The document provides an overview of alternative Internet connection technologies including cellular, WiMAX, and satellite connections. Regarding cellular connections, it notes that 1G only supported voice, 2G added basic data, and 3G enabled true data networking. 4G currently consists of LTE and WiMAX technologies. Cellular signals can be intercepted and exceeding data plans incurs additional costs. WiMAX uses microwave transmissions requiring line of sight between stations, and is usually deployed at the MAN network level as a last mile solution. Satellite connections also use microwave transmissions and satellites in geostationary orbits, but performance can be impacted by weather and latency is high due to signal travel distances.

1. Alternative
Internet
connections.

2. Page 2
Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College
Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications
 PC Hardware
 Network Administration
 IT Project Management
 Network Design
 User Training
 IT Troubleshooting
Qualifications Summary
Education
 M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University
 B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University
Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger
with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues
into efficient and effective solutions.
Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse
workforces, improving processes, analyzing
business needs and creating the solutions
required— with a focus on technology.

3. Page 3
– Cellular Internet connections.
– WiMAX Internet connections.
– Satellite Internet connections.
PACE-IT.

4. Page 4
Alternative Internet connections.

5. Page 5
– The evolution of cellular networking.
» 1G cellular was only capable of voice transmissions.
» 2G cellular added simple data transmission capability (text).
» 3G cellular is the beginning of cellular networking.
• HSPA+ (Evolved High Speed Packet Access): a stopgap
between 3G and 4G; it has download speeds of 3 to 4 Mbps with
uplink speeds of 1 to 2 Mbps.
» 4G is still an emerging technology; it currently consists of LTE and
WiMAX.
» LTE (Long Term Evolution): uses an all-IP based core with high
data rates. It is compatible with 3G and WiMAX and has download
speeds of 7 to 12 Mbps with uplink speeds of 3 to 5 Mbps.
– Considerations on cellular networking.
» Cellular connections can be intercepted (man-in-the-middle attack).
» Using the cellular system for network access usually involves
having to purchase an additional data plan.
• Adds an additional cost to owning a cell phone.
• It’s easy to exceed data plan limits.
Alternative Internet connections.

6. Page 6
Alternative Internet connections.

7. Page 7
– Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave
Access (WiMAX).
» A technology that uses microwave transmissions for networking.
• The microwave stations must have a line of sight between the
stations.
» It is usually deployed at the metropolitan area network (MAN)
level, not at the wide area network (WAN) or local area network
(LAN) level.
» It was initially developed as a last mile alternative for situations
when DSL or cable were not available.
» Offers download speeds of 5 to 6 Mbps with upload speeds of 2
to 3 Mbps.
» Many municipalities are currently exploring the possibility of
developing WiMAX coverage to offer free or inexpensive Internet
connections to their citizens.
– Compatibility with cellular networking.
» It is often considered a type of 4G connection, and WiMAX is
compatible with LTE; however, it is not compatible with 2G or 3G.
Alternative Internet connections.

8. Page 8
Alternative Internet connections.

9. Page 9
– Satellite
» Uses microwave transmissions for over-the-air methods to
transmit voice and data.
• Can be an effective means of extending networks into hard-
to-reach places where other methods of connecting to the
Internet are not cost effective.
» Uses microwave radio relays as its method of transmitting
voice and data through the atmosphere.
• The relay stations must have a line of sight between them.
» Communication satellites form part of the microwave relay
network.
• The satellites are placed in known geostationary orbits and
the terrestrial microwave dishes are pointed at the satellite.
This satisfies the line of sight requirement for microwave
transmissions.
» Satellite connections can be affected by poor weather
conditions.
» Satellite connections tend to suffer from high latency issues.
• The signal needs to travel up to the satellite (typically over
22,000 miles above the Earth) and back down.
Alternative Internet connections.

10. Page 10
Alternative Internet connections.
1G cellular could only handle voice traffic. 2G cellular added simple data
transmissions (text) to the mix. Beginning with 3G, true data networking
became possible. HSPA+ was developed as a stopgap between 3G and 4G
systems. 4G is an emerging technology that currently consists of LTE and
WiMAX. Cellular signals are easy to intercept and it is also fairly easy to
exceed a carrier’s data plan and incur additional costs.
Topic
Cellular Internet connections.
Summary
Because this is a technology that uses microwave transmissions to achieve
network connections, it requires a line of sight between stations. It is usually
deployed at the MAN level of networking. It was initially developed as a last
mile solution when DSL or cable were not available. WiMAX is compatible
with LTE, but not with earlier versions of cellular networking.
WiMAX Internet connections.
A technology that uses microwave transmissions to achieve network
connections (a line of sight is required between relay stations). Satellites
are placed in geostationary orbits above the Earth and the terrestrial
satellite dishes are aimed at them. Satellite based network performance can
be affected by atmospheric conditions and the networks tend to suffer from
latency issues due to the distances involved.
Satellite Internet connections.

11. Page 11
THANK YOU!

12. This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.
Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or
assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including
any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the
information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability
or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training
Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.
PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing
impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call
425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For
any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814.
Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion;
national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran
status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.