5. Dial-up, cable modems, DSL, fiber, and cellular networks are all used for res

Question

5. Dial-up, cable modems, DSL, fiber, and cellular networks are all used for residential access. For each of these technologies, what is the range of transmission rates they provide? Are these rates shared or dedicated? Is the downstream/upstream symmetric or asymmetric?

6. Describe a situation in which asymmetric upstream/downstream access technology might be desired. When might asymmetric upstream/downstream access be acceptable?

This is for my Technologies Infrastructure and Architecture class.

Explanation / Answer

range of transmission rates && shared or dedicated && symmetric or asymmetric
Dial-up - 56 kbps && shared && asymmetric
cable modems - 1.5 Mbps or more && shared && asymmetric
DSL - 768k to 1.5 Mbps, with speeds as high as 7 Mbps && dedicated && symmetric and asymmetric
fiber - tens or even hundreds of Mbps && dedicated && symmetric
cellular networks -4G can deliver download peak speeds && dedicated && asymmetric
of 100Mbs and upload speeds of 50Mbs

** Symmetrical

Symmetrical connections are ideal when using VoIP solutions, like hosted telephony. Being able to achieve consistent upload and download speeds prevents delays and provides excellent audio quality. Test your speed now!

Examples of symmetrical connections include leased lines, EFM (Ethernet in the First Mile) & EoFTTC (Ethernet over Fibre To The Cabinet). These dedicated, symmetrical connections will give you uncontended access to the Internet, enabling fast data streams at all times in both directions, regardless of usage.

Pros:
Adopt cloud telephony
Transfer large amounts of data
Collaborate online
Access private connection
Excellent support options

** asymmetrical
If you test your Internet speed at home, you will more than likely notice that your upload speeds are only a fraction of the download speeds. This is what is known as an asymmetrical connection.

An asymmetrical connection usually works best in an office environment where you can be flexible with bandwidth. Surprisingly, symmetric connections are not necessarily the most efficient choice in any given situation. When a user is casually browsing the web, for example, they are generally doing a lot more downloading than uploading and do not need symmetrical connectivity.

Examples of asymmetrical connections include traditional ADSL and FTTC. With these types of connections, you can achieve high download speeds, however, upload speeds are limited.

Asymmetrical connections also have the disadvantage of being contended, meaning that your Internet performance is directly linked to the usage levels within your local area.

Pros:
Cost effective solutions
Fast download speeds
Quick installation

It's not a question of which is better, but a question of which is right for your business. If a fast, steady and reliable Internet connection is central to your business success, then, of course, you may want to look into a leased line

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse 5
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.