Highspeed Internet Access
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What is high speed Internet access?
High speed Internet access, also known as broadband Internet, is a method of accessing the Internet at far higher speeds compared to dial-up access. With high speed Internet, there are fewer disconnects, making it more reliable than dial-up connections.
How does high speed Internet work?
You connect your computer through a modem, which in turn accesses a fiber-optic network to connect to the Internet. Often, this same network is also used to provide other services, such as telephone and cable television.
What types of high speed Internet are available?
The most common high speed Internet services are cable, DSL, wireless and satellite.
How fast is high speed Internet?
The speed will vary depending on the type of service, among other factors. For instance, with DSL, the maximum speed possible depends on the distance between the user and their telephone company's Central Office. Generally, a user can expect speeds that are up to 50 times faster than with dial-up Internet. Cable Internet can generate the same speeds as DSL and is sometimes faster. Satellite Internet service is not as fast as DSL or cable, but services and speeds are improving.
Is a second phone line necessary if I have high speed Internet?
Many dial-up customers have two phone lines in order to use the Internet and have phone access. With any type of high speed Internet service, you're able use the Internet without tying up your phone line.
What does upstream and downstream speed refer to, and what are the differences between them?
Downstream speed refers to the speed information travels to the computer, such as when downloading a file. Upstream speed refers to the speed information travels from the computer, such as when sending an email attachment. In most cases, high speed Internet services have different upstream and downstream speeds. The ISP allots a larger portion of bandwidth for downstream activity since that's what customers most often use.
Is my high speed Internet available when I'm traveling?
Your high speed Internet service is not portable, with the exception of cell phone wireless Internet. However, many service providers offer to their subscribers a free or reduced price dial-up service that they can use while traveling. Some also offer free or discount hot spot use, and many hotels, airports, and restaurants are providing high speed Internet services for travelers.
What is Cable Internet?
One of the most popular methods of obtaining a broadband Internet service is through your cable provider. Cable broadband Internet enables you to have an always-on connection, plus it delivers considerably faster speeds than dial-up. Cable Internet uses a cable modem, so your ability to make and receive telephone calls is not hampered.
Many users prefer Cable Internet to other broadband options, such as DSL, because it makes use of the same wiring already installed to provide cable television in their homes. Cable Internet service providers are currently increasing connection speeds at a pace faster than DSL and Satellite. Because of this speed, Cable Internet is a good choice for those who enjoy playing on-line games, downloading music, sending instant messages, and surfing graphic-intensive web sites.
One drawback to cable is the more people using the cable connection, the slower the service.
What is DSL Internet?
DSL is an acronym for Digital Subscriber Line. Digital data does not have to be converted into analog form and back to digital. The data is transmitted by phone lines to your computer directly as digital data. This enables the phone company to use a much wider bandwidth for transmitting to you. The signal is separated so that some of the bandwidth is used to transmit an analog signal for telephone conversations. This means you can talk on the phone and use the Internet on the same line, and do both at the same time.
What is a splitter, and is it required for DSL?
A splitter is a frequency filter that separates the high frequencies, used for sending data upstream, and the low frequencies used for receiving the downstream data, which is used for voice. Both the high and low frequencies are transmitted simultaneously. Most DSL technologies require installation of a splitter at the home or business. The phone company will make a visit to install it. However, with DSL Lite currently available, it is now possible to manage the splitting remotely from the telephone company's central office. This is known as "splitterless DSL", G-Lite, Universal ADSL, or "DSL Lite," and has recently been made a standard. G-Lite eliminates the POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) splitter, but does require the installation of a small filter device next to every POTS device (telephone, fax, or modem) sharing the G-Lite line.
Will distance affect the speed of my DSL?
The the further away your installation is from the telephone company's central office, the slower your speeds will be.
Will DSL work with my existing phone wires and equipment
It does, but it may require special jacks and connections, or changes to your inside wiring. Depending on the type of DSL your choose, your service provider may need to install new wire. A splitter is usually required, depending on the type of DSL you choose, or the type of DSL available in your area. For instance, G-Lite DSL will not require a splitter.
Also required for installation are a DSL modem and an Ethernet card. Your service provider will usually install these. It's possible you could install these components yourself, however.
Will I experience noise and interference on the phone lines with DSL?
The digital quality ensures that your transmissions arrive free of the "noise" associated with phone lines. With this new digital technology, both noise and interference are minimized.
Is dial-up required when using DSL?
DSL is an always-on digital service, and does not require dial-up. You are always connected.
Satellite Internet Service
What is Satellite Internet Service?
Satellite Internet is the third most popular type of broadband connection.
Satellite Internet uses a satellite to deliver broadband access to homes. This technology enables homes or businesses in remote areas where DSL or Cable are not available to receive high-speed access. However, Satellite Internet is one of the more costly broadband alternatives, though they try to remain competitive.
While Satellite Internet can be the ideal choice for some broadband seekers, it does have disadvantages, such as having a clear, unobstructed view of the southern sky to receive the signal. Also, you may notice lags in the time between clicking on a link and receiving the data. These lags, called latency, do not interfere with most Internet activities but can cause slowdown during on-line games.
What are the available types of satellite Internet?
There are two types of Satellite Internet available currently - one-way and two-way. One-way Satellite Internet can achieve download speeds of between 400 Kbps and 1.5 Mbps. You would still use a traditional dial-up modem for uploading, so your speed would not improve in that area. But, two-way Internet satellite does not require the use of a traditional modem so it delivers faster download and upload speeds of around 200 Kbps. Whether you choose a one-way or two-way service depends on availability (some providers offer only one or the other) and your budget (one-way service is usually less expensive).
Why is Satellite Internet preferable to dial-up?
The major reason is the increased speed Satellite Internet provides. Also, Satellite Internet makes sharing among other computers in your home much easier. If you do decide on a two-way service you will have an always-on connection, which doesn't tie up your phone lines like dial-up does.
What is the difference between one-way and two-way Satellite Internet service?
One-way service requires the use of a dial-up modem to access and upload files to the Internet. Only downloads will be handled by the satellite modem. You do not need a dial-up modem with two-way service because the satellite modem handles both uploads and downloads.
Which Satellite Internet service should I choose?
The decision may not entirely be up to you, as some service providers only offer one option or the other, not both. Another factor is cost; one-way service usually costs less than two-way. If you are more interested in downloading files quickly than in freeing up your phone line, or in having an always-on connection, then one-way service should be quite adequate for your needs. Otherwise, if you want a true broadband experience, then you'll want to choose the two-way option if it is available.
What is required for Satellite Internet?
First, you must have an unobstructed view of the southern sky in order to receive Satellite Internet. Next, you will need to find Satellite Internet providers that serve your area. You must purchase a satellite dish from your provider, which is mounted on your house, either by you, or by a professional, and you must purchase a satellite modem. If you opt for one-way service, you will also need a phone line and a dial-up modem.
Can I share my Satellite Internet connection?
Yes, by making one of your computers a host system and using the Internet Connections Sharing (ICS) software on your computer.
Wireless Local Area Network (LAN)
What is the area I can expect to target when using a wireless LAN?
A wireless Local Area Network (LAN) encompasses a relatively small area, usually within an office, a building, a small campus, a home or a small office, or home office. It is critical to correctly configuring your wireless LAN in order to ensure maximum range. If your intent is to cover a large geographical range, test for maximum range from physical locations and combinations of your residence, office or other area.
What is spread-spectrum technology, and how is it used in wireless transmissions?
Most wireless LANs use spread-spectrum technology. This is a form of wireless communications in which the frequency of the transmitted signal is deliberately varied. The result a much greater bandwidth than the signal would have had if its frequency were not varied. Increases in reliability, integrity, and security is another result.
Spread-spectrum transmit messages on constantly changing frequencies and are then reassembled by the receiver. Spread spectrum uses a high amount of bandwidth, but in return, the user gains reliability and security for wireless transmissions.
How can I get the most value for my dollar for my wireless LAN?
There are many manufacturers of wireless LANs that offer a several technologies to choose from when designing your wireless LAN solution. Each technology has its own advantages and limitations. Research these carefully do determine your needs before purchasing equipment.
What is the optimum bandwidth for most wireless LAN applications?
Try to find a high rate wireless LAN solution with connections of up to 11 Mbps. This will allow mobile operators, network operators and ISPs to offer tailored and location-based wireless LAN services in enabled access areas including areas such as airports, hotels, business campuses, and convention centers.
Should network compatibility be the most important factor in configuring a wireless system, including jointly used wired and wireless networks?
It is important to bear in mind that most products communicate only with products from the same vendor. Since businesses require established standards to ensure maximum efficiency, most vendors have joined the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) to create standards. Some products may not communicate with other products, so be sure to check carefully with your vendor before purchasing equipment. Also, try plan ahead for future expansion of your network.
What Internet access service(s) should I use with a wireless LAN?
This will depend upon your particular voice and data communications needs and what is available in your area. DSL, especially ADSL, is ideal for many wireless business LANs. It is not costly and boosts productivity, but it may not be available in your area yet.
T1 lines and Frame Relay are also possible solutions for those who require very large bandwidth. They offer the flexibility of handling both voice and data traffic simultaneously. However, these services are costly.
How secure is a wireless LAN?
Wireless does have some security limitations as well as vulnerability factors inherent in the current technology. Remember - network security is essential. Check with your network administrator to strengthen and ensure maximum security, both internally and externally.
Network identifiers usually provide protection against casual users intercepting data. Also, encryption is an excellent solution for wireless LANs. New security techniques are emerging every day to increase protection.
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