Satellite DSL?

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology that delivers high bandwidth information to homes and businesses over ordinary copper telephone lines. DSL refers to different variations of DSL, such as ADSL, HDSL and RADSL. A DSL line can carry both data and voice signals and the data part of the line is continously connected.

What is VoIP?

VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) is a term used in IP telephony for a set of facilities for managing the delivery of voice information using the Internet Protocol. Basically, VoIP entails sending voice information in digital form in discrete packets rather than the usual protocols of the telephone network. A major advantage of VoIP is that it allows the user to avoid toll charges issued by telephone companies.

What is Satellite Internet?

Satellite internet is an arrangement in which the outgoing and incoming data are sent from, and arrive at, a computer through a satellite. Each subscriber’s hardware includes a satellite dish antenna and a transceiver that operates in the microwave portion of the radio spectrum.

What is T1?

T1 (T-1) sometimes referred to as DS1 lines, is a dedicated phone connection supporting data rates of 1.544 megabits per second (Mbps). A T-1 line actually consists of 24 individual channels, each supporting 64Kbits per second. Each 64Kbit / second channel can be configured to carry voice or data traffic. Most telephone companies will allow you to buy some individual channels, known as fractional T-1 access. Most small to mid-sized colleges and businesses have T-1 lines for internet connections.

What is DS-3?

DS-3, sometimes referred to as T-3 lines, is a dedicated phone connection supporting data rates of about 43 Mbps. A T-3 line actually consists of 672 individual channels, each supporting 64 Kbps. T-3 lines are used mainly by Internet Service Providers (ISP) connecting to the internet backbone and for the backbone itself. Cognigen Dedicated is a provider of DS-3 (T-3) access.

What is Frame Relay?

Frame Relay is a packet-switching protocol for connecting devices on a Wide Area Network (WAN). Frame Relay networks in the U.S.A. support data transfer rates at T-1 (1.544 Mbps) and T-3 (45 Mbps) speeds. Frame Relay can be thought of as a way of utilizing existing T-1 and T-3 lines owned by a service provider. Most telephone companies now provide Frame Relay service for users who want connections at 56 Kbps to T-1 speeds. Cognigen Dedicated is a provider of Frame Relay.



Thanks to Reginald Sharp for contributing this article to our DSL blog:

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Cable Internet is delivered in high bandwidth broadband to your residence via your cable television line. It provides a high speed Internet connection and is frequently known as an Internet service that is “always on” because as long as your computer is on, you will have an immediate Internet connection by simply clicking your browser.

Your cable provider will install what is called a cable modem which is connected to your computer and to your cable television wall jack. The cable modem is the main provider of your broadband Internet service as well as the coaxial cable that provides your television service. Obtaining high speed Internet access over the coaxial cable will not interfere with the use of your television service after installation of a splitter. You will be able to surf the Internet and watch television at the same time.

Cable Internet offers a broadband connection at a monthly fee that will run anywhere from $35-$45 with one-time installation fees running anywhere from fifty to one-hundred fifty dollars. The monthly fee includes the rental of your cable modem, unlimited Internet access, Ethernet card, and any application software. It is also possible to buy your own cable modem instead of opting to rent the modem from the cable company. If you choose to do this, make sure the cable modem you purchase is compatible with the cable company network.

A really neat feature of cable internet service is that you can also enjoy VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). This is a broadband telephone technology that allows you to use your Internet connection to make telephone calls instead of your regular telephone line. It is used in the same manner as your telephone and the call recipient does not have to have this service to participate in your call.

Cable companies use two kinds of systems which are coaxial and fiber optic. Coaxial cables are the older form and fiber optic is the newest form. The problem with coaxial cables is that they cannot transmit signals upstream so generally a telephone line is used to accomplish this task. Fiber optic can support data transmission both upstream and downstream and therefore works more efficiently.

Be aware that if you choose to go with a cable Internet connection you will not be able to choose your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Most cable companies like Time Warner only work with one provider and are not interested in leasing the lines to local Internet Service Provider’s. This has long been a controversy that often ended up in litigious actions from local service providers.

Cable Internet still remains the most popular form of broadband Internet. It has taken cable companies longer to provide Internet access due to the fact that the cables were originally designed to transmit signals and not data. This required the cable companies to change the equipment both on the company and the subscriber end.

Until there were industry standards for equipment this was an insurmountable task. As equipment standards were established, manufacturing was able to increase which resulted in reduced costs for the equipment needed to produce a broadband Internet connection.



Thanks to R Shah for contributing this article to our DSL blog:

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