Ways for Connecting to Internet
Broadband
is the generic term that is used to cover the new generation of Internet
connections. There is no one precise definition as the term is used to describe
a range of services, but they all have common key features such as:
1.
Fast access speeds
2.
A permanent "always-on" connection to the Internet
3.
Ability to handle large files quickly
4.
Flat-rate monthly charges
There
are a number of different types of broadband - it is available by telephone
line, cable, satellite and wireless networks, among others. The different types
have varying speeds and costs. Where you live will determine which options are
available to you. You can check if you are in a broadband area by visiting one
of the broadband checker sites provided by broadband suppliers. Different types
of broadband are as -
ADSL BROADBAND
ADSL
(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) as offered by BT and other providers is
the most common form of broadband. To get ADSL, your business needs to be
within 6km of a broadband-enabled exchange.
ADSL
operates at the same time over the same pair of telephone wires, which means
that you can simultaneously make telephone calls (which are charged
separately), send emails, send and receive faxes, and access the Internet.
With
ADSL you will need a special modem or router and what are known as microfilters
on all your telephone sockets. The filters prevent the ADSL signal from
interfering with your voice calls. Your Internet service provider will often
provide you with one or two micro filters and the broadband modem as part of
their package.
Connection
speeds will vary, but as a general rule, the more you pay, the higher your
connection speed will be. Prices are reducing as competition between providers
increases, so it is certainly worth shopping around for the best offer.
The
main advantages of ADSL are that it is:
1.
"Always-on"
2.
The most widely available form of broadband
3.
Relatively cheap
The
main disadvantage of ADSL is that it is only available within 6km of local
ex-changes which have been upgraded. In addition, ADSL may not always be as
fast as you would like:
1.
Upload speeds (i.e. the speed at which you can send- rather than receive -
data) are relatively slow. This can be a problem for businesses that regularly
send large files across the Internet.
2.
Parts of your connection are shared with other Internet users - known as
"contention". If too many of these are using the Internet at the same
time as you, your connection will be slower.
CABLE BROADBAND
Broadband
services are now available via cable operators using their high speed fibre-optic
networks. Connectivity is delivered through coaxial copper cables using a
high-speed cable modem. The cable modem uses the same cabling infrastructure
and connection to your home as cable TV. The cable modem connects to the PC via
a local area network (LAN) card.
Most
cable companies offer bundled packages that include telephone, broadband
Internet connection and TV channels. As with ADSL, there are a number of
different deals for different requirements.
CABLE OFFERINGS
As
in other areas of broadband provision, there is fierce competition between the
main cable providers. This is reflected in the increasingly high speeds of
connectivity that are available. The main advantages of cable are that it:
1.
Is relatively cheap
2.
Offers high connectivity speeds
3.
Offers "always-on" connectivity
You
must, however, be in a cable TV coverage area to receive cable broadband.
SATELLITE BROADBAND
A
satellite broadband connection is a further option if your business is located
in a remote area that cannot access any other broadband Internet connection.
This type of connection is available throughout the UK and requires the
installation of a special satellite dish. There are two types of service.
ONE-WAY CONNECTION
With
this option you would send emails or requests for information via a normal
dial-up modern connection or ISDN link. However, you would use a satellite to
download data such as web pages and web applications. This overcomes the normal
problems associated with downloading large volumes of data via a dial-up
connection.
TWO-WAY CONNECTION
The
more expensive satellite services provide a two-way option for both uploading
and downloading, and, utilise a dedicated satellite dish to send and receive
information.
With
both types of connection, download and upload speeds may vary, but faster
speeds are increasingly becoming available. As with other broadband services,
the provision of satellite broadband is very competitive, with lots of new
offers and special deals, so it is certainly worth shopping around.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
The
latency (the time it takes to send and receive a message) can be much higher
with satellite than on terrestrial networks, thereby limiting the use of some
web-based applications that rely on fast response times.
In
addition, although coverage is often referred to as "ubiquitous",
users must have direct line of sight to the orbiting satellites, away from tall
buildings or large structures. Rain clouds or even dense trees can also affect
availability.
ADVANTAGES OF SATELLITE
BROADBAND
1.
It is widely available, even in rural areas.
2.
It is good for home use.
DISADVANTAGES OF SATELLITE
BROADBAND
1.
Slow upload speed for one way connection may be unsuitable for business use.
2.
Transmission delays (latency) can disrupt interactive services.
3.
Weather can affect reception.
WIRELESS BROADBAND
Wireless
is a collective term used to describe different technologies that use radio
transmitters and receivers to link computers.
A
further broadband option is provided by wireless technologies. In certain
locations, usually rural areas, the adoption of broadband is limited due to
lack of broadband-enabled telephone exchanges, or businesses being too far from
the exchange to use ADSL services.
An
option for delivering broadband into such areas is to use variations of
wireless technology. Wireless networks are also currently being developed in
several major UK cities.
WIFI
Wireless
services are quickly gaining popularity across the world and, as they do,
products and services are being upgraded.
Wireless
LAN (WLAN) hotspots, also known as WiFi hotspots, (subscription only,
pay-per-use and free for customers) are being rolled out globally. As more of
these hotspots appear in airports, hotels, cafés, pubs and motorway service
stations, operators are beginning to get together and offer mobile phone style
"roaming" facilities that will mean you only need to subscribe to one
service. WLAN hotspot providers are also beginning to deliver broadband to
increasingly remote areas of the UK.
WIMAX
Wimax
(Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a fast-emerging wide-area
wireless broadband technology that offers much greater reach than the existing
WiFi broadband.
Whilst
WiFi signals do not reach much beyond 100 feet, Wimax is planned to have a
25-mile range, enabling it to be used to provide broadband in areas where other
technology is unsuitable.
ADVANTAGES OF WIRELESS
BROADBAND
1.
High bandwidth.
2.
Access the web on the move.
3.
High media profile makes advice easy to come by.
DISADVANTAGES OF WIRELESS
BROADBAND
1.
Still in its infancy, so availability is limited.
2.
Setting up a wireless network requires substantial technical knowledge.
3.
Some security concerns persist about wireless technology.
DIAL-UP PACKAGES
Some
businesses manage with a basic dial-up package to connect to the Internet, paying
for each call at local rates. While this can work for businesses that only use
the web occasional browsing, you may find that if you use it for more than a
few hours a month, you could be better off with a different payment option. It
is also worth noting that reductions in the cost of broadband are making these
dial-up packages less attractive.
PACKAGE DEALS
Many
Internet service providers (ISPs) offer packages where you get free unmetered
Internet access for a fixed fee every month. This is suitable if you anticipate
using the Internet for longer periods.
ADVANTAGES OF PACKAGE DEALS
1.
Cheaper than pay-as-you-go for heavier users of the Internet.
2.
You can choose a package tailored to your requirements, such as all-day or
off-peak only.
DISADVANTAGES OF PACKAGE
DEALS
1.
Download times for larger files and emails are still slow - such packages still
use the standard 56k modem.
2.
Some ISPs have more users than they can cope with, leading to difficulties in
signing on at peak times, and connections may be cut if there is a period of
inactivity.
3.
You must consider security, such as a firewall, if you leave the connection
open all the time.
4.
Some packages are not designed to meet normal business needs, for example they
may prevent you from sending bulk emails.
SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES
There
are also subscription packages where you pay a monthly fee and call costs. They
typically cost about £100 a year. These can offer a quicker, more reliable
service with good technical support and other services.
ISDN
The
Integrated Services Digital Network is a set of communications standards allowing
a single wire or optical fibre to carry voice, digital network services and
video. Originally developed in the mid 1980s, and widely available, its appeal
has waned with the growth of broadband technology.
BASIC-RATE ISDN
ISDN
primarily uses existing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switches and
wiring, upgraded to provide all-digital end-to-end channels.
The
basic-rate ISDN service consists of two channels which effectively give you two
separate telephone lines, enabling you to use one channel for voice and one for
data. An ISDN channel is faster than dial-up access, and two ISDN channels can
be bonded together to provide an even faster connection. However, the use of
each channel is charged separately, and be-cause you pay a higher call rate
than with standard telephone lines using "channel bonding" can be
expensive. Because it is a digital system ISDN doesn't use modems. Instead a
device called a Terminal Adapter provides the interface between the computer
and the ISDN line.
Advantages of ISDN
1.
Available to 97 per cent of the UK.
2.
Provides two digital channels as standard.
3.
Guaranteed data rates.
DISADVANTAGES OF ISDN
1.
Technically only "midband", i.e. faster than a modem but much slower
than broadband.
2.
Not "always-on".
3.
Expensive, considering its speed.
4.
Generally requires on-site installation by an engineer.
Virtual Private Networks
If
you want to give off-site workers or remote offices access to your network, you
can use your broadband connection to set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
This is an extremely secure system of transferring data because it uses the
most powerful encryption technology available. It is also a comparatively cheap
way of securing data, because you don't need to hire a system of private leased
lines - data is sent over the Internet instead.
Potential applications
Effectively,
a VPN uses the Internet to extend your company network globally. In other
words, with the correct security clearance, you can use a VPN to access your
company network from any Internet-connected computer. This opens a huge range
of possibilities, as:
1.
Sales people can access real-time data on stocks and prices
2.
Home workers can receive email and work on the most up-to-date documents
3.
People working away from the office, like engineers or delivery people, can
provide real-time information - like progress reports on work or immediate
confirmation of delivery
4.
Businesses with several offices can network sites more cheaply than by leasing
dedicated connections
VPN cost implications
There
may be the potential to save on some of the cost compared with remote modern
access. Most VPN options require a broadband connection and have installation
and annual charges.
Outsourcing VPNs
Increasingly,
VPN applications can be outsourced to a commercial service provider who
specialises in managed security services. In such outsourced VPNs, the service
provider is responsible for VPN configuration (provisioning) and monitoring.
Service providers may locate their VPN devices at customer premises, or at
their own sites.
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