The Relative Benefits and Limitations of Fiber Optic Infrastructure Versus DSL Infrastructure - Essay Example

UWIC CARDIFF SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT: ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK PROFORMA Module Number: BCO207 Assignment Networking THE RELATIVE BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS OF FIBER OPTIC INFRASTRUCTURE VERSUS DSL INFRASTRUCTURE Name Date Table of Contents 1- Introduction In this modern age of technology there are various kinds of communication media available. The channel of transmission may possibly be air, by means of hassled characteristic being the air pressure which is positioned on sound waves. Additionally, there is another Transmission Medium that is known as an electromagnetic field arrangement in space through means of current placed on antenna, a broadcasting or else wireless structure. However, we can distinguish transmission mediums into wired and wireless communication mediums. In this scenario this research report will assess and review one of the well known wired transmission mediums and technologies of DSL and Fiber optics. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is based on copper wire or other transmission technology framework. Digital Subscriber Line technology uses electronic waves for the communication and data transfer. However the fiber optics technology is based on the cylindrical glass tube with stressed characteristic being the intensity of light in the tube. The technology of fiber optics is based the light waves those travel through the glass tube that works as the transmission medium for the communication and transmission (Schneider., 1995; Ray, 2004; Kurose & Ross, 2009). This report is aimed to assess and review some of the main areas and aspects of the communication as well as transmission technologies of the DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and Fiber Optics technology frameworks and platforms. This report is designed to explain the relative benefits and limitations of Fiber Optic infrastructure over DSL infrastructure. Therefore this research will pay attention on some of the main aspects and the relationship of these two technology frameworks, rather than only describing these transmission technology frameworks. 2- Aim and objectives of report Digital Subscriber Line and Fiber Optics technologies both are modern technologies designed for the provision of internet and various other network communication facilities. Both these technology frameworks are currently working competently at home, business, and diverse areas of organization. The prime aims and objectives of this report are to analyze these transmission technologies for the assessment of better technology. In this regard I will compare and evaluate features of each technology regarding its formation, functioning, performance, data communication, issues and technology deficiencies. Main aims and objectives of report are presented below: Overview of both the technologies Analysis of major structures Analysis of basic working styles Investigation of prime benefits Outlining most important limitations Performance assessment Best technology declaration 3- Analysis of DSL and Fiber-Optics At the moment a lot of users or persons using the network and communication services have no clear concept of the dissimilarity between fiber optic and DSL based network access and communication. This is rather realistic for the facts that the majority of network and communication services clients simply take care of outcome. The reality is that as the entire arrangements are competent to offer us speedy potential and these services are extremely distinctive as well as their diversities can be the evaluation aspects in these kinds of internet access we generally choose. Choosing one between DSL and fiber optics the entire things are reliant on our requirements. If we simply want to utilize the internet services carelessly or else desire to lower down our currency, DSL is definitely the most brilliant choice, in case of home, small to medium business services. DSL permits the users to make use of the internet service at brilliant speeds with no contravention in the link proposed for it. Fiber would plan the most excellent option intended for getting the top probable speed. The most difficult element can be discovery service in our region. So when we require having an accurate solution with a extremely fast link as well as data transfer speeds for our large scale business arrangement then we will definitely implement the fiber optics solution. It is a great deal simpler to discover such services for our business as well for home services however with huge expenditures. In this section and onward I will assess some of the prime areas and aspects of these transmission technology options and their substitutes in a more technical and proficient way (FiberForAll, 2010; Tanenbaum, 2002; Nash, 2000). 4- DSL Transmission Medium A Digital Subscriber Line transmission medium utilizes the available copper cable of our domestic phone line to offer speedy data transmission, communication and internet access. Since not as speedy as fiber optics communication medium, this form of link is extremely quicker as compared to dial-up and fulfills the requirements of the majority home clients immediately in an excellent way. Being considering it properly speedy, this kind of communication link as well have a tendency to be particularly less costly as compared to fiber optics that is the major cause that it has turned out to be such a well-liked choice for home, business and institutional tasks in a more faster way. A vital issue that will influence our choice of Digital Subscriber Line is the distance amongst our home or else office, or business place to the DSL technology provider’s main workplace. So the far you are as of the central DSL transmission line connection, data and communication signals becomes weaker that can definitely make slower the connection as well as speed of communication. Digital Subscriber Line transmission medium is not as extensively offered as cable so we will entail asking by means of our home phone corporation about availability of Digital Subscriber Line transmission medium for our business, home as well as working areas (FiberForAll, 2010; Shelly et al., 2005; Norton, 2001). 5- Fiber Optics Transmission Medium The technology of the Fiber Optics Transmission Medium was initiated by some communication businesses for the market use like that Qwest, AT&T and Verizon. The transmission medium of the fiber optic presents a lot of benefits above traditional copper based communication cable lines. It is capable to transfer data a great deal quicker over larger distances and since the fiber optics cable is little in size (diameter and having no weight). This characteristic prepares it a perfect choice intended for a broad range of cabling solution. As the conductor is made up of glass and it is not capable of producing electrical energy, so fiber is protected from the entire types of electronic and electromagnetic intrusion. This outlines that it is competent to approach meandering contact by means of enormous current electrical systems, lightning as well as power lines, the entire as so far providing brilliant functions. Since fiber optics establishment cost is much higher as compared to DSL technology while this technology offers a great deal of small cost regarding contending DSL communication medium in case of usual maintenance aspects. The major disadvantage to fiber is that this service is just accessible in a few marketplaces and areas, thus there is no assurance that we will be capable to discover it for our personal or business use (FiberForAll, 2010; Nash, 2000; Norton, 2001; Shelly et al., 2005). 6- Fiber optic infrastructure versus DSL infrastructure Fiber optic is taken as the future of communication as well as transmission technology. Fiber optic and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) communication and transmission technologies are two extremely diverse technologies that are normally contrasted across the world. Collectively these technologies offer speedy Internet service to domestic areas. Fiber optic, known as the FiOS fiber for short, has an essential benefit over DSL in scenario of general accessibility of communication bandwidth (Hintzr, 2010). In the section I will present a deep analysis of some of the prime relative benefits and limitations of fiber optic infrastructure versus DSL infrastructure. In this scenario I will analyze these aspects regarding working and operations of these two technology platforms for communication and transmission (Hintzr, 2010): 6.1- Bandwidth Digital Subscriber Line Internet and communication is proficient of download speeds equal to 8 Mega bits per second. Although additional developments of DSL communication and transmission technology can enlarge that speed still to a great extent, however there is small point in performing so when fiber optic cables will be competent of offering data and communication speeds in gigabits per second then we will not be interested in DSL technology. The majority fiber optics links accessible nowadays are not capable to offer domestic areas by means of that type of bandwidth, although they are able to offer up to 50 Mbps, more than six times quicker as compared to best DSL currently accessible. In case of Bandwidth we can declare Fiber Optics the winner (Hintzr, 2010; Shelly et al., 2005; Nash, 2000). 6.2- Availability Another main aspect of communication and transmission medium is the availability that is where transmission medium of Fiber Optics is having less flexible and wide ranging structure. It is extremely meagerly obtainable, and tentatively is so far in its trial phases. Internet technologies similar to DSL and cable were simply installed for the reason that they were designed on the basis of obtainable communication networks; employed for voice communication as well as TV, correspondingly. Fiber optics based communication and transmission medium engages installing the entire new fiber optic cables, complete set of little fibers of glass, consequently DSL is possible to be the existing choice for the majority informal Internet clients intended for a number of periods (Hintzr, 2010; Nash, 2000; Shelly et al., 2005). 6.3- Equipment and Installation Together DSL, communication and transmission medium normally utilize a modem or else router to interface through computers as well as additional Internet devices. DSL as well necessitates that voice devices in the home areas be ended by diverse filters to stop their dawdling the fastest DSL communication link (Hintzr, 2010; Shelly et al., 2005; Nash, 2000). 6.4- Working Structure Digital Subscriber Line is passed on above available copper phone line communication networks; up to a communication and data transmission range of about 3 miles distance from network and communication a providers main administrative center. Fiber Optics is transferred above innovative fiber optic cables that are completely resistant to electrical intervention for the reason that they are prepared completely of glass (Hintzr, 2010; Shelly et al., 2005; Nash, 2000). 6.5- Connection Speeds In scenario of download speeds, there is an obvious champion. Fiber Optics download have been found superior as compared to DSL for a while at the moment. From the year 2008, Fiber Optics corporations have commenced to promote their network by means of fiber optics, so in a number of regions they are extreme better than DSL (Thomason, 2010; Shelly et al., 2005; Nash, 2000). 6.6- Shared Bandwidth / Security Our Digital Subscriber Line link is by no means distributed among our place as well as the adjacent DSL hub or main working centre. The bandwidth to our DSL Cable ISP is allocated through our self plus entire of the other Internet clients in our region utilizing the similar DSL facility. Cable providers claim that this would not influence our link speeds, although a lot of users criticize that it influences the link speed (Thomason, 2010; Hintzr, 2010; Shelly et al., 2005). 6.7- Security One more and prime aspect of any communication medium and data transmission channel is security of the medium. In case of shared Internet connection we can face a biggest problem that is about the less secure communication medium that is to avail a dedicated link, similar to that we have by means of DSL. Talking generally, shared mediums are further vulnerable to DOS or denial of service attacks, eavesdropping as well as from the attacks of service pilfering. The extensive discussions with Internet security professionals is that DSL communication links are normally very protected, although not by a lot (Thomason, 2010; Shelly et al., 2005; Nash, 2000). 6.8- Distance Sensitivity One more area where Fiber Optics technology is the more effective and better option is in how communication link speeds reduces by distance from our provider of network services. By means of Fiber Optics, they do not reduce the data signal quality over distance. The average Fiber Optics link will be right away as high-quality if you are near to our internet services providers communication focal point or not (Thomason, 2010). On the other hand the DSL is an extremely distance reactive communication medium. DSL communication services are simply capable to present service to sites at a length range of 17,000 to 18,000 feet as of a central connecting office or DSL services provider hub. As well, the speeds will decrease somewhat slightly behind 9,000 to 10,000 lengths in feet. This denotes that just sites that are near to a DSL hub are capable to even attain the high speeds of 3 Mbps to 7 Mbps. Consumers who reside far-off will experience drop-off point plus will simply be capable to obtain the fundamental DSL devices that provide speeds as of 768 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps (Thomason, 2010). 6.9- Cost This is the prime aspect where DSL has a trivial improvement. In the month of March 2010, DSL prices operational and establishment cost varied from about $20/ month up to $45/ month planned for the maximum speeds. On the other hand the fiber optics Cable plans will normally cost from $40/month to $55/ month., as well as fiber optics Cable services providers normally do not have choices intended for giving less money for lesser speeds (although a number of do, similar to Cox Internet and Charter Internet) (Thomason, 2010; Hintzr, 2010). We have frequently see fiber optics Cable Internet service promotes imitating services at $19.95 per month, although that charges will be available simply momentarily; normally the primary 3-6 months. Subsequently, the cost will rise to the standard monthly price. If cost is not a large problem, then fiber optics Cable is available to be the most excellent option just planned for the greater speeds of download. On the other hand people who want to save price on monthly invoices, in this scenario DSL offers the added inexpensive solution. We are able to normally acquire DSL for just $19.95 for each month by means of speeds from 768 Kbps up to 1.0 Mbps, reliant upon our services provider. So it is claimed that connection speed is typically sufficient to convince a formal Internet customer who does not prefer to give a lot every month for Internet service utilization (Thomason, 2010; Hintzr, 2010; Ray, 2004). 6.10- Customization According to Needs We should currently have sufficient knowledge and details to choose among DSL and Cable. Users of internet who need to save currency or utilize it indifferently; DSL Internet Service is definitely the optimal option for us according to our needs. We will be capable to utilize the Internet at high-quality speeds by paying reduced price. Though fiber optics Cable is becoming the service of selection proposed for everyone who needs the top feasible speeds. So if we want to download huge stream media, files and cost is not a large problem, then it must be obvious that fiber optics Cable Internet Service and communication is an enhanced choice for us (Thomason, 2010; Hintzr, 2010; Shelly et al., 2005). 6.11- New Trends Fiber is the improved selection of the two choices, undoubtedly, collectively for providers as well as also for users. Network Subscribers feel great liking for its faster speed as well as constancy, as well as providers enjoys the lesser price of repairs offered through its protection to electrical interfering. Since fiber turning out to be more extensively offered, DSL service perhaps will be gradually terminated, a great deal as ISDN was outdone through DSL. Although that day is however a long far way, as well as theres no means to forecast when it will be done (Hintzr, 2010; Thomason, 2010; Ray, 2004). 6.12- Latency Fiber optic Internets latency will be much insignificant than DSL cables, that will differ relying on network performance. This outlines that that real-time or concurrent applications similar to video conferencing, VoIP and online gaming will typically be somewhat better on DSL as well as fiber than on cable (Schneider., 1995; Hintzr, 2010; Kurose & Ross, 2009). 6.13- User Satisfaction At the moment, actually half of fiber optics cable clients were satisfied by their ISPs service, and also those fiber optics cable services that were not supreme on the record yet had customers yearning for the middle option; "Contented" slightly than "Fairly Contented" otherwise "Not Contented." In this scenario I will mention an example of the “Charter Communications”, for instance. Charter declares itself "the 3rd-biggest widely traded cable operator in the United States" (note the "widely traded" section) as well as declares to "serve about 5.6 million clients in 28 states." A research has shown that simply 29% of clients were "extremely pleased" otherwise "enormously contented" by the communication and internet service, however another 47% were immediately "Satisfied," as well as merely 24% rated their skill lesser than that. Stating in other way, yet while fiber optic cable is unpleasant, it is super. The DSL marketplace seems definitely dissimilar. As DSL and fiber optic cable lines were for a while identical in peoples psyche. Together depicting the magnificent world of "broadband," fiber optic cable has obviously the best option in scenario of pure speed (PCMAG, 2010). 6.14- Reliable Reliability is also one of major aspects of the communication and transmission. In this scenario it is assessed that Fiber optics is more reliable as compared to DSL. The main reason for this is the DSL cable sensitivity regarding electronic as well as magnetic fields. These are impurities that lead to high reduction in user internet speed. DSL also suffer through some of the main problem of signal attenuation or weakening. That problem becomes more problematic in case of some repaired communication line. However the technology of the Fiber optics is much better and suitable in offering reliable services for no signal loss and signal reduction (Gotlit, 2010; Nash, 2000; Kurose & Ross, 2009). 7- Conclusion The technology of communication is evolving day by day. In this scenario new facilities and technologies are available at the moment. In this research report I have offered a deep and comprehensive analysis of some the main relative benefits and limitations of fiber optic infrastructure versus DSL infrastructure. In this scenario I have analyzed these two technologies with respect to their working, operational proficiency and establishment. In this overall analysis I have assessed these two technologies from the perspective of cost, latency, security, user contentment, performance, bandwidth and increasing tendencies. This overall report is a complete investigation of some of the fundamental aspects between these two technologies. Here I have evaluated and concluded that DSL is far away from fiber optics technology in case of working, speed, society, consistency, signal strength, bandwidth and downloading speed. Now we can state the fiber optics an obvious winner, but these technologies are also having some of the major limitations as well as weak points. In this research one of main weak points that I have assessed are the cost and availability. Fiber optics services, establishment and usage costs are really higher as compared to DSL technology that is one of the prime factors users take into consideration. On the other hand fiber optics is also not widely offered for use as well as connection. Therefore these two aspects are making this technology as a second choice. It is assessed that fiber optics solutions are most effective for large institutes and businesses. I hope that this report will offer a deep and comprehensive analysis of these two technology frameworks and their mutual comparison. 8- Reference 1. FiberForAll, 2010. Fiber vs. Cable vs. DSL – What you Need to Know. [Online] Available at: http://fiberforall.org/fiber-vs-cable-vs-dsl/ [Accessed 10 December 2010]. 2. Gotlit, 2010. DSL vs FIBER. [Online] Available at: http://www.gotlit.com/?sec=howmuchbetter [Accessed 09 December 2010]. 3. Hintzr, M., 2010. Fiber Optic Vs. DSL Internet Service. [Online] Available at: http://www.ehow.com/about_6364227_fiber-vs_-dsl-internet-service.html [Accessed 11 December 2010]. 4. Kurose, J.F. & Ross, K.W., 2009. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. New York: Addison Wesley. 5. Nash, J., 2000. Networking Essentials, MCSE Study Guide. California: IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. 6. Norton, P., 2001. Introduction to Computers, Fourth Edition. Singapore: McGraw-Hill. 7. PCMAG, 2010. The Fastest ISPs in America—and Where You Live. [Online] Available at: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2335745,00.asp [Accessed 13 December 2010]. 8. Ray, R., 2004. Technology Solutions for Growing Businesses. New York: American Management Association (AMACOM). 9. Schneider., A.C., 1995. Digital Subscriber Line Technology. [Online] Available at: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:tQbU0shVM0oJ:www.telebyteusa.com/dslprimer/dslprimer.doc+fibre+optic+and+DSL+communication&hl=en&gl=pk [Accessed 10 December 2010]. 10. Shelly, Cashman & Vermaat, 2005. Discovering Computers 2005. Boston: Thomson Course Technology. 11. Tanenbaum, A.S., 2002. Computer Networks. London: Prentice Hall. 12. Thomason, R., 2010. DSL Internet vs Cable Internet. [Online] Available at: http://www.high-speed-internet-access-guide.com/dsl-vs-cable.html [Accessed 12 December 2010]. Read More