Introduction to Broadband
Matthew Cook [Link]
Topics
What is Broadband Different types of Broadband Availability The Missing Link Extra Considerations Case Studies
What is Broadband?
Does not use the traditional phone line Instantly available (Always online) Faster than traditional dial-up Charged at a fixed rate Sometimes a one-off connection fee
Problems with always online connection
What is Broadband?
Traditional Modem technology is classified as Narrowband Cable or DSL technology is classified as Broadband Ethernet technology is classified as Baseband
What is Broadband
The meaning is often lost due to misunderstandings in the technology. However there are more important things to consider.
Different Types of Broadband
Speed (the most important bit?) Types of Broadband Availability Presentation Connection to your computer
Speed
Most consumer Broadband connections are 128Kb/sec and upwards. Speeds are increasing due to consumer demands How fast do you actually need Remember broadband is always on Remember the modem download days
Speed
Upload/Download Question They are not the same in most cases Consider upload requirements Service Down Upload load 150K 150Kbps 64Kbps 600K 1Mb 600Kbps 128Kbps 1024K 256Kbps
Types of Broadband
Cable Via dedicated modem or via setup box Provided by NTL et al Does not require BT phone line Cheap to add to your existing subs Offers 150Kb/sec to 1Mb/sec Invariable Customer Service issues
Types of Broadband
DSL Lots of different technologies involved Special modem splits the digital and analogue signals back to the exchange Always on Lots more providers
Types of Broadband
SDSL S stands for Symmetric Mainly for business applications More costly
Types of Broadband
ADSL A stands for asymmetric Mainly for residential usage Far cheaper than symmetric broadband Need to consider upload requirements
Types of Broadband
(or Internet Connectivity) ISDN BT Lan Extension Wired Connection Satellite Wireless (WiFi)
Availability
Depends on service availability in the area you live. Also depends on residence type. BT ADSL information at: [Link] Often local campaigns Countrywide initiatives
The Missing Link
After your broadband has been installed, it is only the start. How do you connect your broadband to your computer(s) Is your machine fast enough?
The Missing Link
USB Connection Simple and offered with most modems Consumes CPU cycles Only useful as a temporary solution Need to use Operating System connection sharing for more machines.
The Missing Link
Direct Ethernet Connection Simple and offered with most modems No extra CPU load Inexpensive Need to use Operating System connection sharing for more machines.
The Missing Link
Small Router Connects between the modem and PC 30 - 80 Usually has 4 port hub or switch NAT Firewall Port Forwarding
The Missing Link
Wireless Router Similar principals to a small router 30 - 120 Usually has a 4 port hub or switch 11Mb 54Mb supported Be careful to secure your network
The Missing Link
PC Based Router Use a spare PC Free opensource products Smoothwall IPCop E-Smith
Extra Considerations
Web Space Static IP Addresses Virus Protection Firewall Software Spam Filtering
Case Studies
Six case studies Kindly submitted by our very own committee Traditional Modems, DSL and Cable connections Different connection methods Different speeds, costs and service
Case Studies
Chris Dawson Modem or Broadband connection? Broadband connection via broadband modem What Internet service provider do you use + Rating? Plusnet (Was NTLWorld Cable) - Excellent What speed (Download/Upload)? 512/256Kb/sec What is the price per month? 21.99 inc VAT Do you get a static IP address? Yes How do you connect your computer to the Internet Connection? ADSL Modem -> Ethernet Router -> Wireless Router
Case Studies
Paul Mellor Modem or Broadband connection? Broadband connection What Internet service provider do you use + Rating? Plusnet Excellent 9/10 What speed (Download/Upload)? 512/256Kb/sec What is the price per month? 21.99 inc VAT (50p a month discount per subscriber) Do you get a static IP address? Yes if you want one How do you connect your computer to the Internet Connection? ADSL Modem -> Ethernet Router
Case Studies
John Vanags Modem or Broadband connection? Broadband connection via cable modem What Internet service provider do you use + Rating? NTLWorld - Good What speed (Download/Upload)? 150/64Kb/sec What is the price per month? 17.99 inc VAT Do you get a static IP address? No How do you connect your computer to the Internet Connection? Direct USB Connection
Case Studies
Julian Pickering Modem or Broadband connection? Modem What Internet service provider do you use + Rating? Enterprise Could be better What speed (Download/Upload)? 56kbaud (48000 connection) 2 - 4k a sec What is the price per month? 8 inc VAT Do you get a static IP address? No How do you connect your computer to the Internet Connection? Serial cable
Case Studies
Jonathan Robinson Modem or Broadband connection? Broadband What Internet service provider do you use + Rating? DEMON Good with Excellent SPAM filtering service What speed (Download/Upload)? 500Kb/sec What is the price per month? 24.99 inc VAT Do you get a static IP address? Yes How do you connect your computer to the Internet Connection? Currently USB, but moving to Wireless Router
Case Studies
Matthew Cook Modem or Broadband connection? Broadband connection via Settop box What Internet service provider do you use + Rating? NTLWorld Excellent (Poor Customer Service) What speed (Download/Upload)? 150/64Kb/sec What is the price per month? 17.99 inc VAT Do you get a static IP address? No How do you connect your computer to the Internet Connection? Settop Box -> Wireless Router
Questions and Answers
[Link]