Internet Connectivity, Digital Subscriber Line - Essay Example

Internet Connectivity Internet Connectivity Introduction Communication is very important in any aspect of life. This is especially the case when it comes to the business establishments and organisation since communication facilitates among other things business opportunities. Thus the need of communication which is convenient, fast , and cost effective is very important. The internet has revolutionised communication around the world. Since its discovery communication has been much more convenient and very cost effective. However, the number of internet users is growing day by day. In the same way technologies to facilitate the communication of all the people are being innovated each and every day. Protocol and computer languages are being implemented to ensure that communication through the internet is done from anywhere in the world and in a fast way One importance of having high speed internet connections around the world is the fact that it will save on both time and money. For instance, board meetings can be held over video link rather than incurring the huge travelling costs and allowances. According to a research done, a slow internet connection is considered the one of the most annoying things by most people. Another importance of high speed internet connection is that it will allow for more international business since information is sent and received on real time. A good example of an industry that depends on high speed internet connections is the stock market. This paper will critically discuss the various internet and networking technologies specifically DSL, cable, satellite, and wireless cellular connection technologies establishing the need of using more than one internet connection technology. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) DSL is a cluster of technologies that facilitate internet access through transmitting data which is digital over a telephone network that is wired and local. The origins of the technology can be traced back in a book written in 1948 by Claude Shannon titled “A Mathematical Theory of Communication.” ( Habraken 2003). However it was first implemented in 1979 where a remote computer was connected to a telephone wire that was existing where data and telephone terminals were connected. Basically a local loop is used to perform telephone exchange where telephones are connected which is usually a pair of physical wires. Before, the loops were only meant for the transmission of audio frequencies between 300 and 3400 hertz. Gradually trucks were converted to digital over long distances providing the interface of transmitting data via these loops thus the birth of DSL. In order for a commuter to be able to access the DSL a modem is required, the modem facilitates the conversion of data and information from analogue platform to digital and vice versa. The DSL modem performs three basic functions. It performs DSL test, checks the connection between the computer and the DSL, and finally it synchronizes Data to be compatible with the DSLAM. Advantages The use of DSL technology to connect to the internet presents the user with various advantages over other connections. Firstly, DSL is considered to be very cheap since telephone companies offer a one in all package that is relatively cheap when compared to other connections. For example, one pays once for connection where cable TV, internet access and, telephone services are included in the package. DSL also offers the user a high bandwidth for it to facilitate various connections. DSL is also easy to integrate with other networking technologies such as Wan, and Ns64. DSL is also secure since each user is configured individually hence no sharing the same network.. Finally, it is advantageous since its services are independent of each other. This means that when the telephone services are cut off, it does not mean one looses their internet connectivity. Disadvantages There is no standardization of modems for DSL hence when moving one might find their modem useless. Networks that use DSL are usually distant depended where proximity to the DSLAM determines the speed of the internet connection. Its access is only available in urban areas where there are telephone lines connections. The time taken after DSL fails is very long since it requires a lot of installation. Finally the technology is very limited in availability. Cable Another technology that is used to connect computers to the internet is the cable internet access. This is where broadband access to the internet is facilitated via a cable infrastructure. Currently the widely used cable infrastructure is the coaxial and fibre optic cables. This type of technology was first implemented by the television industry thus internet service provider companies usually implement internet connection via the cable television infrastructure. A modem is required in order for one to connect a computer to the internet via the cable technology. Modems are usually installed in two locations. A modem is installed in the user’s premises while another modem is installed at the operators facility for termination system. Cable technology usually covers an average of 160 km. As a result various cable networks are grouped into hubs where they are easily managed. Normally downstream data reaches 400mps which is normally reserved for business establishments while residential users are allocated 100mps. Advantages Cable internet connections are usually fast especial fibre optic cables when compared to other internet connection technologies such as DSL. This in turn results in users being able to download or upload huge files over a short period of time. This is why it is the preferred technology when it comes to media and television. Cable connections are not subjected to dropout hence there is very minimal internet disruptions. There is no dial up fee since no telephone line is connected Disadvantages It is very expensive to implement and maintain since it requires high installation and monthly payments. Cable connection is not available everywhere especially in underdeveloped countries thus its implementation is limited. Finally cable connections speeds greatly depend on the number of users in the network, thus when the network is congested users experience delayed internet connection that might be frustrating. Satellite Satellite Internet connection is a technology used to connect to the internet where satellite communication is used. A satellite is a manage object placed into the earth’s orbit. In this case satellites are communication objects that circulate the earth’s orbit for information and communication purposes. Currently satellite internet services are offered through satellites referred to as geostationary satellites that offer higher speed internet connection. Satellite internet connection usually relies on three major aspects which are geostationary satellite, ground stations that work as gateways, and VSATs. Ground stations usually relay internet information and data between the users and the satellite though the use of micro waves or radio waves. Very small aperture terminals (VSATs) are dishes with antennas that receive and send information to the satellites. They are usually placed at the users premises where there is clear view of the sky (Graves 2003). A modem is also installed at the users end in order o convert information and data. Normally VSATs are connected by hubs which are usually controlled by an internet provider. Any number of VSATs can be connected to one hub (Hallberg 2005). Advantages One advantage that characterises the use of satellite internet network is the fact that it can be connected anywhere in the world. All one needs is the satellite dish and other hardware needed for internet connection. Unlike other connections it is is not dependant on availability of cables or network infrastructure. As a result it is considered the most adaptable internet connection. Satellite connection is also first usually 18 times more than other internet connections such DLS. The connection is also fast since providers of this connection usually limit the download amounts in order to allow for high speeds. Finally, satellite connections experience very minimal disruptions since no cables or wires are used. Disadvantages There is a lot of latency present in satellite internet connections. This means that packets take a lot of time to travel back and forth. Satellite internet connections are usually subjected to disruptions during bad whether connections. For instance, rainfall usually disrupts the internet connection via VSATs. Finally, implementation of satellite internet communication technologies is relatively expensive when compared with other internet connections technologies such as DSL and Cable. Wireless Cellular Wireless cellular internet connection is a type of internet connection technology where computers and other devices use wireless cell phone networks to connect to the internet. Internet connection using this technology is usually facilitated over a telecommunication network that is both wireless and mobile. Usually internet services are usually provided by the wireless communication provider hence speeds are dependent on individual companies. Modems devices are usually used to convert information and data within the network. However depending on the device being used, modems are not necessary. For instance, mobile phones that have web capabilities can be used to connect to the internet without the use of modems. In fact, some devices are technically capable of acting as modems creating a wireless link between the computer and the internet. Modems involved in this type of internet connection technology are different from other modems in other internet connection technologies since they are simple and are usually plug and play connections Advantages Wireless cellular connections are usually convenient since one can use them relatively anywhere as long as their service provider has network coverage. They are relatively cheap compared to other connections since they require very little or no connection costs. Service charges are usually relatively low since service provides come up with data plans that are both convenient and cheap. Wireless cellular connections are also convenient especially when other connections such as cable have failed. They are also convenient since one is able to move from one place to another and maintain an internet connection. Disadvantages One disadvantage that characterises wireless cellular networks is the fact that internet connection is determined by network coverage thus where the service provider has no network coverage one cannot connect to the internet. Wireless cellular internet connections are slow especially when they are compared to other technologies such as fibre. Conclusion Internet connection has become a necessary in all sectors of life. Be it at home, work or government institution, internet connection has proved to add value since it has allowed sending, receiving, and access of information. The speed of the internet connection is the paramount factor that people use when choosing a suitable internet connection. However as it has been shown above when choosing an internet connection it is important to consider other factors such as convenience, and cost in order to determine which connection to implement. Combination of two or more connection is advised for optimum internet access. References Graves M (2003). The Complete Guide to Networking and Network+. New York: Cengage Print Habraken J (2003). Absolute Beginners Guide to Networking. New Jersey: Que. Print Hallberg B (2005). Networking: A Beginners Guide. New York: McGraw-Hill. Print Read More