Page 128 - DMGT505_MANAGEMENT_INFORMATION_SYSTEM

Unit 6: Business Networks and Telecommunications

6.7 Internet Networking Services Notes

Both organization and individuals can choose from a variety of options when subscribing to
networking services. Table 6.2 summarizes the major services offered by telecommunications
companies. Note that the bit rates shown are for downstream, which is the speed of receiving
from the network; upstream speeds, the speeds of transmitting into the network, are usually
much lower. Also be aware that these are typical speeds in the United States. They might be
different in other countries. Monthly costs, too are typical but vary from region to region. For
some services such as T1 and T3 companies also offer fractions of the speeds for lower fees.
For most individuals and businesses, a service that provides a much lower transmission rate
(upstream speed) than reception rate (downstream speed) is suitable. This is because they rarely
upload large files to web sites or transmit large amounts of e-mail that must arrive at its
destination in a fraction of a second. However, organizations such as online businesses and
media companies that must upload large files quickly must also have high upstream speeds.
Such organizations may opt for internet communication lines that allows high speeds both
downstream and upstream.

The proliferation of high-speed connection services, also called broadband services, is mainly
the result of businesses and individuals rush to the internet. Some of the services, such as cable,
DSL, and satellite links are offered both to businesses and residences. Others such as T1 and T3
lines and the OC class are offered only to businesses, largely because of their high cost.

Notes Some of the services are actually groups of services that differ in speeds.

Example: Some DSL services designed for businesses provide the same speed downstream
and upstream, while options for households always provide a greater downstream speed than
upstream speed.

Table 6.2: Typical Features of Internet Services
Services Downstream Speed Availability Monthly Fee
Dial-up 56 Kbps Universal $9-11
BPL 3 Mbps Limited Availability $30-40
Cable 0.5-3 Mbps Widespread; available nearly everywhere TV $30-50
cable service is offered
DSL 0.5-8 Mbps More limited than cable, but spreading faster $30-50
speed also depends on distance from telco office
T1, T3 1.544 M, Widespread $300-1,000
44.736 Mbps $3,000-10,000
Satellite 1 Mbps Widespread, practical only with view to the $40-50
southern sky
Fixed Wireless 100 Mbps Limited, but spreading $2,000
Fiber to the Premises 5-30 Mbps Limited, but spreading $30-180
OC-3 155.52 Mbps Limited availability $60,000
OC-12 622.08 Mbps Limited availability Several hundred thousand dollars
OC-48 2.488 Gbps Limited availability Several hundred thousand dollars

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