Broadband Research Part 1:

1.      What is broadband?

According to dictionary.com broadband is: Adjective: Of or using signals over a wide range of frequencies in high-capacity telecommunications, esp. as used for access to the Internet. Broadband can also be and internet connection that is faster than a dial up connection. A connection of 256 kbit/s or greater is more concisely considered broadband Internet access.

2.      Outline the methods of delivery of broadband (wireless, cable, ADSL and fibre)? Identify the speed of each method.

• Wireless:  A connection can be made to the internet without the use of a telephone or cable line. A modem is connected to your computer and communicates by using radio signals to a receiver in your area. Speeds of 256/64kb to 512/128kb are common for wireless connections.
• Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL): digital data transmission over the wires of a local telephone network. It works by splitting your phone line signal into two separate channels, one for normal voice usage and the other for internet usage. This is done by placing a splitter on the existing phone line that enables both voice and internet communication. Most forms cannot reach 10 Mbps.
• Cable: Cable broadband is made from a co-ax material which greatly increases bandwidth limits. Cable Internet uses the already existing wires that are used to transfer television signals to your home. You can even use your cable wire for Internet access at the same time that you are using it for television. Cable technology supports approximately 30 Mbps of bandwidth

·         Fibre:  Fibre Broadband uses Fibre Optic cable to deliver data and is able to deliver it faster and also much more of it than can be done with the existing copper wires currently in use. Can offer broadband speeds up to 100 Mbps!

 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

ADVANTAGES:

Fibre: superfast broadband,  easier for multiple people in one house to be doing multiple things at once

ADSL: Speed is very fast, Convenience, Fixed Cost, no more modem screeching noises

Cable: Reliable Speed and Quality, No Telephone Interference

Wireless: Access the Internet Anywhere, Convenience

DISADVANTAGES:

Fibre: They aren’t currently available everywhere.

ADSL: Signal Reliability, Speed Reliability

Cable: Busy Networks, Special Modem, Limits to download amount, Installation

Wireless: Speed is considerably slow, Reliability, Compromised security, Cost