Digital Subscriber Lines - Software and Hardware

Digital Subscriber Lines - DSL Information

Software and Hardware

To get the most out of a modem, you should have a communications software package, a program that simplifies the task of transferring data.

Cable modems are devices that attach to the cable TV network connection in a home. This broadband technology is being driven by the cable companies to provide services beyond traditional broadcast cable TV such as Internet access. Along with DSL, it is still in the early stages of development.

There are a number of challenges faced by this industry, including return path capabilities, customer service issues and standards. However, potential bandwidth estimates range upwards of 30Mb/s from the service provider to subscriber. Cable networks are inherently different in design than telephone networks. Cable networks are broadcast oriented, with each subscriber in an area receiving the same signals as all others in that area. DSL is circuit oriented so that each connection is independent of all others. Cable networks require two paths, one for downstream and one for upstream. This requires either a second cable plant for upstream or a second frequency band allocated onto the existing system. If you choose a cable modem, you will see that the speed of your connections will vary. If you have connected with only a few other users at the same time, you will have a larger amount of bandwidth at your disposal. But as the number of users increases (and if they happen to be heavy Internet users downloading a lot of data etc.) you will have to share the bandwidth and will probably see a slowing in speed as a result.

The cable companies watch for large fluctuations in Internet access and will simply add another channel to once again enhance performance. Until that happens the only recourse you have is to try and regulate your Internet use other than the peak hours in your area. Back to a bit of history with the “old telephone service. If you lived in the rural areas of America in the 1950’s you may have had a telephone but you ‘shared’ the line with all your neighbors. It was called a party line and when everyone wanted on the phone you definitely had heavy usage and questionable performance!