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Broadband is a generic term that refers to conection speeds faster than the 56 k modem can provide. This can be provided by DSL, ISDN, Fractional T 1, Integrated T 1, Full T 1, satellite, and other methods. |
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What Is "Broadband" and what is best for me? Broadband is a general term that covers connection speeds faster than the standard 56 kbps dial up modem can provide. Many times the broadband is "always on" so e mail seems to continually arrive - which is another convenience in addition to substantially faster data transfer. Another advantage of the speed is seen when remote users connect to a home office - which enables them to complete their tasks faster and eliminate the frustration of waiting for the information to transfer. The best broadband solution is governed by the speed required and the technology available. Some common methods are: DSL - Digital subscriber link - The telephone company provides this and the speeds can range from 256 to over 3,000 kbps. The speed is governed by the distance between the user and the phone switch and the integrity of the phone line. Sometimes, DSL is unavailable due to distance or phone line integrity. Both symmetric and asymmetric DSL are usually offered when available (symmetric has the same upload and download speed, where asymmetric has a lower upload speed). When available, the phone company usually provides a modem and the user is responsible for everything downstream from there. Usually a third party bridges this gap for the user. CATV - Digital Cable TV - Digital Cable TV companies provide this and speeds can range from 256 kbps to over 1,000. As more users log on, the speed tends to slow. This is available only if a digital cable is available. Sometimes this is for residential use only. As with DSL, the cable company usually provides a modem and the user is responsible for everything downstream from there. Usually a third party bridges this gap for the user. ISDN - The phone company provides this. It requires two lines and is limited to 128 kbps. An Internet service provider is required to access the Internet. This is an older technology but in some cases this is the only lower cost method available other than satellite, however DSL is rapidly replacing this. The phone company usually provides a modem and the user is responsible for everything downstream from there. Usually a third party bridges this gap for the user. T 1 (and faster) - These provide speeds of 1544 kbps and above and are used for higher volume data transfers. Some users need point to point and others need point to Internet lines. With competition among T 1 providers, the costs for these services are becoming attractive. The local phone company provides the local loop and others provide the long line. The phone company usually provides a smart jack terminal and and the user is responsible for everything downstream from there. Usually a third party bridges this gap for the user. Fractional and Integrated T 1 - These can run from 256 kbps and above. The integrated lines combine voice and data and can be an economically attractive option, especially when DSL is not available. The phone company usually provides a an Ethernet port for data and the user is responsible for everything downstream from there. Usually a third party bridges this gap for the user. Satellite - This is available anywhere but is not economically advantageous to CATV or DSL. They do have problems with foul weather, especially when large files are transferred by FTP. Often VPN transmissions are too slow to be helpful (due to a conflict with IPSec VPN and VSAT), however, they can be the best fit in several cases. The right fit for you depends on your use. It is best to review your need with someone who installs the equipment downstream from the modem and have him assist you in making the best selection. If you need further help, call for a no obligation, no cost initial discussion. Gene Bohn |
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