Hi-Speed Connection

Everyone wants high-speed Internet access, and for a growing number of
businesses and consumers, nothing less is acceptable. Today's demand for large file transfers, videoconferencing, distance learning, streaming audio and video, e-commerce, and Web serving means that a 56Kbps modem won't cut it -you need broadband!

Unlike a standard modem which carries only a single signal, a broadband
connection carries multiple independent signals, transmitting data, voice,
audio, and video quickly, efficiently, and simultaneously. This guide will cover the two least expensive types of broadband access: Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) and Cable Modems.

Broadband connections are a vast improvement over a modem connection. The advantages and disadvantages are as follows:

Advantages

• DSL comes in multiple speeds to fit your needs.
• Offers simultaneous data and voice capability, allowing you to talk on the phone while sending or receiving data on the same phone line.
• DSL uses your existing telephone line.
• Cable Modem uses the same lines as cable television
• Connects instantly at the click of an icon, eliminating the time spent waiting for call set-up and busy signals.
• Cable Modem and DSL are dedicated digital lines that are instantly available, so you won't be slowed down by heavy traffic while dialing into an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• Data travels on its own dedicated line between your home/business and the DSL gateway, so other online traffic in your neighborhood won't slow you down.

Disadvantages

• Monthly cost of about $35-100
• Installation can range from $0-200
• Not available in all areas
• You must live within a defined radius of your phone company's central office to receive DSL service
• Cable Modem shares the connection with others in your neighborhood (Cable users share a 30Mbps line with approximately 1,000 subscribers in a given geographical area)
• Purchase of additional equipment is necessary if you're sharing more than one computer (not longer than 18,000 feet or about 3.5 miles, though telephone companies have new equipment than can extend this distance)
• Security concerns for Cable Modem are essentially the same as for DSL and satellite connections. Turn off file and printer sharing unless you're using a firewall, either through hardware or software. If you're sharing the connection with other PCs in your building, a firewall will be even more important.

Applications

• High-speed Internet access - download data, graphics, or audio and video files at high speeds.
• Telecommuting - you have virtually the same LAN speed as on-site workers. You can access CSUF network directly with your DSL/cable service as easily as if you were at the office.
• Real-time interactive multimedia, broadcast quality video, video conferencing and video-on-demand.
• Distance learning.

Helpful Links:

Pacific Bell DSL Service (Availability, pricing, & how to order)

Cable Modem / DSL Network Providers

High Speed Test of your broadband connection

Cable Modem or DSL IP sharing software (NAT)

Broadband Tools (get performance, security & utility for connection)

DSL or Cable Modem life (things you can do with high speed)

Hardware needed for your broadband connection (hardware equipment)

Broadband Security

How to share your broadband connection