By the end of this session, you will:• Understand the term Bandwidth• Learn of the different ways we can communicate on a network.• Know how we connect to the Internet and what is required.

Bandwidth tells us the rate at which data can be transmitted down the communications line in a given period of time…

FAST BANDWIDTH

SLOW BANDWIDTH

The higher the bandwidth, the quicker the data will flow along the line…

• Web pages loaded quicker.• Multimedia is downloaded faster.• Internet connection is faster.• Less network traffic.• Quicker response time.

There are a number of connection types available to us when we want to access the services from the Internet… Each one has a different BANDWIDTH.PSTN : Public Switched Telephone Network.• Uses traditional telephone system to allow access to the Internet.• Low Bandwidth• Dial Up Connection.

ISDN : Integrated Services Digital Network.• Supports Videoconferencing, faxes and voice applications.• Users still must dial up.• High speed digital transfer.

ADSL : Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.• Is known as ‘Broadband.’• Is permanently switched on, no need for dial up.• Has a high bandwidth.

• Single users can connect to the Internet.• Hardware and Software required.• As well as a PC – Need:

• Internet Service Provider.• ISP Software.• Browser Software. • Telecommunications line e.g. ISDN, ADSL.• Modem/Broadband Modem/ISDN adapter.

To connect up:• Dial up using ISP software.• Modem converts signals from computer so it can travel along communications line to ISP.• ISP provides connection to Internet.