CHAPTER 6 Networks and Networking: Linking the World
Broadband Update Consumer broadband connections to the Internet are being installed at breakneck pace. These technologies include fixed wireless access (for example, DirecPC), DSL, and cable modem connections. Generally, fixed wireless access speeds are from 400 Kbps to 600 Kbps. Most current wireless connections are high-speed only for download. DSL and cable modem connections are at least three times that speed and the speed is both ways. Wireless, however, may change in the near future as technology is implemented to permit two-way interactivity. Look for more broadband applications, such as video-on-demand, to be implemented as the number of broadband users increase. It is estimated that 27 million users will have broadband access by 2003.
Cable Modem Technology Breakthrough Consumer broadband connection technology may soon take a leap into hyperspace with Ultraband, an Advent Networks innovation. Though still in the testing phase, industry observers believe that the technology will soon permit 40 Mbps connections, 700 times faster than that permitted by dial-up modem and up to 50 times faster than current cable modem links. Each increase in consumer broadband technology opens new doors for Net-based applications.