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Not Your Ordinary Communication Provider
 

NETWORK TYPES

  • Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology transmits digital data signals using existing telephone lines. DSL offers relatively lower speeds compared to fiber and cable, with download speeds ranging from a few MBps to around 100 MBps. However, DSL is widely available due to the use of existing telephone lines, even in rural and remote areas.

  • Cable broadband technology transmits data by using coaxial cables. These cables were initially designed for transmitting television signals, but they have been adapted to carry internet data as well. The main advantage of cable broadband is its ability to offer higher speeds compared to DSL, especially in areas where cable infrastructure is well-established. 

  • Fiber optic broadband technology uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as pulses of light. These fibers have the capability to carry large amounts of data with minimal signal loss, making fiber optic technology one of the fastest and most reliable broadband options available.

DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER LINE (DSL)

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) technology transmits digital data signals using existing telephone lines. DSL offers relatively lower speeds compared to fiber and cable, with download speeds ranging from a few MBps to around 100 MBps. However, DSL is widely available due to the use of existing telephone lines, even in rural and remote areas.

CABLE

Cable broadband technology transmits data by using coaxial cables. These cables were initially designed for transmitting television signals, but they have been adapted to carry internet data as well. The main advantage of cable broadband is its ability to offer higher speeds compared to DSL, especially in areas where cable infrastructure is well-established. 

FIBER OPTIC

Fiber optic broadband technology uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as pulses of light. These fibers have the capability to carry large amounts of data with minimal signal loss, making fiber optic technology one of the fastest and most reliable broadband options available.

 

FIBER OPTIC BROADBAND DEPLOYMENT TYPES

FIBER-TO-THE-PREMISES (FTTP) 
Fiber-to-The-Premises (FTTP), also known as Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), delivers fiber-optic cables directly to individual residential homes or businesses. It provides the fastest and most reliable internet connection since the entire connection is made through fiber-optic cables. FTTP also allows for symmetrical upload and download speeds, ensuring optimal performance for data-intensive activities like gaming. 

FIBER-TO-THE-CURB (FTTC)
Fiber-to-The-Curb (FTTC) is similar to FTTN, but fiber-optic cables extend closer to the premises, stopping at the curb or street cabinet. From there, the last connection to the individual premises is made using copper or coaxial cables. 

FIBER-TO-THE-NODE (FTTN)
Fiber-to-The-Node (FTTN), involves running fiber-optic cables up to a neighborhood node or cabinet, and the using existing copper or coaxial cables to connect to the individual premises. The last mile of the connection is achieved using tradition copper or coaxial lines which can impact speed and performance. 

The Role of ONTs and Modems

ONT
An ONT (Optical Network Terminal) acts as a translator in a FTTP network by converting the infrared light pulses from the fiber optic cable into electric/digital signals that can then be understood by the devices on your network. 

MODEMS
A modem (short for modulator-demodulator) used in a DSL/Cable network converts the analog signals transmitted over telephone copper lines or coaxial cable TV lines into electric/digital Ethernet signals that your devices can interpret. This process is often referred to as modulation and demodulation.   

THE ROLE OF A ROUTER

ROUTERS
While ONT and Modems are responsible for establishing a connection between a wireless network and the BSP, a router is responsible for the distribution of internet connectivity across your in-home personal network. Traditionally, a router was used to connect to LAN (local area network) devices through Ethernet cables for wired networking. However, over time, wireless routers have been introduced to enable wireless networking capabilities.

THE ROLE OF A RESIDENTIAL GATEWAY

The Role of a Residential Gateway (RG)
An RG is a comprehensive device that can combine the functions of an ONT, router, and sometimes additional features of Voice over internet (VoIP). The residential gateway acts as a link between a subscriber's local network and the BSP.   

MESH SATELLITES

Mesh Satellites
Imagine you live in a large house with multiple floors and rooms. Traditional Wi-Fi routers may struggle to reach all corners, resulting in weak or no-signal areas commonly known as Wi-Fi “dead zones.” Mesh satellites are devices that connect either wirelessly or via a cable to the residential gateway and act as a network extender, expanding the coverage of your wireless network.

BACK-HAUL & FRONT-HAUL CONNECTIONS

In a network that includes mesh satellites, Back-Haul and Front-Haul Connections are crucial components.


The Back-Haul Connection refers to the link between the main router and the mesh satellite. It carries data between them, ensuring effective communication.

The Front-Haul Connection refers to the links between the mesh satellite and the subscribers' devices. Both Back-Haul and Front-Haul Connections can be either wired or wireless. 

NODE STEERING

Node steering is a concept employed in networks using mesh satellites to optimize the distribution of network traffic. Each mesh satellite or node has the ability to guide a subscriber's devices to the most suitable mesh device. By intelligently steering subscriber devices to the nearest mesh device with the strongest signal, node steering helps to reduce interference and improves the overall performance of the network. 

MULTI-HOPPING

In a wireless mesh network, multi-hopping allows each mesh satellite or node to not only direct data to your wireless device but also forward it through multiple intermediate nodes or satellites to reach its destination. 

For example, if you have a mesh Wi-Fi network with 3 nodes labeled A, B, and C, and your device is located far from node A, Node B or C can act as intermediaries to relay data between the client device and the primary residential gateway.

Multi-hopping technology ensures that even devices in remote areas of your home or office can maintain a strong, stable connection, as data can "hop" through multiple nodes to reach its destination. 

Wi-Fi 

Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to a local area network (LAN) and, optionally, the Internet without the need for physical cables. Wi-Fi uses radio waves to transmit data between devices. 

Wi-Fi radio communication is similar to two-way radio communication. The devices in their respective radio bands use a single radio channel to transmit and receive information. Only one device can transmit at a time. The communication protocol requires both ends of the communication link to acknowledge receipt of the transmitted signal. 

THE ROLE OF WI-FI BANDS

Wi-Fi bands refer to the frequency ranges within which wireless communication takes place. Different Wi-Fi standards operate in specific bands, such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.

  1. FREQUENCY AVAILABILITY

    • Wi-Fi bands provide different frequency options for wireless communication. This helps in reducing interference and signal congestion.

  2. SIGNAL PROPAGATION

    • Each Wi-Fi band has its own unique characteristics regarding signal propagation, coverage ranges, and penetration through obstacles.

COMPARING WI-FI BANDS

2.4 GHz

This band has a longer wavelength, allowing signals to propagate better through obstacles but at a lower data rate. It also may be susceptible to inference from devices like microwaves and cordless phones. 

5 GHz 

This band offers higher data rates but has a shorter range and less penetration through obstacles. It experiences less interference from household devices and is generally preferred for faster wireless connections.

6 GHz 

Due to its less crowded spectrum, the 6 GHz band provides even higher data rates and less congestion, offering improved performance for bandwidth-intensive applications. 

BAND STEERING

Band steering is a technique employed in dual-band Wi-Fi networks to optimize device connectivity. It encourages devices to connect to the most suitable Wi-Fi band automatically. Band steering improves the subscriber Wi-Fi experience by encouraging faster speeds and reduced interference.