What is broadband?
Simply put, the term 'broadband' refers to Internet access that is faster than 56K dialup. The term broadband refers to any type of transmission technique that carries multiple voice, video or data channels simultaneously over a common wire. It is a large pipeline (much bigger than dial-up connection) that brings information to your home. In this instance, broadband refers to high-speed Internet access using this transmission technique.
Is broadband Internet service the same as high-speed Internet service?
Broadband and high-speed are interchangeable terms used to refer to the power of the Internet connection you are using.
How does broadband work?
Broadband Internet connects your computer to the Internet via a high-speed cable modem and a fiber-optic cable network. This can also bring you digital telephone and digital television services.
Why should I get broadband service?
If you're new to broadband internet, you may wonder what "broadband" actually means: the term describes any "always on" high speed internet access service. The main type of broadband Internet access technology used in Australia in residential homes and in businesses is ADSL.
ADSL delivers a high speed Internet connection into your home over your existing phone line and requires an ADSL modem to get you online. An ADSL modem is not the same as the modem you might normally use to "dial" into the Internet.
There are many reasons why people are choosing broadband for their homes and businesses:
broadband is faster
The main reason people choose broadband over dialup is because the download speed of a broadband connection can range from 5 to 400 times FASTER than a dial-up connection (56kbps).
Standard broadband is based on a technology called ADSL1 and it allows speeds of up to 8000kbps. ADSL2+ is the technology that allows next generation broadband speeds up to a theoretical maximum of 24,000kbps - true "ultra-fast" broadband.
The faster your Internet speed, the quicker you can:
view websites
view and download photographs emailed from family and friends
download your critical software and anti-virus updates
download movie and MP3 music files
Fans of broadband talk about the freedom of calling a friend real-time to chat about the latest sports results or movie sessions. Because they no longer have to log off their dial-up connection to make the phone call, everything is more convenient and immediate. School assignments are easier too; kids can call their mates from school whilst continuing to navigate around a website - no more disconnecting and reconnecting to make the phone call in between.
All of these types of applications can take minutes (or even hours) on a dialup connection compared to seconds on a fast broadband Internet connection.
broadband is always-on
When your computer is on, you have instant Internet access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No more multiple dialup numbers to remember, and no annoying busy tones, ever.
free up the phone
With broadband, you can continue to surf the Net while still being able to make (or take) phone calls. You no longer have to log off your dial-up connection to make a phone call, everything is more convenient and immediate.
cut your phone bill
With a broadband connection and VoIP enabled ADSL modem, you can start cutting your phone bill by up to 50% with cost saving Voice over the Internet (VoIP) not to mention saving on dialup connection costs.
connect multiple computers
Share your broadband Internet across several computers throughout your home and use it all at once.
the future of entertainment
As well as VoIP, broadband is delivering a new breed of entertainment options including Internet TV and Video on Demand. The days of having to buy music from a CD store are already gone. Very soon the days of driving down to the video store to hire a DVD will be a distant memory. We're talking the entertainment you want, when you want it, access through your TV and a broadband connection.
What types of broadband service are there?
Cable or Cable Modem The Internet service provided by a cable company. The Internet connection is provided on the same type of cable that you plug into your television for Cable TV service.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) Transforms copper telephone lines into carriers of digital data. DSL uses the same copper wires that carry voice traffic to your telephone to carry high-speed data.
Satellite One-way high-speed Internet technology that uses satellites orbiting the Earth to transmit data downstream through a satellite dish attached to your home.
How long does it take to install a broadband connection in a home?
Installation timing varies by service provider and the specific service plan you order. After you sign up for service, there are instructions to contact the service provider so that you can schedule your installation date and time.
What kind of computer do I need?
Generally you need a computer system with these elements:
PC: Pentium 133 MHz processor with Windows 95 or higher, at least 64 MB of RAM and 200 MB of free disk space
Macintosh: Power PC, 75 MHz processor with System 7.5 or higher and 200 MB of free disk space
Please note that each broadband service providers requirements may differ so review each companys specifications before placing an order.
What is ADSL?
ADSL stands for 'Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line'. It provides high speed, always-on access to the Internet from your home or business telephone line,.
By sending digital signals over the telephone line, it provides broadband Internet access without interrupting your normal (and concurrent) use of the telephone line for placing and receiving phone calls.
It provides an effective way to provide Internet access in a variety of situations, without the complications of configuring and operating a modem. It has a number of technical advantages compared to accessing the Internet via a dialup modem or other means.
The 'Asymmetric' part of these services is related to their data transfer speed, which is slower on the 'upload' (to the Internet) direction than it is on the download (from the Internet) direction.
This is similar to a 56k modem, which is only 'fast' in the download direction, and slower uploading.
Most other commonly available data services (such as Telstra leased lines, ISDN and Agile broadband services) are Symmetric - meaning that the upload and download speeds are the same.
(Internode has a symmetric option for DSL as well, which offers a 512 kilobit per second transfer rate in both the upload and download directions - it is actually an ADSL service where the upload and download speeds are the same..!)
How fast is ADSL?
You have a choice of access speeds with ADSL:
256k/64k
Which means that your peak download speed is 256 kilobits per second, and your peak upload speed (back to the Internet) is 64 kilobits per second.This speed is only recommended for the most basic of Broadband Internet applications, for example basic web browsing and email. Internode do not recommend, nor support this speed for using Voice over IP.
512k/128k
Which means that your peak download speed is 512 kilobits per second, and your peak upload speed (back to the Internet) is 128 kilobits per second.This is our recommended entry level speed for Broadband ADSL. Voice over IP can be used on this speed, however customers should take care not to generate too much traffic whilst using Voice over IP, or conversation quality may be impeded.
1500k/256k
Which means that your peak download speed is 1500 kilobits per second (or 1.5 Megabits per second), and your peak upload speed is 256 kilobits per second.This is the speed that we recommend for general Internet use. 1500/256 provides enough bandwidth for general day-to-day Internet usage and Voice over IP.
What are the limitations of ADSL?
Nothing is perfect, and ADSL is no exception.There are a number of technical limitations and issues to be aware of when contemplating an ADSL connection to the Internet:
ADSL is not available on all phone services
Some design aspects of the Telstra copper line network mean that some locations cannot support an ADSL service - even if your exchange is nominally 'ADSL enabled'. These Telstra network limitations are beyond our control.Agile data services or ISDN are great alternatives in many situations where ADSL can not be delivered.
ADSL is not a guaranteed bandwidth service
Unlike conventional leased line services, the achieved performance of the ADSL network is not guaranteed.Telstra's copper line network architecture, and the manner in which ADSL data is moved around the city, mean that network congestion is possible in your line at some times. The speeds quoted for ADSL services are theoretical maximum rates.Performance of the network may vary by time of day or may decrease over time due to increased network interference in the Telstra copper line network.
ADSL is only fast in one direction
The asymmetric transfer rates provided by ADSL are designed to optimise the speed of Internet downloads. As a consequence, the upload speed on ADSL is far slower. This means that ADSL is often unsuitable for situations where you intend to upload (or serve) large quantities of data from your location back out into the Internet.
ADSL is less reliable than dedicated broadband links
Because ADSL runs over the copper voice telephone network, ADSL achieves a lower reliability level than a business oriented leased line connection.
If an ADSL connection fails, it may take some time to restore.
Telstra reserve the option to 'modernise' their network at any time, which may result in an ADSL service becoming permanently unavailable on your line.
Telstra will not guarantee the long term provision of ADSL and may withdraw the service permanently from being available over the copper line network in some or all locations
How fast is Broadband?
It varies considerably depending on where you're downloading from, but if we talk maximum speeds compared to dial-up -
56kbs Dial-up (up to around 5-7 kBytes/Sec)
256kbs ADSL (up to around 28 Kbytes/Sec)
512kbs ADSL (up to around 50 Kbytes/Sec)
1500kbs ADSL (up to around 150 Kbytes/Sec)
Uncapped Cable (can go up to around 1100 Kbytes/Sec), but it varies a lot. Those sort of speeds you often get from local servers, Windows Update etc while with some servers you still might be lucky breaking 10 Kbytes/Sec. It varies quite a bit also from person to person depending on how many people are connected to the local "node", but generally with Cable if you're not getting at least 150-300 Kbytes/Sec from most sites then you've probably got a problem.
Which is better, Cable, ADSL or Satellite?
Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but not too many people would have a choice and would have to go with whatever they could get anyway.
Cable
The good:
Faster than ADSL & satellite, very reliable and quite often cheaper (depending on the plan requirements).
The bad:
Installation requires running cables which may (or may not) impact on the aesthetics of the building.
ADSL
The good:
Fairly extensive coverage
Works through an existing phone socket so additional cabling will generally not be required
Lots of market competition so the range of plans and price options is huge.
The bad:
Phone lines through PABX systems and back to base alarms will involve fitting of a central filter which will generally involve some additional cabling.
Limited to within around 4km of an ADSL enabled exchange.
Not compatible with poor quality phone lines ("transmission loss too high" faults)
Satellite
The good:
Coverage in regional areas.
The bad:
Can be fairly "laggy" (response times). eg Web browsing over satellite will take a few seconds to find the web page but then will load it fairly quickly, compared to dial-up where the web page will be found fairly quickly but then takes a while to load. Sharing satellite between multiple PCs is best achieved using a Proxy Server rather than a NAT solution. Online Gamers will often be worse off with ping times on satellite than they were with dial-up.
Routers for Internet Sharing and Security are hideously expensive.
One way satellite uses a dial-up modem to send traffic back so upload speeds are slow. Two way satellite plans are fairly expensive.
How do I share a Broadband connection on a Network?
There are three basic methods with various advantages and disadvantages.
1. Proxy Server. This involves setting up a PC to act as a Gateway to the rest of the LAN using proxy software like Wingate, proxy plus, AnalogX proxy etc. There are dozens to choose from. See Practically Networked for stacks of Free Proxy software. They range from the small, simple and free AnalogX application to more advanced ones with features like logging what everyone's been up to on the net and various other rules and permissions.
2. Network Address Translation. Physically the same to set up as above but different in how it works. Common NAT applications include Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing (built into all Windows Operating Systems since 98 SE), Sygate and Winroute.
3. Routers. A router is fairly inexpensive and the ultimate pain-free solution for sharing a Broadband Internet connection. The beauty of these things is, you plug the modem into one side of it and your LAN into the other and it takes care of all the logging in to the ISP, sharing the connection to a Local Area Network and securing you from Hackers.
See the hardware page to find out more about Routers.
What's the easiest and cheapest way to share Broadband Internet on my PC Network?
AnalogX Proxy is nice, small, simple and free and it comes with all the installation instructions you should need, but there is a potential security risk in that it opens some ports by default which may not need to be opened.
To work around this you'll need to take some precautions.
Right click the icon in the system tray and select "configure".
Switch off all ports except http.
Use only Hotmail in Outlook Express on the client PCs.
Install a Firewall that allows you to block ports and not just allow or deny by application.
What is a line filter?
A Line filter needs to be fitted on each telephone or other device that uses the same line as the ADSL service. They can go anywhere in between the socket and the phone itself but should not be fitted in between the ADSL modem and socket.
Line Filters prevent you hearing the screeching and buzzing noises that the ADSL modem makes, so you can use the line for normal voice etc whilst on-line with ADSL.
They also prevent other devices from interfering with the ADSL signal. If you find your ADSL modem can't achieve a "Line Sync" or drops out when the phone rings and other strange behaviour, then one or more of your phones is either not filtered or has an inadequate filter. (Some brands are better than others in some situations).
Line Filters come in a few different shapes and sizes to suit different situations including special models to fit wall phone sockets.
Note:
Unused phone sockets (that don't have a device plugged into them) do not need filters.
Line filters only work in one direction. If you fit them backwards they won't work properly and can also interfere with the ADSL signal.
If you have two or more phones (or a phone and fax, or separate answering machine etc) plugged into a double adapter into a single socket then you can share a single filter by installing the fitler in between the socket and double adapter.
What is a line splitter?
A Line Splitter is kind of an ambiguous term as it implies a central position for the filter in a wiring system, but it actually just splits a single socket and normal filters will still need to be fitted on other sockets on the same line.
The Telequip DSL008 at my online shop is a purpose built line splitter, but a DIY splitter can be achieved with a normal Line Filter and a Double Adaptor as follows -
Note: A second double adaptor can be fitted between the filter and phone in the diagram above for several phones or other devices to share one filter.
What is a Central Filter?
Some situations require that a filter is placed in a central location in a building's wiring before it gets to any other devices. These situations are -
when the ADSL line is also on a PABX service
where a mode 3 Alarm Socket for a back to base Alarm system is present on the ADSL line
where any hardwired devices like ringers and antique phones exist on the ADSL line
where there are more than four sockets in use using the ADSL line on a premises (This one may be more economics than anything else, but having too many filters in the system may adversely affect modem performance.)
What's a CMUX?
A CMUX, "Customer Multiplexor" also known as a DSLAM, is the physical device at the Telephone Exchange responsible for inputting the digital ADSL signal into the copper line pair that runs to your house.
The jumper block (where all the copper wires plug into) has an input side and an output side and these are identical to look at, so one of the most common faults that occur on new ADSL connections is where these have been jumpered in reverse. This will allow the voice part of the line to work perfectly but the ADSL modem will not achieve a "line sync".
What is VPI & VCI?
VPI (Virtual Path Identifier) and VCI (Virtual Channel Identifier) are technical terms that define the way that data is transferred via ADSL connections.
These values need to be known when configuring an ADSL modem, but the majority of ISPs use VPI of 8 and VCI of 35. These are usually mentioned in the ISP's FAQs.
What is PPPoE?
PPPoE is the most common of several ADSL connection types. PPPoE stands for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet. ie a PPP process similar to dial-up, but using Ethernet as the vehicle rather than a dial-up modem. Just about any modem or Router I can name supports PPPoE and also software applications like Enternet, RASPPPoE & WinPoet.
What is PPPoA?
Point-to-Point Protocol over ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode). Much the same as PPPoE as far as the end user is concerned, but using the ATM interface type rather than Ethernet.
Most Routers with built-in ADSL modems have the option to use a PPPoA connection type and handle all this for you.
James Mollison's page goes into detail on these various protocols.
What is IPoA?
Internet Protocol over ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode).
Also called "Classical IPoA" it is yet another ADSL connection type sometimes referred to as a "routed" connection.
People specifying this service from their ISP will need a Modem/Router combo unit that can support it (most do). Those intending to utilise a Linux Server or other Router, should ask for a Bridged service.
What is bridged Ethernet?
Similar to IPoA but in this case will work with a standard modem with another Router or Server behind it.
What is RFC1483?
RFC stands for a "Request For Comments" and is made by the Internet Engineering Task Force where an Industry Standard needs to be drafted for an Internet related issue. The final version of the RFC becomes the standard and can't be altered. (Although it can be superseded by a subsequent RFC). RFC1483 is a standardising of the ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) protocol.
Should I choose a bridged or routed connection?
Some ISPs like TPG give the choice of a "bridged" or "routed" connection and it basically comes down to your choice of equipment -
Go for a bridged connection if you're planning to use the connection with an existing Router or Server with a (bridged) modem, and the routed connection if you plan to use an ADSL modem/router combo unit. (Make sure that it supports IPoA first).
Which is better - USB, PCI or Ethernet modems?
Definitely Ethernet in my opinion. USB & PCI ADSL modems use system resources and often have driver issues or can be just plain painful to use & configure and are fairly dreary indeed if you plan on sharing the Internet connection between 2 or more PCs or to make Wireless.
Can ADSL work on Linux and FreeBSD?
ADSL uses a PPPoE (Point to Point over Ethernet) connection. All that is needed for Linux then, is a PPPoE login client. Most recent distros have one included but Roaring Penguin has one if you're stuck.
Checkout the BigPond Broadband.Linux newsgroup to talk to other ADSL Linux users.
Becsta has written a step by step guide.
Paul Hoadley has a FreeBSD and BigPond ADSL walk through.
See also Daemon News.
How do I send a Fax via my ADSL service?
Well, you can't. At least not in the normal manner. Faxing requires an Analogue line with a dial tone. Whereas ADSL is a digital service that piggy backs over your copper phone line using it as a medium. It is entirely separate to the telephone service and can't dial out or in as such.
The only option here is to either plug a 56k modem for this (it can work on the same line at the same time with a line filter) or use one of the many Internet to Fax services available.
