Broadband Research

Questions-

1. What is broadband?
Broadband is a term that is used consistently with different types of internet connections. Generally, it is referred to Internet connections over fiber optic cables rather than telephone lines. Broadband in telecommunications means a wide range of frequencies that are available to transmit information.


2. Outline the methods of delivery of broadband (wireless, cable, ADSL and fibre)? Identify the speed of each method.
Wireless Broadband is a fairly new technology that provides high-speed wireless internet and data network access over a wide area. In telecommunications, cable Internet access (often called simply cable Internet) is a form of broadband Internet access that uses the cable television (CATV) infrastructure. The fastest cable broadband goes is 300kbps. Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is one form of the Digital Subscriber Line technology, a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional voiceband modem can provide. ADSL offers differing upload and download speeds and can be configured to deliver up to 6 Mbps from the network to the customer that is up to 120 times faster than dialup service and 100 times faster than ISDN. 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.

3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Advantages of Wireless- Easy to add stations as there are no cables required. Signals can be sent through doors and walls so the stations can be mobile so can move around. There is less need for technical support in setting up due to their simple nature. There are no cables to trip over so there are less health and safety issues to consider. Share resources like printers. Have shared access to a centralized storage.
Disadvantages of Wireless- It's a bit more difficult to setup properly. Risk of 'outsiders' accessing your network unless robust security protocols are enabled (eg WPA, WPA2). Significantly slower than a wired network (2 – 50 times slower). The network can be less stable. Wireless reception may be impaired by a number of factors including large distances or objects between wireless devices, and other wireless networks.
Advantages of Cable- The fact that cable Internet doesn't require a phone line means that you always have a ready connection. Cable Internet is substantially faster than other connections such as dial-up, wireless and ADSL. Cable Internet supports data-heavy activities such as online gaming, so your playing experience will be of higher quality. Because cable is so much faster you will spend less time online.
Disadvantages of Cable- Cable Internet does not always operate at the highest possible speed. Initial connection can be expensive. Not all areas can access cable Internet. Cable may be a wasted expense for those who do not use the internet regularly.
Advantages of ADSL- It is extremely affordable. Internet connection by existing infrastructure. Using telephone line for Internet access as well as for conversation at the same time. Active connection without charging. Internet surfing without telephone impulses charging. Data transfer with download speeds 15-20 time higher than connection speed possible by analogue modem.
Disadvantages of ADSL- The first downside is that ADSL pricing can be very variable. The speed of your ADSL connection may suffer, as ADSL is very affected by physical distance. ADSL is also affected by how many other people are using your line. ADSL downloads much faster than it uploads.
Advantages of Fibre- Fibre optic data transmission is incredibly fast. Fibre optic cables can transmit data over exceptionally long distances without much data loss. Many gaming systems and home theater components now also transfer information back and forth via fibre optic cables.
Disadvantages of Fibre- Fibre optic cables are not susceptible to RF (radio frequency) interference. Fibre optic cabling can cost more than double what a typical broadband connection costs. Fibre optic connections are not available in many areas.
4. Give examples of broadband providers and identify the costs.
Yes Optus- 6GB of data for $30.00 every month. 14GB data for $50.00 every month. 2GB data for $20.00 every month. 5GB data for $59.99 every month.
BigPond- 3GB of data for $29.95 every month. 3GB data for $49.95 every month. 1GB data for $19.95 every month.
Virgin- 6GB data for $39.00 every month. 500MB of data for $15.00 every month. 6GB data for $39.00 every month.

5. The Federal Government is thinking of rolling out a national broadband network (The NBN). Research the NBN and find out:

a. what method of delivery it will use- NBN plans to deliver the best, most cost effective infrastructure across Australia using a combination of fibre, wireless and satellite technologies.
b. the expected speed- NBN plans to deliver fibre-based coverage with speeds of 100 Megabits per second. Premises in areas that cannot be serviced economically by fibre will be connected by advanced wireless technology providing speeds of 12 Megabits per second.
c. the expected costs-

6. Do you think Australians should invest in The NBN? Justify your answer.