Broadband 101, an Intro to Broadband Technologies
Prasad Calyam, Research Scientist, OARnet, OSCStan Ahalt, Executive Director, OSCPankaj Shah, Director, OARnet, OSCPaul Schopis, Director of Engineering, OARnet, OSC
Broadband Training28 February 2006 2
Topics of Discussion
What is Broadband? Who provides Broadband? What terminology needs to be understood for
buying Broadband? What can you now buy in the Broadband Market
that was not sold earlier? What are the major Broadband initiatives in Ohio
today? Conclusion
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What is Broadband?
Broadband is usually used to reference “high speed” Internet connections High speed allows quick web surfing, voice and video
communications over the Internet Broadband connections are typically ON all the time
No hassles of “dialing” in to an Internet Service Provider But, you still need a Broadband Provider or Internet
Service Provider (ISP) who can assist you in setting up and maintaining a Broadband connection…
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Who are Broadband Providers? Any one who owns “Fiber” or has access to lots
of it! Telcos, Cable Companies, Holding Companies
E.g. Time Warner, SBC Yahoo DSL, WOW, Qwest, MCI, many others…
Broadband Providers serve two types of services based on who the customer is - Residential User Services
Cable Modem, DSL Modem Business Organization Services
T-1, DS-3, OC-3, OC-12, …
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Where to find Broadband Providers in your Area?
http://www.thelist.com
You can check your local Yellow Pages also… Sponsored by ODOD
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What terminology needs tobe understood for buying Broadband? Broadband Capacities Internet Architecture Stack (4 – Layers)
(Layer 4) End-Application (Layer 3) Internet Protocol (IP) (Layer 2) Local Area Network (LAN) (Layer 1) Physical
Miscellaneous Terms Last-Mile, Dark Fiber, IRUs, Right of Ways and
Municipal Access Agreements (MAA)
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Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
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What terminology needs tobe understood for buying Broadband? Broadband Capacities
Units of Measure Optical Carrier Hierarchy Digital Signal Hierarchy
Internet Architecture Stack (4 – Layers) (Layer 4) End-Application (Layer 3) Internet Protocol (IP) (Layer 2) Local Area Network (LAN) (Layer 1) Physical
Miscellaneous Terms Last-Mile, Dark Fiber, IRUs, Right of Ways and Municipal
Access Agreements (MAA)
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Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Terminology: Broadband Capacities
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Broadband Capacities A Measure of “capacity of the pipe” available to you Expressed in Kbps, Mbps, Gbps, …(See Table -1)
‘bps’ stands for “bits per second” The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has defined a
broadband connection as any rate higher than 1.5 Mbps (i.e. T-1 Line) Even more common method to describe Broadband capacity involves
Optical Carrier (OC) or Digital Signal (DS) hierarchy DS-3 (45 Mbps), OC-1 (52 Mbps), OC-3 (155 Mbps), OC-12 (622
Mbps), OC-48 (2.4 Gbps), OC-192 (10 Gbps), …
Table-1: Base-2 Number System Abbreviations and Sizes for bps prefixes
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Terminology: Broadband Capacities
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Data Quantity Vs Broadband Capacity How fast is 8 Gbps or 8,000 million bits per
second Broadband Capacity? Approximately 1 million one-page essays can be
transferred per second!Or
Approximately 1000 novels worth of data can be transferred per second!
Or The entire “The Matrix” movie can be downloaded in less
than 40 seconds over such a link compared to taking 25 hours for the same movie to be downloaded over a DSL Modem connection (512Kbps) or 250 hours over Dial-up (56Kbps)
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Terminology: Broadband Capacities
Broadband Training28 February 2006 10
What terminology needs tobe understood for buying Broadband? Broadband Capacities Internet Architecture Stack (4 – Layers)
(Layer 4) End-Application Web FTP VoIP H.323 Videoconferencing
(Layer 3) Internet Protocol (IP) (Layer 2) Local Area Network (LAN) (Layer 1) Physical
Miscellaneous Terms Last-Mile, Dark Fiber, IRUs, Right of Ways and Municipal
Access Agreements (MAA)
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Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 4
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
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End-Applications
Web Used to reference the computer infrastructure that allows
browsing information formatted using Hyper-Text Markup Language (HTML)
FTP Stands for “File Transfer Protocol” - It is a technology used for
transferring files over the Internet VoIP
Stands for “Voice over IP” - It is a technology used for transmitting voice signals like a telephone signal on the Internet
H.323 Videoconferencing It is a technology used for interactive conferencing using both
voice and video signals on the Internet
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Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 4
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Broadband Training28 February 2006 12
What terminology needs tobe understood for buying Broadband? Broadband Capacities Internet Architecture Stack (4 – Layers)
(Layer 4) End-Application Web, FTP, VoIP, H.323 Videoconferencing
(Layer 3) Internet Protocol (IP) Router PoP
(Layer 2) Local Area Network (LAN) (Layer 1) Physical
Miscellaneous Terms Last-Mile, Dark Fiber, IRUs, Right of Ways and Municipal
Access Agreements (MAA)
Sponsored by ODODPresented by OSC/OARnet, Whiteboard, and SZD
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 3
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
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IP Network
(E.g. OARnet - Ohio, MERIT - Michigan,…)
(E.g. Time Warner, SBC Yahoo, WOW,…)
(E.g. Internet2 - USA, DANTE - Europe, CANARIE - Canada,…)
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Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 3
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Broadband Training28 February 2006 14
Point of Presence (PoP)
NOTES: 1. Router is a physical device in a network that directs packets to their intended destinations
2. PoP (Point of Presence) is a term used to reference a physical location where telecommunication lines meet
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Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 3
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
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Types and Sizes of Routers
Home Networking Router
10s of $$
Routers for Small/Medium sized Networks
100s-1000s of $$
Router for Large Backbone Networks
> 10,000s of $$
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Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 3
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Broadband Training28 February 2006 16
What terminology needs tobe understood for buying Broadband? Broadband Capacities Internet Architecture Stack (4 – Layers)
(Layer 4) End-Application Web, FTP, VoIP, H.323 Videoconferencing
(Layer 3) Internet Protocol (IP) Router, PoP
(Layer 2) Local Area Network (LAN) Wired (Ethernet)
Fast (FE) GigE
Wireless 802.11b 802.11g
(Layer 1) Physical Miscellaneous Terms
Last-Mile, Dark Fiber, IRUs, Right of Ways and Municipal Access Agreements (MAA)
Sponsored by ODODPresented by OSC/OARnet, Whiteboard, and SZD
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 2
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
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Ethernet LAN
To Local ISP’s IP Network
FE (100Mbps) orGigE (1000Mbps)Co-axial Cables
Optical Fiber Cables
NOTE: 1. Ethernet is a data transfer protocol for Local Area Networks (LANs)
2. IP stands for “Internet Protocol”; This technology gives addresses to electronic packets of information
Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 2
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
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Wireless LAN
Devices (E.g. Printers, Computers) communicate with each other without using wires!
802.11 is an IEEE Standard used by Industry for wireless access 802.11 requires an “Access Point”
On one end it is connected to a wired network and on the other end it interfaces all information to and from the devices to be sent to the wired network
Popular 802.11 Versions: 802.11b (Wi-Fi): Provides 11 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz radio
frequency band Used when relatively lesser number of devices access the wireless network over
shorter distances 802.11g: Provides 20+ Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz radio frequency
band Used when relatively large number of devices access the wireless network over
longer distances
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Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 2
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Broadband Training28 February 2006 19
What terminology needs tobe understood for buying Broadband? Broadband Capacities Internet Architecture Stack (4 – Layers)
(Layer 4) End-Application Web, FTP, VoIP, H.323 Videoconferencing
(Layer 3) Internet Protocol (IP) Router, PoP
(Layer 2) Local Area Network (LAN) Wired (Ethernet): Fast (FE), GigE Wireless: 802.11b, 802.11g
(Layer 1) Physical Fiber: Single-Mode, Multi-Mode Wireless: Satellite Link
Miscellaneous Terms Last-Mile, Dark Fiber, IRUs, Right of Ways and Municipal
Access Agreements (MAA)
Sponsored by ODODPresented by OSC/OARnet, Whiteboard, and SZD
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 1
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
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Optical Fiber
Provides physical connectivity between two ends using light as a communication mechanism
Uses “Total Internal Reflection” principle to propagate light through the fiber
Composed of long and thin strands of pure glass about the diameter of human hair – arranged in bundles
Three significant components: Core – Glass center where light travels Cladding – Material that reflects light back into Core Buffer Coating – Plastic coating that protects
fiber from damage and moisture
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Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 1
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
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Optical Fiber (2): Types
Single-Mode (Yellow Cable; expensive) They have small cores (about 3.5 x 10-4 inches or
9 microns in diameter) and transmit infrared laser light (wavelength = 1,300 to 1,550 nanometers)
Carrier owned fiber used for Wide Area Networks with relatively large distances (20 to 30 miles) before a regenerator is required to go further
Multi-Mode (Orange Cable; inexpensive) They have larger cores (about 2.5 x 10-3 inches or
62.5 microns in diameter) and transmit infrared light (wavelength = 850 to 1,300 nm) from Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Customer owned fiber used for Metropolitan Area Networks with relatively short distances between ends
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Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 1
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Broadband Training28 February 2006 22
Optical Fiber (3): DWDM Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM)
Recent technology in optical transmission that promises dramatic increases in the capacity of a fiber
DWDM technology splits (or combines) a beam of light into multiple colors, or wavelengths, each of which can operate at 10 Gbps
The technology is rapidly advancing with the number of possible wavelengths exceeding 100 per fiber
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Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 1
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
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Optical Equipment
Used to “Relay” light signals between two geographic locations
Different kinds of optical equipment: Optical Transmitter - Produces and encodes the light
signals Encoding involves electrical to optical signal conversion
Optical Fiber - Conducts the light signals over a distance Optical Regenerator - May be necessary to boost the
light signal (for long distances) Optical Receiver - Receives and decodes the light signals
Encoding involves optical to electrical signal conversion
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Terminology: Internet Architecture StackLayer 1
Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Broadband Training28 February 2006 24
What terminology needs tobe understood for buying Broadband? Broadband Capacities Internet Architecture Stack (4 – Layers)
(Layer 4) End-Application Web, FTP, VoIP, H.323 Videoconferencing
(Layer 3) Internet Protocol (IP) Router, PoP
(Layer 2) Local Area Network (LAN) Wired (Ethernet): Fast (FE), GigE Wireless: 802.11b, 802.11g
(Layer 1) Physical Fiber: Single-Mode, Multi-Mode Wireless: Satellite Link
Miscellaneous Terms Last-Mile, Dark Fiber, IRUs, Right of Ways and Municipal
Access Agreements (MAA)
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Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Terminology: Miscellaneous Terms
Broadband Training28 February 2006 25
Last Mile
Refers to the telecommunications technology that connects the customer's home or business office directly to an ISP or Broadband Provider E.g. T-1, Cable Modem, DSL Modem
Getting the “Last Mile” suitably connected is a challenge in rural communities A bad link at this level fails the entire “network
chain” for the end-user!
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Terminology: Miscellaneous Terms
Broadband Training28 February 2006 26
What can you now buy in the Broadband Market that was not sold earlier?
Dark Fiber! “Dark Fiber” term is used to reference unused fiber or fiber that has
not been “lit” to be used by end-applications Dark Fiber when “lit” is dedicated to a single customer
Typically, a number of organizations such as schools, hospitals, businesses and universities get together to fund and build a fiber network
Customer is responsible for attaching telecommunications equipment and lasers to “light” the fiber
Owns, Controls and Maintains the fiber Upfront costs are high to purchase dark fiber; but expected
payback in few months or few years if there is sufficient demand Each institution owns dark fiber based on 20 year IRU (Indefeasible
Right of Use) with Carriers
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Terminology: Miscellaneous Terms
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Right of Way and MunicipalAccess Agreements (MAAs)
Deploying Optical Fiber networks involves entering into legal contracts with both local municipality as well as owners of any existing support structures
Required for cabling space, utility poles, insurance, liability and safety issues
Ensures that your “right of way” is not sold to other party who wishes to place cables
Records and drawings of cable paths should be professionally done and provided to municipality
IRUs cover above issues and annual maintenance expenses
“Right of Way” cost accounts for approximately 5% of the capital cost
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Terminology: Miscellaneous Terms
Broadband Training28 February 2006 28
What terminology needs tobe understood for buying Broadband? Broadband Capacities Internet Architecture Stack (4 – Layers)
(Layer 4) End-Application Web, FTP, VoIP, H.323 Videoconferencing
(Layer 3) Internet Protocol (IP) Router, PoP
(Layer 2) Local Area Network (LAN) Wired (Ethernet): Fast (FE), GigE Wireless: 802.11b, 802.11g
(Layer 1) Physical Fiber: Single-Mode, Multi-Mode Wireless: Satellite Link
Miscellaneous Terms Last-Mile, Dark Fiber, IRUs, Right of Ways and Municipal
Access Agreements (MAA)
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Layer 4End-Application Layer
Layer 3Internet Protocol Layer
Layer 2Local Area Network Layer
Layer 1Physical Layer
Terminology: COMPLETED
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What are the major Broadband initiatives in Ohio today? Third Frontier Network
A dedicated high-speed fiber-optic network linking Ohio colleges and universities with research facilities to promote research and economic development
Over 1,600 miles of fiber has been purchased to create the network backbone in Ohio to connect colleges and universities, K-12 schools, and communities together
Funded by the Ohio Board of Regents and operated by OARnet/Ohio Supercomputer Center
Other Rural Ohio Initiatives
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Third Frontier Network
Broadband Training28 February 2006 31
-TFN PoP -Regen Site -TFN Link - Leased - Proposed - K-12 (All Broadband) -eTech (All Broadband) -Higher Ed (Broadband) - Higher Ed (not Broadband)
TFN: All Sites Connected
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Regional Optical Networks
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Local Examples Galion
Created SCADA fiber network for the municipally owned electric Connects municipal facilities Potentially may:
Offer “free” fibers for economic development purposes Lease fiber pairs to local company for resale purposes to improve local service
offerings Marietta
Utilizing “Smart” traffic fiber system to provide connectivity to wireless radios on traffic poles to create city-wide Wi-Fi network
Currently in trail phase and pursuing additional funding Butler County
Partnered through an RFP to build 96 strand 110 mile fiber network Public/Private partnership Leases 12 strands to Miami University Cincinnati Bell provides maintenance and operations
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References and Links
http://www.webopedia.com Search for Broadband terminology
http://www.howstuffworks.com Description of Routers, Optical Networks,… with
illustrations CANARIE’s FAQ about Dark Fiber These slides are available at -
http://www.osc.edu/research/networking/ppts/broadband101.ppt
http://www.osc.edu/research/networking/PDFs/broadband101.pdf
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Questions / Comments
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