Broadband Delivery Basics

Broadband Delivery: The Basics

Internet speeds are measured in megabits per second (mbps). The higher the number of mbps a network can transmit, the faster/better the connection.

DSL (DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER LINE)

Graphic demonstrating DSL

CABLE MODEM

Graphic demonstrating cable modem

Can provide service to areas further away from the central office but...
...Does so with amplifiers mounted on telephone poles which draw power from the electrical grid, increasing its carbon footprint and complicating repairs during storms and/or electrical outages
Provides relatively fast speeds (300 mbps advertised), but...
...Bandwidth is shared so the more people that use it in a neighborhood, the slower it gets, causing problems when people need it most (pandemic/storms/etc)

CELLULAR SERVICE

Graphic demonstrating cellular service

Provides service to wide areas via a cell tower which is connected to the landline network but...
Draws power from the electrical grid, increasing its carbon footprint and complicating repairs during storms/electrical outages
Provides relatively fast speeds (advertised as 4G/5G) but, the greater distance from the cell tower the less reliable the connection and...
...bandwidth is shared by all users connected wirelessly to the cell tower...so speeds get slower as more people connect to that tower, causing problems when people need it most.

FIBER OPTICS TO THE HOME/BUSINESS

Graphic demonstrating fiber optics

Provides the fastest speeds (1000 mbps) available to areas a great distance from the Central office and can handle even faster speeds in the future
Does not need amplifiers on telephone poles to transmit signal...reducing its carbon footprint and simplifying repairs during storms/electrical outages
Bandwidth is dedicated to the home/business, so thousands of people in a neighborhood could use simultaneously without speeds being affected, so...
...speeds are maintained when needed most (pandemic, storms, etc)