Internet connections

Question 1

Cable Modems

Wide Area Network (WAN) Technologies

Answer 1

Purpose: Converts cable TV signals into internet connectivity.
Common Features: Integrated with routers, switches, and wireless access points.
Uses: Residential and small office internet.

Question 2

Fiber Modems

Wide Area Network (WAN) Technologies

Answer 2

Purpose: Handles high-speed fiber optic internet connections.
Components: Often uses a media converter to transition from fiber to copper (e.g., Cat6) for internal networks.
Use Case: High-speed internet for offices and homes (e.g., Verizon Fios).

Question 3

Satellite Modems

Wide Area Network (WAN) Technologies

Answer 3

Purpose: Provides internet in remote areas via communication satellites.

Key Features:
-Uses coaxial cable to connect to the satellite dish.
-Outputs internet via RJ45 (Cat6).

Advantages: Global coverage, suitable for rural areas.

Disadvantages: High latency (~500 ms) and higher cost.

Question 4

Cellular Hotspots

Wide Area Network (WAN) Technologies

Answer 4

Purpose: Connects to the internet using cellular data and shares it as a wireless network.
Key Features: Portable, supports multiple devices.
Common Networks: 4G, LTE, 5G.

Question 5

Microwave Technology

Wireless Communication Technologies

Answer 5

Frequency Range: 300 MHz to 300 GHz (UHF, SHF, EHF).
Purpose: Point-to-point communication, often used in campus networks.
Speed: Up to 1 Gbps.
Requirement: Line of sight between antennas (max ~40 miles).
Common Use Cases:
Connecting buildings in a campus or business park.
Rural internet solutions.

Question 6

WiMAX

Wireless Communication Technologies

Answer 6

Standard: IEEE 802.16.
Purpose: Wireless internet via microwave technology.
Speed: Comparable to 4G LTE.
Use Cases: Previously used for direct-to-consumer internet but now less common due to advancements in 4G/5G

Question 7

Cellular Technologies
Generations

Cellular Technologies

Answer 7

2G: Digital communication, SMS, and basic internet (14.4–64 kbps).
3G: Faster internet with technologies like WCDMA, HSPA (up to 50 Mbps).
4G LTE: High-speed internet (up to 100 Mbps mobile; 1 Gbps stationary).
LTE-A: Improved 4G with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
5G: Advanced internet with low latency (~30 ms) and speeds up to 10 Gbps.

Question 8

5G Frequency Band

Cellular Technologies

Answer 8

Low Band: 600–850 MHz (30–250 Mbps, wide coverage).
Mid Band: 2.5–3.7 GHz (100–900 Mbps, balanced coverage/speed).
High Band: 25–39 GHz (up to 10 Gbps, short-range).

Question 9

Satellite Internet

Answer 9

• Geosynchronous Satellites
• Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites

Question 10

Geosynchronous Satellites:

Answer 10

Location: ~22,000 miles from Earth.
Advantages: Covers large areas.
Disadvantages: High latency (~500 ms).

Question 11

Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites

Answer 11

Location: ~340 miles from Earth.
Example: SpaceX Starlink.
Advantages: Lower latency (~30–35 ms), faster speeds.
Disadvantages: Smaller coverage area per satellite, requires many satellites.

Question 12

Media Converter

Key Components

Answer 12

Purpose: Converts signals between different physical media (e.g., fiber to copper).
Use Case: Common in fiber networks to integrate with Ethernet.

Question 13

Optical Network Terminal (ONT)

Answer 13

• Purpose: Converts fiber optic signals to electrical signals.
• Use Case: Used in Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) installations