Competitive Broadband Technologies

At MagePro, we believe it is our obligation as a provider, and your right as a consumer to be aware of the many options you have in selecting a Broadband technology solution to apply to your business. The primary options you have for Broadband Internet access fall into 3 major technology categories - Copper phone lines, Coaxial Cable, and Wireless.

Copper Based Internet Access

Dial-up -- This is the old standby, which operates up to a theoretical limit of 56 Kbps. While inexpensive, it is not a reliable solution for any business due to the constant need to dial-in, busy signals, dropped connections and slow performance.

ISDN -- This can either be a dial-up or static (always on) connection. As dial-up, you have the same problems associated with any dial-in connection. As a static connection it is generally more expensive than DSL. Worst of all, it is limited to a maximum speed of 128 Kbps. This lack of scaleability may soon make ISDN an obsolete technology.

T1 -- This is a dedicated leased line that operates at a maximum speed of 1.5 Mbps - more than 25 times faster than the best dial up connection. Used to connect to the Internet, this highly reliable connection is a great solution that many large businesses have been utilizing for years. The Drawback - Cost. T-1's are expensive to install, and expensive to operate, frequently costing up to $1,000 per month.

DSL -- Originally developed by the phone company to compete with the Cable TV industry, this proven technology is gaining universal application due to its relative low cost, high bandwidth capabilities. DSL is a fully scalable solution with the ability to match your needs with a wide range of speeds from 144 Kbps up to 7 Mbps With prices comparable to ISDN, and performance comparable to T-1, DSL provides an opportunity for businesses of all sizes to affordably carry out their Internet strategies. The major issue with DSL is its distance limitation. Because the data signal is carried over copper wiring, the speeds available drop off as your distance from the phone company central office increases.

Coaxial Based Internet Access

Cable -- While cable is theoretically capable of speeds up to 10 Mbps, the actual speeds achieved with a cable connection vary greatly depending on the number of users logged onto the network at any given time. Because of this "Shared Bandwidth" nature of cable, there can be no assurance that you will receive the speed you need to conduct your business online. Also, sharing bandwidth means that your data is less secure. Finally, while cable has reached many residences nationwide, it still has not penetrated into many of the locations where business operates.

Wireless Internet Access

Fixed Wireless -- Wireless Internet access technologies are primarily based upon radio transmission in both licensed and unlicensed bandwidths. There is yet to be any agreement on inter-operability standards. The primary benefit of Wireless Internet access is its ability to reach into areas that are not able to support DSL due to lack of copper cabling, or distance from the Phone Company C.O.. Additionally since wireless bypasses the local loop, there is no need to involve the Phone Company at installation. On the downside, Wireless is a broadcast technology, with your data broadcast over a wide area, raising security issues. Wireless can also be affected by atmospheric conditions such as rain, snow, and fog. Finally, most wireless is based upon line of sight transmission that can eliminate many locations.

Mobile Wireless -- Not a high-speed solution. This is the technology which allows you some limited access through your phone, PDA, etc.

Satellite -- A newer technology that is good for applications where other technologies are not available such as remote rural areas. Satellite Internet works by some type of land line connection (generally Dial-Up) to send your up-link requests, then downloads are sent over the satellite to your receiver. The limiting factor therefore is the up-link connection.