October 13, 2006 Lenawee PC User Group Meeting Notes

 

The October 13, 2006 LPCUG meeting main topic was “What Happens on the Other Side of the Modem”, and was covered by Paul Slusser, a representative from local internet service provider TC3Net.  He discussed 11 technologies that are available, or evolving to provide home computer access to the internet. This included upload and download speeds, monthly costs, and key features and issues associated with each. Download speeds range from 56kb for dial-up, 3,088 kb for DSL, 6,000 kb for cable, and 1,000 mb for fiber optics which is a new technology. Paul concluded by stating that 300 kb is typically the fastest download speed that web sites make available to transfer their files, etc., and that other popular items such as email are transferred at much slower rates. These factors can help individuals in selecting the most cost effective, appropriate internet access method if multiple options are available in their area.

 

The group also saw a demonstration on the word processing and spreadsheet services now provided free by Google. Users run the software over the internet instead of with software installed on their computers.

 

 

 

 

 

Technology

Download

Upload

Cost/mo.

Comments

T1

1,544 kb

1,544 kb

$800

 

ADSL

3,088 kb

768 kb

$30

 

Cable

6,000 kb

512 kb

$45-50

 

Wireless

2,000 kb

384 kb

$35-50

Some instability issues. Also, impacted by trees, etc.

Electrical

10,000 kb

 

$40

3 mile limitation. Sent over existing lines

Satellite

400 kb

 

$70

Issue: delay time to/ from satellite

Fiber Optics*

1,000 mb

 

$35

2010 availability in limited mkts. (not MI)

ISDN

265 kb

 

---

Rarely used

Dial-up

56 kb

 

$15-30

52.66 kb is best actual speed

Wi-Fi

2-11 mb

 

 

 

Wi-Max

30 mb

 

 

30 miles max distance  from tower

 

* This emerging technology requires multi-billion dollar investments by providers, but offers additional capabilities such as TV, telephone, and remote control of appliances. Transmittal can be significantly impacted by scratches, minor cracks, etc. to the fiber optic cable