The truth about Aust broadband technologies

What are the different technologies?

ISDN

By most definitions the basic two-channel Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is not really broadband--its bandwidth is generally too low to qualify. ISDN is a set of CCITT/ITU standards for digital transmission over ordinary telephone copper wire as well as over other media. The basic configuration consists of the installation of two copper pair, effectively two phone lines and generally at the same cost of installation. The basic service then provides two B-channels (64Kb data channels), one over each line, for a total of 128Kb, which can be divided into voice and data channels. There is also a third channel called the D-channel that is 16Kbps and is dedicated to control and signalling. Instead of a modem, the user installs what Telstra calls an Onramp adaptor at either end. Other packages are available that provide more B-channels and, consequently, greater bandwidth.

The important thing to note is that ISDN is point-to-point and as a consequence is very secure; it also allows the user to run VPN.

A new flavour called Broadband ISDN (BISDN) will utilise fibre optic and wireless technology and encompass a frame relay service for large bursts of high-speed data. BISDN will support transmission rates from 2Mbps and above.

There are some important factors to remember when considering ISDN. While your monthly line rental is only the same as two phone lines, there is also a capped data charge per month (it is a permanent connection so there are effectively no per-call charges). This capped charge is based on distance and is more expensive in country areas, but can typically start at around AU$440 per month in the city.

Because ISDN is point to point, an ISP cannot just tap into your line--you must set up a dedicated ISDN line that terminates at your ISP, which will levy a monthly charge on top of the capped monthly charge of your carrier.

A final detail to be aware of is that although ISDN connections use a standard RJ-45 connector, if you happen to plug a PC or switch into the connector by accident, the 100V ISDN connection will not be very friendly to your equipment.

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I was sure you couldn't get T1 ...Anonymous -- 25/11/01

I was sure you couldn't get T1 and T3 services in Australia, that it's a US standard, instead we have 2Mb links instead of their 1.54 ?

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yeah daniel, the author obviou ...Anonymous -- 26/11/01

yeah daniel, the author obviously transcribed some part of an US based article about broadband.
We use EUROPEAN standards here on Oz. eg: ISDN is ETSI based (ISDN3) as opposed to the dozens of US IDSN standards.

Also, in Oz, we have E1 (2Mbps) and E3 (45/34Mbps) leased lines.

Also, the only ATM offerings here are:
VBR-RT (Variable Bit Rate - Real Time) and
VBR-NRT (VBR- Non Real Time) and
CBR (Constant Bit Rate).

I'm also surprised that they didn't mention Frame Relay (an EXTREMELY POPULAR service here, and in some cases WAY CHEAPER than leased lines).

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There's a simpler way to calcu ...Anonymous -- 26/11/01

There's a simpler way to calculate if you're ready for broadband or not.
Work out how much money it's costing you per month for your Internet connection. For a lot of people these days, that's a second phone line rental charge plus the cost of the phone calls to the ISP plus the ISP costs. Don't forget, you pay for 1 phone call every time you connect to your ISP and that doesn't take into account those sometimes frequent drop-outs that happen during an Internet session causing a subsequent phone call.
I switched to broadband when the costs per month were about equal. The benefits far outweighed the initial setup cost.
For people with only 1 phone line and relatively frequent Internet use, the cost will be harder to work out but you also have to take into account the hassle of tying up the phone when using the Internet.
Of course, you need to factor in the cost of the cable modem and/or installation charges but I haven't looked back.
Broadband has been a real hit at home.
I've had 4 computers using the net simultaneously using nothing more sophisticated than an Ethernet connection via coax cable and Windows 98SE Internet Connection Sharing...all without any negligible notice in speed degradation.
Oh, and I do heartily agree that you need Firewall software and Anti-Virus software in the broadband world. It's sad but true that this is required judging by the number of hits that Zone Alarm reports on my PC.

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I agree with Al, but the unfor ...Jason Hall -- 27/11/01

I agree with Al, but the unfortunate truth in Australia is that unless your in a capital city (and one of the lucky suberbs at that) cable is but an idle wish. ADSL is useful, but until the price becomes reasonable (and service stable and in more areas) its a joke. ISDN is more expensive than most small / home businesses can afford also.

We can mostly thank Telstra for out great broadband coverage. Thank god I live in the smart country (oops, the government is about to sell that too..).

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JASON UR WRONG. IT MUST BE WHE ...Anonymous -- 02/12/01

JASON UR WRONG.
IT MUST BE WHERE YOU LIVE THAT DELAYS ELECTION NEWS, THE ALP LOST THE ELECTION SO YOU CAN SLEEP EASY TONIGHT, AUSTRALIA WILL NOT BE SOLD AFTER ALL AND WE CAN CONSIDER OURSELVES THE LUCKY COUNTRY AGAIN.

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Malcolm, everything that the g ...Anonymous -- 03/12/01

Malcolm, everything that the government (now in) can lay their greazy hands on will be sold. You have no idea what service in the country is like, otherwise you would also be against the further sale of telstra. Without government ownership, there is two options.

i) High government interference in private enterprise, ensuring telstra keeps up it's commitment to rural australia at high costs, whilst it's competitors take "the cherries" in easy to maintain areas;

ii) all providors must provide to all australians. This will however place the burden of cost onto the user, as has been seen in the electricty market, where it costs upwards of $30,000 to install a basic grid extension of a kilometer for a single user.

So sit down, shut up, hold onto your manager's salary, & get ready for a bumpy ride as the country goes down the toilet, from potentially smart nation, to "you got maney, you can do anything. If your poor, it's your own fault & we wont do **** for you"

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satellite internet Anonymous -- 05/07/08

Just for your info we have just got satellite in rural vic. free hookup because of inability to get cable broadband.we currently get 100mbps speed. however our download content seems to be totally out of control without any music or video downloading. not sure why.either way the speed and quality are ecceptional. Paul

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