Networks : Broadband

Networks : Broadband

The term broadband is commonly used to refer to high speed connections to a WAN such as the Internet. Broadband connections have become available in the UK in the last few years, but whether or not you can use broadband depends upon where you live. A typical broadband system can transmit and receive data at a speed of 560KBps. This means that data can be transmitted ten times more quickly using broadband than using a modem and telephone line. Because broadband connections are fast it is possible to use them for applications which needs to send a lot of data such as video conferencing.

There are two main methods of connecting a computer to a WAN using broadband. They are :

Method Description
ADSL Modem and Telephone Line This method is only available at locations that have a telephone line which is connected to an ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscribe Line) enabled telephone exchange. By connecting an ADSL modem to the computer and the telephone line it is possible to access a WAN through the telephone line and use the telephone to make voice calls at the same time.
Cable Modem and Cable TV This method is only available at locations that have a connection to a cable TV network. By plugging a cable modem into the computer and the cable TV control box it is possible to access a WAN through the cable TV connection.

As well as installing the required hardware it is necessary to contact the company that owns the telephone/cable TV line to get them to enable broadband on a connection before it can be used. A monthly fee will have to be paid to use the service, but this usually does not depend on how much the connection is used.

Advantages of
Broadband over Modem or ISDN
Broadband can transmit data much faster than a modem or ISDN so applications such as video conferencing are possible.
Broadband connections are always available. You do not usually have to "dial up".
Most broadband services are available for a fixed monthly fee. Once this is paid you can use the connection as much as you like without extra charge.

GCSE ICT Companion 04 - (C) P Meakin 2004

Method	Description
ADSL Modem and Telephone Line	This method is only available at locations that have a telephone line which is connected to an ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscribe Line) enabled telephone exchange. By connecting an ADSL modem to the computer and the telephone line it is possible to access a WAN through the telephone line and use the telephone to make voice calls at the same time.
Cable Modem and Cable TV	This method is only available at locations that have a connection to a cable TV network. By plugging a cable modem into the computer and the cable TV control box it is possible to access a WAN through the cable TV connection.