Broadband

What is broadband?

Broadband is a commonly used term that can be used with different types of Internet connections. Broadband is mainly referred to with Internet connections over fibre optic cables rather than telephone lines. In terms of telecommunication broadband means a variety of different available frequencies, that are able to transmit data. In short it means the wider the range of frequencies, the higher the amount of information that can be sent at any time.

What are some methods of delivery of broadband? And what are their speeds?

• Wireless - Just like wireless phones can transmit data from one to another, wireless broadband works the same way. As it is a new type of technology and has great availability it has become more widespread, though not popular. The speeds of wireless broadband vary but most will find speeds from about 128 Kbps to around 2 Mbps, for downloading data. As technology is constantly being improved, there is no doubt that the speeds will increase too.
• Cable - those with cable televisions will understand, that such TVs require TV signals that run through cables from the cable company until it reaches their homes. Well, cabled Internet broadband works in a very similar way and runs via those pre-existing cables. The speeds of cable broadband also vary but most will find speeds from around 2 Mbps to over 8 Mbps. With cable broadband, download speeds are much more faster than that of uploading speeds.
• ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) - For both commercial and residential Internet users, ADSL is a popular form of broadband. In most cases, anyone with a normal phone can purchase ADSL connections from their phone providers. ADSL works via the normal phone lines. Speeds will vary for ADSL connections as well, but most will find that when downloading data ,speeds can be from 128 Kbps to over 5 Mbps. In terms of uploading, speeds are much slower from around 56 K to 1 or 2 Mbps (depending on the structure). ADSL connections are usually marketed as DSL in stores, to make it sound less confusing and more compact.
• Fibre - this form of broadband, basically a system of communication that is based on light travelling through glass fibres, with minimal over long distances, with hardly any loss or interference. It is one of the most fastest types of broadband connections, with speeds of 2 Mbps to around 100 Mbps.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method?

Wireless
Advantages:

• It can be accessible almost everywhere, users are not restricted to using it at home or work.
• there is no need to contact a phone line or pay for line rental
• It is fairly easy to set up and usually has low start up costs. Only wireless broadband modems are needed, these are often provided free of charge on a contract.
• There are no relocation charges included
• no network cables/wires are needed
• there are many devices that can use wireless broadband technology

Disadvantages:

• Monthly charges may be more expensive than the average of ADSL broadband
• Coverage and reliability may be an issue in some areas.
• There are often high excess charges
• Other Internet users in the area, can access and use another persons wireless connection
• Wireless signals transmitted from one room to another, may be blocked by thick walls or 'dead' spots around the building.

Cable
Pros:

• Does not require a phone line meaning Internet access is always possible
• It is faster than other broadband connections such as wireless and ADSL
• Supports heavy data activities such as online gaming

Cons:

• The speed of cabled Internet depends on how many people in the area are also using the Internet, the more Internet users in the on area the slower the Internet will be.
• The initial connection can be expensive
• Not all areas can access cable Internet
• It may be a wasted expense for those who do not use the Internet often.

ADSL

The good:

• Does not need a cabled modem
• it is convenient
• has fast connection speeds
• ADSL also has a big data usage limit
• Users can be connected all the time
• some Phones can be used while on the Internet

The not-so good:

• Rural customers may have difficulty connecting to the service
• If other users are on at the same time, they're using the same band-with as you, this means that Internet connections may be slower
• uploading speeds are much slower than that of downloading  

Fibre
Advantages:

• It's fast
• Multiply things can be done in one building, E.g whilst at home one person can be on the phone while another is one the Internet
• Fibre broadband allows a high data capacity rate
• Can transmit signals over long distances

Disadvantages:

• Consumer availability, as in most cases fibre optic broadband will be quite expensive, this leads to more people purchasing wireless broadband
• if cables are bent, signals will be lost and only light will be transmitted, the cost to repair these broken optic fibres is usually quite expensive.
• The fibre cables can not be stored above ground on telegraph poles or underground in trenches, because there is no practical way of protecting the cables from bending

Examples of some broadband providers and their costs.



BigPond's plans:

ADSL/Cable Turbo

Plan Name	Usage Allowance	Plan term	Cost per month (with Big pond Multiple Product Benefit)
Big Pond Turbo 2GB Liberty	2GB (Then slowed to 64kbps)	24 months	From  $9.95

ADSL/Cable Elite

Plan Name	Usage Allowance	Plan term	Cost per month (with Big pond Multiple Product Benefit)
Big Pond Elite 2GB Liberty	2GB (Then slowed to 64kbps)	24 months	From  $19.95
Big Pond Elite 50Gb Liberty	50GB (Then slowed to 64kbps)	24 months	From  $49.95
Big Pond Elite 200Gb Liberty	200GB (Then slowed to 64kbps)	24 months	From  $69.95



Optus Plans (examples from each category)

Naked broadband: An example of a naked broadband plan from Optus would be the 24 month plan for 120GB. Customers will have to pay around $59.99 per month. Plan includes a standard modem.

Premium Speed Broadband + Home Phone: An example for this plan would be for a 24 month plan of 120GB. Customers will have to pay around $84.94 per month.

Month to Month plan: An example for this plan would be for a 24 month plan of 120GB. Customers will have to pay around $89.94 per month.

iiNet Plans (examples)

Plan Name	Usage Allowance (peak +off-peak)	Cost per month
ADSL2+home-1	10GB+10GB	$29.95
ADSL2+ Home-2	100GB + 100GB	$49.95
ADSL1 Home-1	5GB + 5GB	$34.95

National Broadband Network (NBN)

What is the National Broadband Network (NBN)?

The NBN project is an Australian Government initiative which will deliver high speed broadband to all Australians. The NBN is basically a new, wholesale-only, opened access, high-speed broadband network.

What is the expected speed?

 The NBN will be connected to 93% of areas through fibre optic technology, which will be capable of providing speeds of up to 1 GB per second. The remaining areas will received NBN signals through either wireless systems or satellite technology, both of which will provide peak speeds of at least 12 MB per second.

What is the expected cost?

The expected price, for all types of broadband connections, is around $24 per month, across all types of technologies.

Should Australians invest in the NBN?

Personally i think Australia citizens should invest in the NBN. One reason why i think this is because, the NBN, provides a fast speeds to all users for a cheaper price than the other types of broadband. The NBN also works across a variety of different technologies making it so much more convenient. The NBN is also expected use fairly safe, simple and popular ways to transmit signals to its customers, which in my opinion is a bonus.