FAQ - Broadband
What is broadband?
Broadband technology is the always-open gateway to a new world of Internet services delivered at lightning-fast speeds to homes, offices and businesses. Think of a broadband connection to the Internet as a fat pipeline running into and out of a home or business. In most cases, that pipeline has been laid by a cable, telephone or independent service provider.
How does broadband work?
Digital and fiber-optic technologies are key elements in powering the broadband concept. Digital applications compress vast amounts of voice, video and data information that are broken down into what are called "bits." A broadband pipeline, in turn, can ferry a lot more bits -- they become words, pictures and other components on our computer screens -- than regular cable, telephone or wireless connections. Think of the difference between broadband and dial-up service -- often referred to as "narrowband" -- as the difference between a fire hose and a garden hose.
What kinds of broadband service are there?
- Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), which transforms copper telephone lines into powerful carriers of digital data. DSL uses the same copper wires that carry voice traffic to your telephone to carry high-speed data. Your PC's connection to the DSL network is usually done through a "router," which is placed next to your computer.
- Cable modems, which tap into the same cable TV company lines that deliver TV pictures and sound to your TV set. Modems usually are placed next to your computer.
- Wireless, which is typically made up of on-the-ground, antenna-to-antenna systems, commonly called "fixed-wireless" systems.
- Satellite, which is provided by direct broadcast satellite (DBS) companies like DirecTv and EchoStar, as well as new companies focusing only on Internet connections.
Why do I need broadband service?
Broadband's blazing speed eliminates the so-called "world wide wait" that users encounter with dial-up services. Cable modem, DSL, wireless and satellite connections to the Internet are at least 10 times faster than a dial-up connection made through a 56-kilobits-per-second or 28.8-kbps link. That speedy connection can open up a new world of audio, video and games, among other applications, that can be tedious going using a slow dial-up connection. Web pages that take minutes to summon up with a dial-up connection pop up instantly with a broadband connection. A broadband link also can make such work-oriented chores as accessing databases less frustrating, because you can move from Web site to Web site in a click of the PC's keyboard.
Are there any other kinds of broadband service?
IDC Global also offers ISDN and T-1 and T-3 services that can carry voice, data and Internet-based transmissions. These broadband connections are more popular among businesses than households due to their relative cost and technological complexity.
Are there any other advantages to broadband?
A cable modem or DSL link to the Internet is always on; there's no need to dial in to an Internet service provider (ISP). Simply click on your browser and you're on the Internet. No more waiting, no more busy signals. The fact that the broadband connection is never turned off as long as your PC is on lets you "snack" on information whenever you like.
What's more, cable and DSL users can go online without tying up their telephone lines, which means no more missed calls while surfing the Web.
What's the difference between upstream and downstream speeds?
Information passes between your computer and the Internet in two directions: Upstream and downstream. Info that flows upstream is sent by your computer to the Internet. An example: using a search engine to find directions to a restaurant. After the search engine finds what it's looking for, it sends the results downstream to your computer. Generally, more information is passed downstream. So, for the average user, a fast downstream speed is more critical than a fast upstream speed.
What can broadband do besides give me fast downloads of Web pages and files?
Broadband technology is fostering a new class of consumer- and business-related services such as Internet Protocol-based telephone and video conferencing services; viewer-customized TV feeds; e-mail with audio and video components; and home-networking capabilities. You're also beginning to see more sophisticated online games and distance-learning applications.
How long does it take to install a broadband connection in a business?
The multi-step process is being streamlined every month, but it is still a complex undertaking. From the time we agree to work together to the time your network is up can be as short as a few weeks or as long as several months depending on many factors. We give you a conservative timeframe so you can make reasonable business plans. Regular communication between us will help make sure we get everything accomplished as planned.
Every task requires special attention, but here is the general process:
- Sales process yields a project objective.
- IDC Global Networks technicians review for feasibility, manageability, performance, reliability, and security.
- Agreement is reached and contract signed.
- IDC Global Networks places orders to telecommunication and equipment vendors.
- Equipment is acquired, tested, and pre-installed while circuit provisioning occurs.
- The carrier (e.g. Covad, Cable & Wireless) provisions the circuit(s). This requires admission to your facility
- The circuit(s) is delivered (e.g. Ameritech). You do not typically need to be present.
- The circuit is installed. This required admission to your facility.
- IDC Global Networks tests the connection.
- IDC Global Networks configures routers for Internet and/or WAN connectivity.
- We verify a successful implementation with you.
- IDC Global Networks begins continuous monitoring of your network connections.
How secure is my computer using an always-on Internet connection?
Any connection to the Internet — especially an always-on connection like a DSL — carries the risk that a sophisticated "hacker," or computer thief, could break into your files. It's worth asking your broadband service provider whether you should install a "firewall" — software that keeps out intruders — to protect your computerized information.