Are You Ready To Upgrade to fast a internet connection?
by: David Jackson
Are you ready to upgrade your residential service to DSL or business service to real broadband or T1? The answer clearly depends on exactly what you need and want from internet broadband. Before you can work out your internet needs, you must understand more of what the word "broadband" really means. Below are some technical terms for a better understanding of broadband.
Broadband Terminology
First of all, you must know some of the broadband terminology! The word broadband itself simply is defined as a high speed Internet service that gives you continuous access to the Internet on a consistent basis. Broadband includes a technology called ADSL which stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line and requires a special modem to access the line. This broadband technology uses the common copper telephone wire to provide Internet access speeds from 1.5 to 9 megabytes per second. The only real modifications necessary are performed in the telephone exchance. DSL technologies or Digital Subscriber Lines use a higher frequency than standard telephone communication.
DSL Configurations
There are several types of DSL configurations including ADSL or Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Lines, HDSL or High data rate DSL, and VDSL or Very High Data Rate DSL. A DSL line dynamically increases the capacity of ordinary copper wire. Since the signal is stronger the closer you are to the DSL Access Multiplexor or DSLAM the faster your signal will be the closer you are to the DSL provider's Central Office or distribution point. DSL lines are typically used for small business and residential customers.
As needs grow, you will require more and more data and so you will need a larger and larger pipe (Internet access line or physical copper wire) to transport the data. This is where more sophisticated forms of broadband come in for business use. The terms for this type of broadband is measured by the amount of data that the line transfers.
T1 Broadband Internet Connections
T1 -Transmits data in the range of one - two million bits per second (1-2MBPS) and is generally used by small and medium companies with large requirements for internet usage, both uploading and downloading. A T-1 line is usually priced depending on the amount of bandwidth that is used. Typical uses are large graphic files, photographs, sound files, music, video, etc. However, your company should evaluate the amount of data and computers that are connected for Internet Access at the same time. T1 lines in the United States carry a 24 pulse code modulation (PCM) signal using time-division multiplexing (tdM).
These lines use copper wire which usually connect major metropolitan areas. There are a number of high quality companies that offer T1 Broadband and you will find that prices do vary so it is important that you compare.
Local Cable Broadband
You may also find that your local cable provider may have introduced their version of broadband which actually can emulate one side of a T1 connection. However, you should be aware... you may actually get 1.5 mpbs on the download side, but when you try to upload a file, your bandwidth is cut down to about 1/10th. A cable connection is made for residential customers to surf the Internet with great speed and download files, but not made for you to upload with great speed. This slow upload limit is the major difference between a real T1 line and cable.
Other Types of Broadband
There are many other types of broadband connections that are much faster than T1, these range from T3 (3 times faster than T1) to the OC-48, and a frame relay connection which is practically the same thing, but with much larger lines that can transmit the data.
It is important to seek an unbiased opinion and research for the best price and level of service for your T1 line. Broadband is a commodity, and changes as new subscribers come online in specified areas.
In short you are ready for a broadband connection if you are fed up of waiting for a standard dial up to connect (and make all those beeping and burring noises) and download.
Dial-up Internet Connection is dead
Do not be confused, dial up companies use a standard phone line to connect you to their server to bring you an Internet connection. One thing is for sure, if you ever experience a broadband connection via cable, T1, T3, DS-3, or better you will never ever go back to dial up.
About The Author
David Jackson
ImageLink Networks is a subdivision of ImageLink Incorporated a Maryland based consulting and software company.
Visit http://ImageLinkNetworks.com for more information
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