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