Isdn vs. Cable Modem

1.0 Introduction






The Internet is a network of networks that interconnects computers around


the world, supporting both business and residential users.   In 1994, a


multimedia Internet application known as the World Wide Web became


popular.   The higher bandwidth needs of this application have highlighted


the limited Internet access speeds available to residential users.   Even at 28.8


Kilobits per second (Kbps)—the fastest residential access commonly


available at the time of this writing—the transfer of graphical images can be


frustratingly slow.




This report examines two enhancements to existing residential


communications infrastructure: Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN),


and cable television networks upgraded to pass bi-directional digital traffic


(Cable Modems).   It analyzes the potential of each enhancement to deliver


Internet access to residential users.   It validates the hypothesis that upgraded


cable networks can deliver residential Internet access more cost-effectively,


while offering a broader range of services.




The research for this report consisted of case studies of two commercial


deployments of residential Internet access, each introduced in the spring of


1994:




·       Continental Cablevision and Performance Systems International (PSI)


jointly developed PSICable, an Internet access service deployed over


upgraded cable plant in Cambridge, Massachusetts;




·       Internex, Inc. began selling Internet access over ISDN telephone


circuits available from Pacific Bell.   Internex's customers are residences and


small businesses in the "Silicon Valley" area south of San Francisco,


California.




2.0 The Internet




When a home is connected to the Internet, residential communications


infrastructure...