Wireless

Wireless broadband can deliver fast access by using radio waves instead of cables or wires to carry signals and data.

WiFi/802.11

WiFi (or Wireless Fidelity) is designed for localised medium range (eg within a building) communication between devices (up to about 90m). WiFi can be used to set up private wireless LANs (local area networks), connecting devices such as computers, printers and scanners. WiFi is also being used to provide public high speed Internet access in locations such as cafes, hotels and airport lounges, providing Internet and corporate access to users who are away from their normal place of work. WiFi is implemented using a credit-card sized wireless PC card, which plugs into your computer and communicates over the airwaves with a local access point. From there information is transmitted via a cable or ADSL link to your Internet service provider.

Wide Area Wireless

A wide area wireless system uses a network of fixed antennas to transmit radio waves that carry data. This network of antennas offers coverage over a much wider area than can be achieved by WiFi. At least two wide area wireless systems are currently being trialed in Sydney. One of these offers mobile computing capability.

Traditional wireless systems broadcast their signal in all directions because the location of a subscriber device is not known. This not only wastes capacity and signal quality, it also generates interference with unintended receivers. A new type of wireless technology currently under development uses smart antennas to direct a signal to its intended receiver. This will improve the capacity, coverage and quality of transmission.

Advantages of Wireless

Some wireless technology allows users the flexibility to physically move while using a device such as a computer.
New nodes can be added to a wireless network.
Wireless can be used in places where it is not possible to run cables or drill holes, such as within historic buildings.
Wireless technology can give users broadband access even when they are away from their office.

Disadvantages of Wireless

Wireless has a relatively high initial outlay, compared to ADSL or cable.
Some wireless technology may require line-of-sight between the transmitting and receiving points. This can be a problem in some areas.
Wireless suffers from potential security risks. As radio waves travel in all directions, anyone within range can access or intercept an unsecured wireless network, be they in the next office, the next building or even out in the street. The wireless market is still at an early stage of development and security measures for wireless networks are being continually updated.
Bandwidth can be limited in a congested network. WiFi shares the airwaves with devices such as microwaves and cordless phones, which can use up valuable bandwidth, or cause interference on occasions.

ISDN

ISDN sends data via a digital phone line to national and international destinations. Its speed and clarity mean you can use it to send and receive text, voice, video and images. Speeds can range from 64kbit/s for fast Internet access using the basic service, up to 2Mbit/s using multiple channels.

Advantages of ISDN

ISDN is a well established, reliable, technology widely used by business.
It provides two voice or data lines.
It is often available in areas where ADSL and cable are not.
If you are involved in uploading large amounts of data ISDN can offer superior speeds for uploading data than ADSL.

Disadvantages of ISDN

A basic ISDN service provides a lower download speed than other broadband technologies.
ISDN can be relatively expensive compared to other broadband technologies, depending on usage.

Optical Fibre

Traditionally fibre optic cable has only been used as the backbone of large networks or for connecting into large corporate offices. However, in today's world, where applications such as videoconferencing and multimedia are demanding ever-increasing speed and bandwidth, some businesses are beginning to turn to optical fibre as the solution for local area networks (LANs), running the fibre directly to the desktop. Fibre to the desk makes even the most advanced software applications available to everyone on a LAN. For example, a main office could have a full videoconference link with its satellites or staff could be provided with real-time video instructions or product demonstrations over the network.

Advantages of Fibre

Optical fibre cables have a much higher bandwidth (i.e. they can carry more data) and can transmit data over longer distances than other types of cable.
Optical fibre can be easier to install than other cable because it is smaller and more flexible.
Optical fibre cables are not affected by noise (electromagnetic interference) and so provide a higher quality of transmission. This also means they can be run along the same routes as electric cables.
Data transmitted over optical fibre cable is very secure. It is not possible to tap the signal being transmitted through a fibre because the fibre does not radiate a magnetic field.

Disadvantages of Fibre

Converting existing hardware and software to use fibre optics can be expensive and time-consuming.
Although fibre optic cable itself is cheaper than coaxial cable, the additional components required for a fibre optic network e.g. transmitters, receivers and connectors, can make it a more expensive option.