Carrier Technology

Description

Speed

Suitable for streaming?

Dial-up Access

On demand access using a modem and regular telephone line (POT).

2400 bps to 56 Kbps

Generally not suitable

ISDN

Dedicated telephone line and router required.

64 Kbps to 128 Kbps

Generally suitable for audio broadcasts

Cable

Special cable modem and cable line required.

512 Kbps to 20 Mbps

Generally suitable for audio or video broadcasting

ADSL/DSL

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line

This technology uses the unused digital portion of a regular copper telephone line to transmit and receive information.

128 Kbps to 8 Mbps

Generally suitable, however upload speed varies. Check with your local ISP to determine your actual upload speed.

Wireless (LMCS)

Access is gained by connection to a high speed cellular like local multi-point communications system (LMCS) network via wireless transmitter/receiver.

30 Mbps or more

Generally suitable, but not available or reliable in all areas.

Satellite

Newer versions have two-way satellite access, removing need for phone line.

6 Mbps or more

Suitable for streaming, generally used when other connection types are not available.

Fractional T1

Only a portion of the 23 channels available in a T1 line is actually used.

64 Kbps to 1.544 Mbps

Generally suitable.

T1

Special lines and equipment (DSU/CSU and router) required.

1.544 Mbps

Generally suitable for all broadcasts, possibly excluding very high bitrate streams.

T3

Typically used for ISP to Internet infrastructure.

44.736 Mbps

Suitable for all streams, generally used only by large corporations/agencies.

OC-1

Typically used for ISP to Internet infrastructure within Internet infrastructure.

51.84 Mbps

Suitable for all streams, generally used only by large corporations/agencies.

OC-3

Typically used for large company backbone or Internet backbone.

155.52 Mbps

Suitable for all streams, generally used only by large corporations/agencies.