VirtualMV/Internet and Web/Broadband/Content

Overview

By the end of this page you will be able to: Define the term broadband Describe broadband hardware List typical broadband speeds Describe the types and sizes of different files commonly downloaded.

Defined

A data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional voiceband modem can provide.

• 2012: UFB in your neighbourhood http://www.chorus.co.nz/in-your-neighbourhood
  • See video at bottom of page

Hardware

DLink DSL-G604T Wireless ADSL Router

Speed

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)

• ADSL: Max rate: Downstream: 8 Mbps, Upstream: 1 Mbps
• ADSL2: Max rate: Downstream: 12 Mbps, Upstream: 1.5 Mbps
• ADSL2+: Max rate: Downstream: 24 Mbps, Upstream: 3 Mbps (Thomson TG585, 2007)
  • Telecom (2008) ADSL2+ offers maximum download speeds of up to 24Mbps and maximum upload speeds of up to 1.0Mbps.

Some ADSL routers provide Wireless capability: e.g. Wi-Fi 802.11g allows data transfer of 54Mbps (Thomson TG585, 2007)

Usage

1GB of online activity is equal to

• 200,000 text-only emails
• 8,300 average web pages
• 200 music files (3 minute tracks)
• 50 hours Online games
• 32 three-minute movie trailers
• 1 movie (saved as DivX or WMV around 640MB)

• You can install an addin to Firefox that monitors your net usage (Net Usage Item, n.d.)