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I would like certain concepts to be explained. What is the meaning of ADSL and how does it work? I would like to know about the various types of cable modems and their use. For instance, can I connect two or more computers to a single modem? Also, please tell me which type of cable modem is good for home users and whether there is any program in Windows 98 SE to configure this.

I would like to know if I can make a call when I am on the Net. Also, is there anything like a faster or a slower modem?

I would also like to know the requirements of a system, and the difference between ADSL, cable Net, VSAT and VPN (virtual private networks) connections.

G.S. Vishnu Vikram

ADSL is short for asymmetric digital subscriber line, a new technology that allows more data to be sent over the existing copper telephone lines (POTS).

ADSL requires a special ADSL modem.

ADSL divides up the available frequencies in a line on the assumption that most Internet users look at, or download, much more information than they send, or upload.

Under this assumption, if the connection speed from the Internet to the user is three to four times faster than the connection from the user back to the Internet, then the user will see the most benefit (most of the time).

Types of cable modem: 1) External cable modem 2) Internal cable modem

3) Interactive set-top box.

You can connect two or more computers to a single modem, provided you are using any network device such as a hub or a switch, which has many ports connecting to a number of computers and a single computer acts as a proxy to other computers while connecting to the Internet.

With a DSL or cable modem, you can talk on the phone and browse the Internet.

This is made possible by splitting voice and data using a device called splitter. The network is very secure, because each home has a unique phone line running to the phone company.

Types of home networks

Before we talk about the different types of home networks, let's take a look at some technologies that physically connect your computer with the network through a network device.

There are several physical devices to hook up your system to the network. Some of them are as follows:

Ethernet, which is the most widely-used networking technology.

Universal Serial Bus, which is easier to use than the Ethernet if your computers already have USB ports.

Home Phone Line Networking (HPN), which is useful for connecting computers scattered throughout the house.

Wireless networking products, which are attractive if you want to surf the Web from any room in the house using a laptop.

Power-line home-networking products connect devices using power outlets in your home.

VSAT: (Very Small Aperture Terminal) is a satellite-based communications solution that is ideal for connecting remote locations. Since it bypasses infrastructure from other parties (such as the telephone company) it gives a company complete control over its communications network.

Besides offering the advantage of speed, VSAT networks can carry voice, video and data signals. A VSAT user needs a special dish antenna (with transceiver) that communicates with a satellite transponder.

VPN: Short for virtual private network, it is a network that is constructed by using public wires to connect nodes.

For example, there are a number of systems that enable you to create networks using the Internet as the medium for transporting data.

These systems use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorised users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted.

Cable modem: It is a modem designed to operate over cable TV lines.

Because the coaxial cable used by cable TV provides much greater bandwidth than telephone lines, a cable modem can be used to achieve extremely fast access to the Internet.

Cable bandwidth is a very fast and typically reliable choice for Webcam systems if the upstream speeds are not significantly restricted.

Solution by R. Surya

Please e-mail us at eworld@thehindu.co.in

if you have queries on computer usage or if you find an interesting way of using a computer.

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