2.5 The Broadband Internet Connection
Definition: Broadband refers to Internet connection with fast data transfer speeds and always-on connection
Characteristics
High speed connection
Fast data transfer speed
Direct or always on connection
Higher cost compared to narrowband
Advantages/Disadvantages
Advantages
Disadvantages
Connection speed is up to 100 times faster than narrowband
It is convenient because the connection is always on
Offers unlimited access and don't be charged based in the connection duration
Does not tie up telephone line
High monthly fee
Insecure, need firewall program to protect from intruders
Types of broadband Internet connection
Wired connection
Wireless Connection
A computer or device physically attaches via a cable / wire to a communication device such as a modem, that transmit data and other items over transmission media to the Internet
Cable Internet Service
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
Fiber to the Premises (FTTP)
Provide high-speed Internet access through the cable television network via a cable modem
If many users are using the network simultaneously, the connection speed will decrease, because cable network users share a semi-LAN connection to the internet with other members of their neighbourhodd
Cable modem - Broadband modem that sends and receives digital data over the cable television network
Provides high-speed Internet connections through the standard telephone network via a DSL modem.
Example: TM Broadband (Streamyx)
DSL modem - Broadband modem that sends digital data and information from a computer to a DSL line and receives digital data and information from a DSL line.
A high-speed internet connection that provides internet access by using fiber optic cable via a modem.
This type of connection is fast but expensive and available in limited areas only.
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
A high-speed internet connection that provides internet access using broadcast radio signals via wireless router
The router is connected directly to your internet modem and acts as a hub to broadcast the internet signal to all your Wi-Fi enabled devices and wireless access point
Provided by an organization to devices with built-in wireless modem/adapter such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops through wireless access point(WAP).
Many public locations, such as shopping malls, restaurants and hotels have Wi-Fi hot spots. Hot spot is a wireless network that provides Internet connection to mobile computers and devices with free or paid Internet services
Mobile broadband / Cellular radio network
Differences between wired and wireless broadband Internet connection
Wired is always secure connection // Wireless is less secure, easier to access the info and bandwidth
Wired is faster // Wireless is slower than wired
Lots of cables and ports // Less cable and uncomplicated network
Wired is limited as it is connected to ports // Wireless can access the network from anywhere within range
Wired is less convenient but transfer speed is faster than wireless // Wireless is easy to share but transfer speed is slower than wired
Offer high-speed Internet connections over the cellular radio network to computers and devices built-in compatible technology or a wireless modem or other communication device.
Provided by cellular network companies to devices with built-in wireless modem/adapter such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Fixed wireless
Provides high-speed Internet connections using a dish-shaped antenna on a building, such as house or business, to communicate with tower location via radio signals
Microwave transmission, often called fixed wireless, involves sending signals from one microwave station to another
Examples: Internet connections established at hospitals or shopping complex buildings
Satellite Internet service / Satellite broadband
Provides high-speed Internet connection via satellite to a satellite dish that communicates with a satellite modem
This broadband option for rural areas
Slower and more expensive than cable or DSL
Available in many areas other broadband options are not
A satellite dish communicates with a satellite modem