The document discusses broadband internet options available in the Blackrock area. It describes the main types of broadband technologies as DSL, cable modem, fiber, and wireless. The major providers in the area are Eircom and UPC. Eircom provides broadband via fiber optic cables while UPC uses coaxial cables. A newer option is WiMax, which provides broadband via 4G wireless technology without line rental fees. The document outlines the speed and data options available from each provider, with prices ranging from €39-€65 per month. It determines that UPC would best suit the needs as it offers both broadband and phone services at competitive prices and speeds.

1. Broadband CA 1
Andrew Hickey
DL242.4

2. Who are the providers in my area
(Blackrock)

3. What is broadband??
.Broadband - refers to high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than the
traditional dial-up access.
. What types of broadband are available?
1) DSL - Direct Subscriber Line- DSL is a wireline transmission technology that transmits data faster over traditional
copper telephone lines already installed to homes and businesses. DSL-based broadband provides transmission speeds
ranging from several hundred Kbps to millions of bits per second (Mbps).
2) Cable modem - Cable modem service enables cable operators to provide broadband using the same coaxial cables
that deliver pictures and sound to your TV set.
3) Fiber power - Fiber optic technology converts electrical signals carrying data to light and sends the light through
transparent glass fibers about the diameter of a human hair. Fiber transmits data at speeds far exceeding current DSL or
cable modem speeds, typically by tens or even hundreds of Mbps.
4) Wireless - Wireless broadband connects a home or business to the Internet using a radio link between the customer’s
location and the service provider’s facility.
. Wireless broadband can be mobile or fixed.Wireless technologies using longer-range directional equipment provide
broadband service in remote or sparsely populated areas where DSL or cable modem service would be costly to provide.
. Speeds are generally comparable to DSL and cable modem. An external antenna is usually required.

4. What type of telecom companies are these?
• Eircom - supplies phone and broadband to the area.
• Broadband runs off a wireless reuter in the home - connects
via fibre optic cables - not twisted copper cabling
• The fibre optic cable is run from the HQ to a cabinet
located in blackrock - transferred to the house from there.
• Phone lines come up to street level - up a telephone pole
and enter the home via external cable - (antiquated system
• Eircome plans to roll out fibre optics technology to enhcnce
speed ans usability to areas.

5. UPC
• Second largest provider for TV, Broadband, and phone in
Blackrock Area
• As with Eircom, data sent via Coaxial cables and fed directly
into the home
• Broadband is run from a reuteur box - fibre optic cable runs
from the box into a specially made port - connected to the
local area feeder box (same principal as eircom system)
• Phone is fed via underground cabling directly into the house
• UPC uses a system in new housing estates /apartment
bloacks where each estate has a feeder box - each property
is connected to this network via undgergound cabling

6. Wimax
• Newest broadband/phone provider in ireland - 4G technology- no line rental charge
• available in blackrock since july
• WiMax - worldwide interoperability for microwave access
• Operates over radio waves - transmists signals from mas to WiMax hub(in the house)
• Aim to reduce blackspots in the country
• WiMax - replacing DSL and cable services - can be rolled out anywhere.
• Too expensive for cable and phone companies to run in remote locations

7. What do they offer
Option 1:
. 25mb Download speed
. 100GB usage
. Free Phoneline
- Total cost €45 per month (1st 6months,
€50 thereafter)
Option 2 :
. 50 Mb Download speed
.250 GB usage
. Free Phoneline
. €50 per month (€60 pm after 1st 6
months)
Option 3
. 150Mb Download speed
. 500 Gb of usage
. Free Phoneline
. €65 per month (€75 after 1st 6 months)

8. What do they offer
Option 1:
. 50mb Download speed
. 5Mb upload speed
. - Total cost €39.00 per month
Option 2 :
. 100Mb Download speed
. 10Mb Upload speed
. Total cost -€49.00 per month
Option 3
. 150Mb Download speed
. 10Mb Upload speed . Free Phoneline
. Total Cost - €59 per month

9. Broadband
speed
50Mb - 150 Mb
50GB - 250GB N/A
phoneline yes Yes N/A
upload speed 5mb - 10mb 25Mb - 50Mb N/A
option 1- €39 Option 1- €50
Price per
month
option 2 - €49
option 3 - €59
Option 2- €50
Option 3 -€65
N/A

10. Conclusion
• UPC would suit my needs the best
• provides both broadband with a good speed and phone lines
• good information on the website
• Also provides excellent deals for larger businesses.