Broadband Internet access

Broadband has 2 dimensions - access mode & speed
Access mode: What sort of Internet connection?
Speed: How fast is Internet?


1) Access mode:

2) Broadband speeds:

• Cable ~ 30Mbps
• DSL ~ 10Mbps 
• BPL ~ 85Mbps  
• Fixed wireless
• Satellite
• Fiber optic ~200Mbps
• T-1 ~100Mbps
• Mobile broadband wireless (WiFi) ~ 100Mbps

3) What is the fastest? Fiber optic

4) What does broadband Internet connection mean?

• A 512K broadband Internet connection is around ten times faster than a 56K dial-up Internet connection. It allows you to view web pages with barely any noticeable delay
• An 8Mb broadband connection allows you to watch TV quality video over the web!
• Any of the broadband speeds will be perfectly good for viewing the majority of web pages. Having to wait a second or two for a page to load is perfectly acceptable

5) Why do we need higher broadband Internet speeds?

• The Internet is not just pages of text and a few images
• Most Internet pages today are multimedia - they contain music, video, animations, games, etc [Isn't multimedia always better?]
• To view music with video, video with audio, animated cartoons with audio, video games with audio, will require higher broadband Internet speeds
• Simulation training programs will also require a certain hardware specification to match the higher speeds

6) What is the best broadband Internet speed desired for most applications?

• A 100Mbps broadband Internet connection is expected today
• The workplace should provide at least 100Mbps throughout the day
• At home, the family expects at least 100Mbps throughout the day
• Internet cafes must also provide at least 100Mbps throughout the day

7) Do we really get 100Mbps as promised? Why?

• No, as speed depends on # of users in an area
• Internet Connection Speed can be 100Mbps but...
• Actual download speeds can be 2Mb only
• When paying $$$$ for Internet, check the DOWNLOAD speeds
• Compare the DOWNLOAD speeds
• Expect slower upload/download speeds in cities vs suburban area

8) Can rural areas expect to get 100Mbps?

• No, as speeds you can buy are determined by providers
• Providers may offer cheap rural broadband at reduced speeds to cut cost
• Can expect BPL at 85Mbps (better than no Internet at all)
• There is BPL at 100Mbps but cost is higher

9) What speed should be provided to schools? 2Mb

10) Rule of Thumb. Summary of recommendations:

• Entry-Level - (256K or 512K) doesn't offer the performance you'll need to be able to get the best out of streaming audio and video. Of course, if you only use the Internet to read web pages and send email, a slower connection may be adequate.
• The Best All-Rounder - For the majority of Internet users, a 1Mb deal will offer the best balance between price and performance.
• Heavy or Shared Usage - A faster connection (2Mb or faster) is probably worth considering if you intend to play a lot of games, or if you intend to share the Internet connection between more than two or three computers at home or in the office. A connection at the higher end of the scale (4Mb upward) will allow you to take advantage of newer trends - such as video and music on demand or Digital Broadband Internet TV.

Sources:
Broadband Internet access. Wikipedia
Broadband Beginner's Guide, UK.