WebNow Online Solutions Simplified

We have had many enquiries about ADSL in the past, we have found a very good article written on myBroadband, that explains the terms in detail and keep it quite simple for anyone to understand. We hope that this enlightens you all!

http://mybroadband.co.za/news/adsl/12343-ADSL-jargon-What-you-should-know.html

In the words of Lewis Carroll, then, "let's begin at the beginning"...

ADSL

The abbreviation for asymmetric digital subscriber line. It's sometimes commonly referred to as "DSL" or digital subscriber line. The technology allows for data to be transmitted over conventional copper phone lines at a faster rate than a dialup/voice modem. To do so, it uses frequencies that are not used by a voice call. A splitter (micro-filter) allows users a single telephone connection to be used for an ADSL service as well as voice calls at the same time.
Self-install
"Self-install" is the most popular way of provisioning ADSL. This means you do not have to wait for a Telkom technician to come to your house (this could take weeks), and you save the R543 installation fee. Self-install is a simple process. You order ADSL online, at a Telkom Direct shop, or by calling 10219. Telkom then informs you that you may proceed with the self-installation. You collect your modem at a Telkom store, or have it delivered. Then, it's as simple as connecting the micro-filter to your phone line, connect the cable labelled "line" to the box on your wall and the other end to your ADSL modem. You will then need to verify your DSL connection, and should be up and running within 30 minutes.
Router/modem
A router or modem will allow your computer to transmit data over a standard telephone line. ADSL routers are slightly larger than the old dial-up modems and generally allow for at least four connections (via Ethernet local area network cables). Some routers also offer wireless connectivity, so you're able to connect to it wirelessly in your home.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is simply the data transfer rate: the amount of data that can be carried from one point to another in a given time (usually in one second). Telkom offers ADSL in three speed options: (up to) 384Kbps (kilobits per second), (up to) 512Kbps or (up to) 4 096Kbps (also known as a "4 meg" line, ie, 4 megabits per second). It is also trialling faster ADSL, with speeds of up to 10Mbps reported. Telkom helpfully points out that the "speed indicators are line synchronisation speeds which are dependent on the distance from the exchange and other factors".
Shaped
Shaping refers to the moderation of data on your broadband connection. In other words, certain content is given priority over others. Websites, for example, will be given priority over e-mail being downloaded. If a shaping policy like this is in place, explains MWEB, if you are downloading your e-mail, and surfing the web, you will get to the web page first before your e-mails have completed downloading. Shaping is used to prevent abusers of the service from destroying the experience for others. Traffic using protocols such as proprietary video chat or peer-to-peer file downloads will be "de-prioritised".
Unshaped
An unshaped service has no prioritisation of any traffic. It simply operates on a "first come, first served" basis regardless of which protocol is used.
Contention ratio
A contention ratio is how Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are able to deal with a large amount of users on limited bandwidth. It's described as a measurement of the number of other subscribers you are "contending" with for your share of ADSL bandwidth leading to your local exchange. "For example, the contention ratio as published by Telkom is 20:1, this means that you would share your bandwidth with no more than 20 subscribers on the Telkom Network."
All-inclusive
To use ADSL you need an ISP for data and Telkom for the rental of an ADSL line. Normally you'll pay Telkom and your ISP separately, but many ISPs offer an "all-inclusive" option where you pay a single fee to them. The ISPs are basically "reselling" ADSL connections, and this works out cheaper than paying each separately. However, you will still have to pay for your analogue telephone line rental.
WIMAX
Telkom has confused matters by offering Wimax as an "ADSL replacement" in areas where it does not have copper infrastructure, or where cable theft is rampant.
Wimax is a high-speed wireless access technology, and Telkom offers fixed wireless broadband, which means you are not able to be mobile in the same way you would be with a 3G USB modem. The Telkom offering is an (up to) 512Kbps product, similar to the equivalent ADSL connection.

The confusion with most people regarding the iPad, is why? It can’t make calls, it doesn’t have a camera, it can’t do multi-tasking...it’s a glorified iPod Touch, but housed in a bigger chassis.

YET...this is where the genius of it all comes in to play. If a device has only 3G-and Wi-Fi connectivity, then its only connection to the outside world must be via the Internet (...yes there is a USB dock connection). If it’s only connection is via the Internet, then how do you access external media...iTunes, of course.

Apple is, subtly, driving the destruction of physical media, and implementation of network-delivered media content. Why buy a movie on DVD if you can just download it and play in on an iPad – or use the Dock Connector port to hook it up to your TV.

This follows the same reasoning why iMacs, still today, don’t have an option to have a Blu-Ray drive. I am sure there is some “technical” reason that makes it very tricky to embed in to the iMac casing – but by not providing this feature, Apple are trying to bypass the step of Blu-Ray and drive everyone straight to digital downloads.

That is all well and good, but today’s public networks are just not yet ready to support such heavy data traffic.

The telco’s and network carriers are stuck in a Catch-22: upgrading their networks requires substantial investment – yet, why invest if there is no real demand for high-speed Internet connections. By pushing out wireless devices, Apple is manipulating consumers to create the demand.

Apple’s motive to drive digital downloads is purely traffic and financially motivated (towards iTunes). For the consumer, it means faster bandwidth, at better prices, with larger/unlimited monthly caps. It is a win-win situation for all.

The above scenario then becomes very important to WebNow’s business offerings.

Current network speeds allow generic web and email hosting, with an increased demand for online video. Double the network bandwidth, double range of online possibilities. The range is really to your imagination:

PCs shrink the size of your fist – with the operating system hosted online by Microsoft or Google, with all of your photos on Flickr, music on iTunes, videos at NetFlix. The concept of mass local storage becomes redundant.

All of the family phones, calendars, GPS locations are tracked by an iPad-like tablet, embedded in the front of the fridge door, so you are able to track each family member’s current and future whereabouts by a mere flick of a finger.

Online gaming will become completely mainstream – swap your Xbox 360 and game DVDs for a merely a small network receiver that plugs in to your ADSL router and your TV, alongside a joystick that connects wirelessly to the receiver. All the graphical processing done on the game servers somewhere on the other side of the world.

All of the above examples will need to be created and hosted in redundant data centres across the globe. ISPs and web hosts will play an important role in delivering services across the physical network that the telcos will (hopefully!) put in front of us!