Introduction to Broadband Technologies

1. In a broadband context, what is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous

communications?
Synchronous: The download and upload speed are the same.
Asynchronous: The download and upload speed are not the same.
2. What is latency?
Latency: Not speed. The time between when you send a command and when that command is
acknowledged.
3. From Eli's point of view, what is the difference between business and residential service?
Business class services cost more money, but clients receive better treatment and service than
residential service clients.
4. Explain the difference between a static and a dynamic IP address.
Static IP addresses never change, whereas dynamic IP addresses change every so often.
5. Why might an organization want a static rather than an IP address?
Because it is easier for others to access your internal network and your emails will not get blocked by
the recipients spam filter.
6. Why would an ISP block a particular port?
Because they dont want certain users to access those ports.
7. What is an SLA?
SLA (Service Level Agreement) are contractual agreements that state what the ISP absolutely agrees the
service should be.
8. When would you use a T1 line?
You would use it if you cant get DSL and need stable internet connection/
9. What are two advantages of a T1 line?
T1 has SLA and can go to places DSL and Comcast cables cant go to.
10. What is the primary disadvantage of a T1 line?
Fractional T1 lines.
11. What is the primary advantage of carrier class Ethernet?
It offers SLA, has a wider range of speeds, and has synchronous connection.

12. In wireless networking, what does 'unlimited Internet' mean?

It means you have a limit on how much data you can transfer.
13. In an old building, what could be a problem source concerning DSL service?
A problem source can be old telephone lines that provide poor quality service.
14. With a cable connection, what type of problem could be associated with a trunk line?
If there are too many people, it slows down the service.
15. From a business perspective, what is a potential weakness of Cable?
A potential weakness is there is no SLA and if everyone is using the trunk line, the speed will be slow.
16. What is FIOS?
FIOS is internet connection through fiber optic cables and is very fast.
17. What is the reason that you probably don't want a satellite connection?
You dont want it because it has high latency.