Internet Services

BROADBAND

In general, broadband refers to telecommunication in which a wide band of frequencies is available to transmit information. Because a wide band of frequencies is available, information can be multiplexed and sent on many different frequencies or channels within the band concurrently, allowing more information to be transmitted in a given amount of time (much as more lanes on a highway allow more cars to travel on it at the same time). Related terms are wideband (a synonym), baseband (a one-channel band), and narrowband (sometimes meaning just wide enough to carry voice, or simply "not broadband," and sometimes meaning specifically between 50 cps and 64 Kpbs).

ADSL

Asymmetric digital subscriber lines (ADSL) have become a widely available Broadband Internet
access connection, providing a variety of data rates. The connections work by splitting the function
of a phone line into separate channels for voice telephone calls and for data (Internet). Thus, a user
can talk on the phone and be connected to the Internet at the same time.

DIAL-UP INTERNET ACCESS

Dial-up internet is a form of Internet access that uses telephone lines. The user's computer or router uses an attached modem connected to a telephone line to dial into an Internet service provider's (ISP) node to establish a modem-to-modem link, which is then used to route Internet Protocol packets between the user's equipment and hosts. The term was coined during the early days of computer telecommunications when modems were needed to connect terminals or computers running terminal emulator software to mainframes, minicomputers, online services and bulletin board systems via a telephone line.

3G

3G is a medium - there are lots of medium (i.e Cable , DSL , WiMax , etc). 3G allows simultaneous use
of speech and data services and higher data rates (up to 14.0 Mbit/s on the downlink and 5.8 Mbit/s
uplink ).
• Mobile TV - a provider redirects a TV channel directly to the subscriber's phone where it can be
watched.
• Video on demand - a provider sends a movie to the subscriber's phone.
• Video conferencing - subscribers can see as well as talk to each other.
• Tele-medicine - a medical provider monitors or provides advice to the potentially isolated
subscriber.
• Location-based services - a provider sends localized weather or traffic conditions to the phone, or
the phone allows the subscriber to find nearby businesses or friends

EDGE

3G using GPRS...
Edge (EGPRS) is an extended version of GPRS whilst 3G is based on WCDMA (Wideband Code
Division Multiple Access). Totally different technologies. Edge is referred to as 2.5G (not 3G) EDGE
can actually be a stepping stone to 3G... at least on some technologies or on some set-up, it all
depends on how your provider is doing their upgrade path, but definitely the ultimate goal is 3G...

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service is used most commonly for cell phones. You can send and receive
emails using GPRS and browse the Internet. General Packet Radio Service is a radio technology for
GSM networks that adds packet-switching protocols, shorter set-up time for ISP connections. It is a
new non-voice value added service that allows information to be sent and received across a mobile
telephone network. GPRS is NOT related to GPS (Global Positioning System), a similar acronym that
is often used in mobile contexts. Allowing information to be transmitted more quickly, immediately
and efficiently across the mobile network, GPRS may well be a relatively less costly mobile data
service.
GPRS can provide instant connections subject to radio coverage. No dial-up modem connection is
necessary.

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

4G
4G refers to the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. It is a successor to 3G and 2G
standards. The nomenclature of the generations generally refers to a change in the fundamental
nature of the service. The first was the move from analogue to digital (2G), which was followed by
multi-media support (3G) and now 4G, which refers to all IP packet switched networks and increases
in data speed.