Broadband is often called high-speed Internet, because it usually has a high rate of data. In general, any connection to the customer of 256 kbit/s or more is considered broadband Internet.

There are several different Internet connectivity types as xDSL, T1, T3, TV cable, Phone line, Fiber optic, Wireless, Satellite - all of them with ows advantages and disadvantages.

A variety of Internet connectivity solutions are on the market to meet the data needs of your company, SOHO or or just your regular connectivity requirements at home. Macrolevel has the expertise to recommend services from a wide variety of quality service providers like Covad, Verizon, Time Warner Cable, Earthlink, DSLnet, etc. to our existing and upcoming business and residental coustomers.

Always on connection

More than just the practical benefits of a faster connection, broadband can also change the way you approach using the Internet. With a dial-up connection you may consider it a nuisance to log on frequently to look up small items online - for example, using the Yellow Pages to find a phone number. If, instead, you have an always-on, fast connection, these tasks can be completed quickly, with little fuss. This may seem a trivial example, but it demonstrates a change to a more casual approach to Internet usage.

Technology

The standard technology in most areas is DSL, followed by cable modem. Newer technologies for twisted pair phone lines such as VDSL and pushing fiber optic connections closer to the subscriber in both telephone and cable plants are opening up the possibility of higher performance for streaming data, such as audio and video streams. There are now many streaming audio services, and several streaming video services. In a few of the many areas not served by cable or ADSL, community organizations have begun to install Wi-Fi networks.

ISDN is an older telephone data service that can operate at speeds of up to 128 kbit/s. It is therefore not really considered a true form of broadband, but it does have the advantage that it can share an existing phone line, and it has no distance limitations like DSL. When a phone call occurs, some of the bandwidth is allocated to the call, reducing the connection speed. When the call ends, the connection increases speed again. ISDN is a relatively low-cost option for rural users with otherwise terrible dialup access speeds, but it is starting to be phased out and is no longer available in some areas.

Several rural broadband solutions exist, though each has its own pitfalls and limitations. Some choices are better than others, but depend on how proactive the local phone company is about upgrading their rural technology.

Satellite Internet

This broadband connection employs a satellite in geostationary orbit to relay data from the satellite company to each customer. Satellite Internet is usually among the most expensive ways of gaining broadband Internet access, but in rural areas it is often the only viable option. However costs have been coming down in recent times to the point that it is becoming more competitive with other high speed options.

Our role

We are not obligated to one carrier and this keeps us in a position of objectivity and loyalty to you. For companies that have greater data needs, Macrolevel offers advice in choosing T1 to T3, ISDN Direct and Frame Relay services.

Let us find, order, schedule, and manage the installation of the best Internet connectivity solution for your needs. Contact Macrolevel today.

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FAQ
	Question	What is broadband?
	Answer	Simply put, the term 'broadband' refers to Internet access that is faster than 56K dialup. The term broadband refers to any type of transmission technique that carries multiple voice, video or data channels simultaneously over a common wire. It is a large pipeline (much bigger than dial-up connection) that brings information to your home. In this instance, broadband refers to high-speed Internet access using this transmission technique.
	Question	What are benefits of broadband service?
	Answer	Broadband Internet allows you to receive more information quickly and do more on the Internet by giving you: An always-on connection – no busy signals or dial-up frustrations Blazing speed – up to 200 times faster than dial-up (speeds vary by service provider) Streaming audio and video, video conferencing Multiple email accounts Fast video and music downloads The ability to use your Internet connection for cheaper phone and fax services (VoIP) - all over just one cable As the broadband connection speed and bandwidth delivered to end-users increases, the market expects that video on demand services streamed over the Internet will become more popular, though at the present time such services generally require specialised networks. The data rates on most broadband services still do not suffice to provide good quality video, as MPEG-2 quality video requires about 6 Mbit/s for good results. Adequate video for some purposes becomes possible at lower data rates, with rates of 768 kbit/s and 384 kbit/s used for some video conferencing applications. The MPEG-4 format delivers high-quality video at 2 Mbit/s, at the high end of cable modem and ADSL performance.
	Question	What kind of computer do I need for broadband service?
	Answer	Generally you need a computer system with these elements: PC: Pentium 200 MHz processor with Linux or Windows 95 or higher, at least 64 MB of RAM and 200 MB of free disk space Macintosh: Power PC, 100 MHz processor with System 7.5 or higher and 200 MB of free disk space Network interface card and/or USB port Please note that each broadband service provider’s requirements may differ so we will review each company’s specifications using your systems information.
	Question	How long does it take to install a broadband connection in a home?
	Answer	Installation timing varies by service provider and the specific service plan you order. After you sign up for service, there are instructions to contact the service provider so that you can schedule your installation date and time. Whe the equipment arrived at your side, our consultant will perform all installation tasks*.
	Question	What types of broadband service are there?
	Answer	Cable or Cable Modem – The Internet service provided by a cable company. The Internet connection is provided on the same type of cable that you plug into your television for Cable TV service. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) – Transforms copper telephone lines into carriers of digital data. DSL uses the same copper wires that carry voice traffic to your telephone to carry high-speed data. Satellite – One-way high-speed Internet technology that uses satellites orbiting the Earth to transmit data downstream through a satellite dish attached to your home.
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*Corresponding service purchase required. Included in "Broadband availability check and installation assistance" service.