1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.