1. What is Broadband?
   • Broadband (high-speed Internet) is a type of Internet connection that has a high rate of data transmission making access to the internet almost instantaneous.
   • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines broadband as an Internet connection with a minimum speed of 200 Kbps (kilobits per second).
   • Broadband internet access allows users to access the Internet at speeds ranging from 200 kilobits per second (Kbps) to 100 megabits per second (Mbps) (100,000,000 bits per second).
   • Residential broadband services normally have a faster speed from the Internet to your computer (downstream) than from your computer to the Internet (upstream) (DSL or Cable-based services).
     
     
2. How does Broadband work?
   • Broadband technologies provide users with a wide bandwidth supporting a wide range of frequencies.
   • A broadband channel is divided into independent bandwidth channels.
   • Each channel operates only on a specific range of frequencies.
   • The wider the range of frequencies supported in the band (bandwidth) the higher the amount of information that can be simultaneously multiplexed and transmitted in the channel.
   • Therefore the more bandwidth the faster information can be moved.
     
     
3. Some Broadband related Definitions:
   • DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a copper wire line transmission technology that connects a computer to the Internet using existing phone lines and special hardware on the switch and user ends of the line.
   • Multiplexing is the process where multiple digital data or analog signals are combined into one signal over a shared medium.
   • Wifi Hotspot is a location that offers internet access over a wireless LAN (local area network) and is now quite common in airports, coffee shops, cafes, etc. The user must be within connection range of wireless access points.
   • Router is a device that forwards data packets along networks and allows several computers to be connected to the Internet at the same time.
   • Modem (modulator-demodulator) is an electronic device that converts the computer’s digital signals into specific frequencies to travel over telephone or cable television lines. At the destination the modem that receives the signal demodulates the frequencies back into digital data. The Internet modem usually provided for DSL of Cable Internet connects the user computer to the Internet via the phone line.
     
     
4. Differences and similarities between Dial-Up and DSL Internet:
   • Both types of connections utilize a modem via a telephone line.
   • The two key distinguishing features are connectivity and data transmission speed (56 kbps for dial vs. 256 kbps and up).
   • With dial-up you establish a connection to the Internet every time you use it.
   • With DSL broadband your computer is connected to the Internet all the time.
   • Broadband technology not only provides wider channels but it uses the bandwidth more efficiently. That is why Broadband connections are at least 10 times faster than dial-up connections.
     
     
5. The Advantages of Broadband:
   • Broadband allows you access to the Internet without tying up your telephone line so you can talk on the phone and use the Internet at the same time.
   • Broadband enables you to take advantage of services such Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) that is not available with a dial-up Internet connection.
   • Broadband provides you with convenient access to online educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. It overcomes the geographical and economic barriers in providing access to these resources.
   • Broadband allows you to shop on-line, play games and surf the Web more quickly and efficiently. Downloading and viewing videos (streaming media) and photos on your computer are much faster and easier.
   • Businesses can realize traveling and accommodation savings by using broadband for web conferences and online training.
   • Broadband internet makes it possible for employees to conveniently work from home in a flexible way and avoiding expensive office space.
     
     
     
6. Broadband DSL & Cable Modem Technologies:
   • Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) is the popular broadband technology for commercial and residential use that leverages the existing telephone network to provide high-speed Internet service. With ADSL downloading speed (128Kbps to over 5 Mbps) is faster that the uploading speed (56K to 2 Mbps) and is therefore very suitable for surfing the web but not when uploading high volumes of data.
   • Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) is normally used for businesses that upload lots of data. The down- and upload speeds are the same. This service requires two telephone lines to work properly and is normally more costly than ADSL.
   • Cable Modem - Cable operators provide broadband connections using the existing coaxial cables to deliver television channels to your TV. Cable Internet operates at speeds ranging from 2 Mbps to over 8 Mbps with the download speed also much faster than upload speeds. You can still watch cable TV while connected to the Internet.
     
     
7. Wireless broadband Technologies:
   • Wireless broadband is any form of high-speed Internet connection that doesn't need a physical connection.
   • Long range Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) technologies connects a home or business to the Internet using a radio link and provide broadband services to remote or sparsely populated areas where DSL or Cable is too costly.
   • WiFi is also available as a short range transmission technology (WiFi router) that uses the DSL or cable modem service connection and create “hot spots” providing internet service (speeds up to 54 Mbps) to computers within homes, coffee shops, businesses, etc.
   • Mobile wireless broadband services are available from mobile telephone service providers requiring a special PC card (wireless broadband adapter) with a built in antenna that plugs into a laptop computer.
   • Satellite - Satellites orbiting the earth also provide links for broadband services. Satellite broadband is another form of wireless broadband and is particularly used to provide Internet connection to remote or rural areas. A satellite dish and special hardware are needed to receive and send data to a satellite in earth's orbit. The service is affected by weather conditions with a downstream speed of around 1 Mbps and upstream speed of around 200 kbps.
     
     
8. Leased Lines for Broadband:
   • Leased lines are dedicated lines that provide consistent high-speed Internet connection. These lines uses large cables (also fiber optic) cables that transmits data at speeds much higher than DSL or cable modem and ranges in the hundreds of Mbps.
   • Fiber optic technology converts the electrical signals (carrying the data) into light and sends the light through small diameter (size of human hair) transparent glass fibers. The same fiber providing broadband can also deliver voice (VoIP) and video services simultaneously.
   • The first leased dedicated phone connection were referred to as T-1 lines that carried about 1.5 Mbps. Today's leased lines approach half a gigabyte or more per second.
   • Leased Lines are usually used by businesses and educational institutions such as colleges and universities.
   • Leased Lines internet speed is usually more robust than that of DSL or Cable Internet solutions.
   • Lease lines are available for high speed internet access via Fractional T1, T1, T3, OC-3, OC-12, etc.
   • Leased lines have greater stability, are less likely to go down (not connected to the normal phone service) and are faster to repair than DSL.
     
     
9. General Info on Broadband Services:
   • The distance of your house or business to the closest telephone company facility will determine your DSL availability and speed. DSL is sensitive to distance and the broadband signal degrades within the copper wire over distance. Currently the theoretical DSL distance limit is 18,000 wire feet.
   • Broadband service providers are evaluated in terms of products offered, service reliability and customer service. Depending on your needs, budget and availability will usually determine which type of broadband internet connection is right for you. The cheapest broadband suppliers are not necessarily the ones whose prices initially appear to be the lowest.
   • ADSL (broadband over a phone line) requires a micro filter (separate the broadband and telephone signals) at each phone socket where a device plugged in (phones, fax etc).
   • To establish what broadband services are available in your area you can consult broadband websites, contact broadband companies or your state’s public service commission (http://www.psc.state.fl.us/about/contact).
   • Most areas within the USA usually have a couple of competing broadband providers. The quality of the broadband Internet service provided by ISPs differs in quality and service from low cost providers can be risky.
   • Always ensure that you have firewall (security measures designed to prevent unauthorized electronic access to your computer) and adequate virus protection (automatically checking for updates on a daily basis).
   • Filing a Complaint with the FCC - Before filing a complaint with the FCC first attempt to resolve it with your ISP. There is no charge for filing a complaint and complaints can be filed on FCC Web site at http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm or with FCC’s Consumer Center by e-mailing them at fccinfo@fcc.gov or calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).
     
     
10. How to select a Broadband Service Provider: The following are important points to consider. It is essential to do research using the Internet and other sources to compare ISP reviews, rankings, prices, available broadband connection types, reliability, features and services provided etc. Obtain the following basic questions:
    • What plans do they provide?
    • What is the Internet speed for each plan?
    • Does the ISP guarantee the speed?
    • Is any technical installation work required at your location, what is the installation cost and when can the ISP schedule the installation?
    • Are there any additional charges for equipment such as the modem and card/adaptor?
    • If the ISP have an introductory offer what is the normal rates after the initial period?
    • Do they charge extra to provide Internet access to more than one computer?
    • What is the contract period? Breaking a contact normally involves paying a considerable penalty?
    • Does you computer comply with their minimum specification?
    • How many email accounts can you have and how much storage space is available to you?
    • Does the ISP provide anti virus protection and spam filtering?
    • Does the ISP provide web-based email that allows you to retrieve emails anywhere via the Internet?
    • In what format is technical support provided when you experience a problem and what is the availability of the support?.

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TCS Group assists companies in making intelligent use of technology and delivers turnkey low voltage cabling and communication solutions. We are fully licensed to cable your building and work stations, deliver state of the art phone systems, get you connected using Cbeyond and provide high tech surveillance. Whether you need it all or just a part of it – You have found the Right Company!

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