Broadband: Fast Internet Connections

Gerald J. Muro, MD has reported no financial interest, arrangement or affiliation with a commercial organization that may have a direct or indirect influence in the subject matter of this presentation.

Objectives:

1. Introduce the basics of the computer binary language and the transfer of data between computers
2. Discuss the pluses and minuses of the commonly used high-speed Internet technologies such as cable and DSL.
3. Discuss the various alternative high-speed Internet technologies including the cellular technologies
4. Discuss the basics of setting up a home wireless network and discuss security issues

Introduction

Over the last several years, the Internet has greatly influenced the way many of us do business, purchase goods, and the way we communicate with each other. It has become an important source of information and entertainment. To take full advantage of the Internet requires the exchange of large volumes of data and therefore, high-speed Internet access has become essential. High-speed Internet access or "Broadband" refers to those technologies that are much faster than the traditional dial-up modem. The number of home broadband users continues to grow and is becoming the new residential Internet access standard. As broadband flourishes in the home, broadband access also begins to extend beyond the home and business in the form of wireless technology. Wireless high-speed data communication, including Internet access, is becoming increasingly available in hotels, airports, and cafes, as well as on the road in the same manner as a cellular phone.

The following discussion reviews the dominant technologies available for high-speed Internet access in the home. This is followed by a review of newly emerging wireless technologies that are sure to change the way we communicate. Home wireless networks will be discussed as well. Home networks allow more than one computer in a home to share high-speed Internet access as well as communicate with each other. Finally, the more we are connected, the more we are exposed and vulnerable to hackers and viruses. Therefore, a basic review of necessary security measures will be discussed as well.

The Basics

A very basic understanding of the computer language helps put Internet access speed into perspective. Computers communicate by transferring data in the form of bits, the fundamental unit of the binary computer language. A bit has a value of either 1 or 0. The byte, commonly used to describe the size of computer files, memory capacity, etc., is a chunk of 8 bits and has 256 possible combinations of 1's and 0's. The rate at which data is transferred from computer to computer such as over the Internet is described in terms of bits per second. Rates may be expressed as Kilobits (Kbps), Megabits (Mbps) and Gigabits (Gbps) reflecting a thousand, a million, and a billion bits per second respectively. The traditional dial-up modem exchanges data at speeds approaching 56,000 bits per second (56 Kbps). The newer broadband technologies boast rates in the order of 1 to 2 million bits per second (1 to 2 Mbps).

The following example describes how text data may be represented in binary code using a system called ASCII (An acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange). With this system, one byte with 256 possible combinations of 1's and 0's is required to code each of 256 letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and other characters. Therefore, 5 bytes are necessary to code a 5-letter word. The roughly 5,400 words (34,000 characters) in this document would require at least 34 Kbytes to code for simple text alone. In actuality, a document such as this requires 157 Kbytes to account for graphics, margins, special characters, tables, etc. Such a document would require 0.9 seconds to download with the broadband technologies vs. 23 sec with the traditional 56 Kbps dial-up modems.

Though this is significantly faster, the difference of 22 seconds seems hardly an inconvenience. However, when graphics, sound, and video come into play the speeds of dial-up become intolerable. Take an uncompressed CT scan for example. Typically, a single image consists of a matrix of 512 x 512 pixels. Each pixel is a shade of gray, each requiring 2 bytes to allow for all the possible shades of gray. Thus, each image is 512 x 512 x 2 bytes or ~0.5 Mbytes of information. An entire study of 40 images (20 Mbytes) may take 1.8 minutes to download with broadband vs. 48 min with a dial-up. ¹

The following are terminologies that are helpful when comparing broadband services.

Internet communications are two-way. Downstream refers to the rate at which information is received or downloaded from the Internet. Upstream refers to the rate at which data is sent back or uploaded to the Internet. The broadband technologies commonly used for home such as cable and DSL are typically asymmetric. In other words, downstream rates are much faster than the upstream rates. However, this is usually acceptable since most home users download far more information than they upload. Downloaded information may include graphic-rich web sites, images, music, video, and software, etc., whereas uploaded information is more often a short segment of text requesting a web page or an email containing only text. Symmetric technology where upstream rates are similar to downstream rates exist; however, these are more expensive and better suited for business and network communications.

Broadband Options

Why is broadband better than dial-up? There is an easy answer to this question - it is fast and it is always on. There is no need to dial-up or reconnect. Downstream speeds are as high as 2 Mbps or more. Broadband is also affordable with unlimited monthly rates in the $20-$60 range. Unfortunately, these still relatively new technologies are not universally available. Cable and DSL tend to be limited to metropolitan and suburban areas where it is easier and more financially feasible for providers to offer these services. Some areas, particularly rural areas, may not see DSL or cable for years, if at all. However, there are other broadband technologies such as satellite available where cable and DSL are not. There are also emerging wireless technologies extending the reach of the Internet and other data communication beyond the home and business.

1. Cable

   Cable remains the broadband leader. Cable has evolved from a one-way television service to a two-way major communications medium. The benefits of cable are the high speeds. Cable providers tout speeds up to 50 times faster than traditional 56 Kbps dial-up modems. In theory, downloads as high as 5 Mbps are possible with the technology but 1.5 Mbps is more realistic. Upload speeds are generally much slower; however, this is less of an issue for most home users as discussed previously. Cable is "always on" so there is no need to dial-up or to reconnect. Cable is relatively easy to setup. Providers have developed self-installation kits making it possible for almost anyone to setup without the need for a technician to visit the home. The prices are affordable. A typical usage fee for unlimited Internet access may be $40/mo. Cable is generally restricted to residential use since cable availability was originally intended for television use, however, cable providers are developing service designed for business use.

   Generally, everyone with cable in a neighborhood is on the same network called a node. Everyone in the neighborhood shares the available bandwidth on each node; therefore, performance may vary depending on how many individuals are actively accessing the Internet. The performance may degrade as the number of subscribers increase and vary depending on the time of the day. In contrast, a DSL subscriber has dedicated bandwidth that will not degrade with the number of users in the neighborhood. Cable companies maintain performance by increasing the number of available nodes to compensate for increasing subscribers. Cable providers have adopted systems that are scalable and easily expanded. As the traffic and subscriber base grows, simple protocol changes, additions of new frequency channels on existing fiber, and utilization of existing unused "dark fiber" are implemented. Cable modems are still typically faster for downloads than most if not all DSL lines and will likely remain so as long as cable infrastructure is updated and well maintained. Cable has a few disadvantages when compared to DSL.

   Internet cable networks consist of large fiber-optic backbones. Such a backbone may consist of optical cables such as an OC-48 transmitting data at 2.5 Gbps. Cable network traffic accesses the Internet via NAPs (Network Access Points). Within the cable network, traffic is collected and distributed at RDCs (Regional Data Centers) covering a region such as a major metropolitan area. The RDCs may maintain e-mail and function as a caching point. Caching allows widely accessed files to reside in several locations in order to minimize traffic which would otherwise result if the files where only available from one location. CMTS (Cable Modem Termination System) a.k.a 'head end' handle traffic at the neighborhood level. They may handle logins as well as caching. Certain television signals may also enter the cable system at this point. From here, conversion from fiber to coaxial cable occurs. Within the home there is a splitter providing a line to the television and a line to the cable modem. The cable modem communicates with the head end to setup channels for upstream and downstream communications. The time required to set up cable modem service is generally fast and simple.

   DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) is a standard that has been developed that defines interface requirements for cable modems and allows for modem interoperability. A DOCSIS cable modem should function with any DOCSIS compliant cable service. As an example, the cable service Optimum Online allows the use of a variety of DOCSIS-compliant digital cable modems from manufacturers such as 3Com, Terayon, and GE/Motorola. DOCSIS modems will likely heighten performance by allocating bandwidth based on necessity as opposed to DSL where bandwidth for each subscriber is fixed.

   In addition to video and data, new channels for voice are becoming available over cable networks allowing for phone service similar to traditional phone service. There is an inherent advantage having a single line for video, voice and data.^{2, 3} As an example, Optimum Online, a large cable Internet service provider now offers Optimum Voice. This is a digital telephone service offered over existing cable broadband networks. The voice service is provided via a voice-enabled cable modem. A standard telephone connects to the modem from a standard telephone jack on the modem. This particular service offers unlimited local, regional and long distance calls within the United States and Canada for $34.95. Keep in mind that the modem requires electrical power and therefore will not function during a power outage.

2. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

   DSL is the second most popular broadband option. It is often the preferred broadband service for businesses since telephony is already in place. DSL is a communications technology that functions over twisted-pair copper telephone lines. DSL uses higher frequencies than those used by voice or fax, so the DSL signal does not interfere with telephone conversations or faxes. Voice and fax goes to the phone or the fax machine, while Internet data goes to the computer via a DSL modem. The key advantage of DSL, like cable, is speed and it's 'always-on'. Unlike cable, Internet access is available in any room with a phone jack. DSL is many times faster than the traditional dial-up modem receiving data with a theoretical maximum rate of 8 Mbps. In actuality, individual connections will provide from 512 Kbps to 2.2 Mbps downstream and about 128 Kbps upstream. At 25 times the speed of a traditional 56 Kbps dial-up modem, a complex web page could appear in seconds rather than minutes. The cost is similar to cable with unlimited monthly rates of approximately $30 to $50. DSL is a dedicated connection that will not degrade with increased number of users; however, this is not to say that there can't be slow downs resulting from bottlenecks at the Internet Service Provider (ISP).

   DSL is limited by distance. The home must be within a certain distance from the telephone company central office (CO). As a result, DSL services are generally limited to metropolitan and suburban areas where there are many more dwellings within the necessary distance to the CO. The faster the DSL transmission rate, the closer the home must be to the CO.

   DSL comes in several flavors. ADSL (asymmetric DSL) is the most common technology for residential and business use. Like other DSL technologies, performance degrades with increasing distance from the CO. ADSL is therefore limited to within 15,000-18,000 feet of the CO.

   With the residential ADSL, the connection ends in a socket on the wall much like the telephone. The same house telephone wiring carries both phone service and data. Voice and data are transmitted over different frequencies allowing simultaneous use of the telephone and the data connection. However, a phone call can cause a data connection drop or there may be unacceptable noise on the phone lines. This requires the placement of a filter at the phone jack for each telephone line. The setup may be more complicated when there is a burglar alarm, a medical alert system, or more than five telephones and/or FAX machines connected to the phone line. In such cases, a technician may need to visit the home to modify the telephone wiring.

   DSL Reports is an online service providing information and help on the subject of residential and small business Broadband connections.^{4, 5}

   The other DSL technologies are typically suited for businesses and network communications. HDSL (High bit-rate DSL) is the oldest technology. This may utilize either 2 or 3 copper pairs resulting in symmetric (downstream and upstream) speeds of 1.5 Mbps and 2 Mbps respectively. However, shorter distances from CO (12,000 ft) are necessary. SDSL (Symmetric DSL) is another technology with symmetric upstream and downstream rates approaching 1.5Mbps using a single pair of twisted copper. VDSL (Very High Bit-Rate) is a newer technology with very high asymmetric downstream speeds. Distances to the CO are fairly short (1,000 to 4,500 ft).

   DSL Type	Downstream Speeds	Upstream Speeds
   Asymmetric DSL (ADSL)	256 kbps - 9Mbps	64 kbps - 1.54 Mbps
   G.lite	Up to 1.5 Mbps	Up to 512 Kbps
   High bit Rate (HDSL)	1.54 Mbps or 2.048 Mbps	Same
   Single-Line (SDSL)	1.54 Mbps	Same
   Very High Bit-rate (VDSL)	13 to 52 Mbps	2.3 Mbps

3. Satellite

   Satellite may be an option for those who do not have access to cable or DSL. Satellite is usually more expensive; however, monthly rates as low as $40 are available. The required satellite dish may cost several hundred dollars. Older services offered only one-way broadband service. In other words, high speed downloads were achievable; however, uploading information is done on a slow traditional dial-up modem. Newer services such as the Hughes Network Systems offer a two-way broadband satellite service called DIRECWAY®. Uploads via a telephone is not necessary as with older satellite technologies. Like cable and DSL, access is 'always on'. Download rates approach 400 Kbps allowing more bandwidth demanding Internet capabilities such as streaming. EarthLink™ is a satellite service also powered by DIRECWAY®. StarBand is different satellite service offering two-way broadband service with 150 Kbps uploads and 500 Kbps downloads in all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In some cases, a special dish may be available for combined Internet and television access.

   The above services all require that the dish have a clear view of the southern sky. Like cable, satellite service is shared and, therefore, performance may decrease with increased number of users. In addition, satellite performance may degrade with environmental factors such as heavy rain or winds. Satellite data must travel many thousands of miles resulting in a fraction of a second delay called latency. This may be noticeable particularly when there are multiple small requests. This will also limit the capabilities for voice over the Internet services and interactive gaming. In addition, the use of virtual private networks is very limited with satellite.

4. Wireless Technologies

   There are many emerging wireless technologies allowing data communication and Internet access outside the home and business. Two groups of these technologies deserve particular attention. First, there are the cellular technologies extending communications far beyond just telephone service. Then there are the Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) technologies that are becoming rapidly more popular within the home and business, as well as within cafes, airports, hotels, or anywhere else access to the Internet is desirable.

   1. Mobile Cellular
      Cellular technology is no longer just about making phone calls. These are evolving multi-phased technologies increasing the speed and ability to download and send data from anywhere cellular phone access is available. With these technologies, sending and receiving pictures, music, and software as well as Internet connectivity to portable devices becomes possible. Holding a videoconference from a cell phone is becoming a reality. Currently these technologies are in transition from what is called 2G (second generation) to 3G (third generation). Acronyms for common 2G technologies include TDMA, GSM, and CDMA. 3G is an upgrade of older 2G networks, handsets, base stations, switches and other devices allowing much faster data communication. As 3G reaches full potential, speeds of 2 Megabits per second over cellular devices should be possible. The following describe specific technologies.
      1. GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)
         GSM is a digital second generation (2G) network technology with speeds of 9.6Kbps. GSM providers in the United States are migrating to a 2.5G all-digital technology called GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). The upgrade is "always on" with speeds close to 28.8Kbps but may burst to 115 Kbps. The next phase in the technology is called EDGE (3G) offering speeds up to 384 Kbps. AT&T Wireless has migrated from TDMA to GSM and currently operates a GSM/GPRS network. They have recently upgraded to EDGE, tripling the speed of the preexisting GPRS network. EDGE is now available nationwide providing speeds of 100 to 130 Kbps. Their final planned upgrade to W-CDMA or Wideband Code Division Multiple Access will allow speeds up to 2 Mbps. AT&T should be unveiling this technology in select locations this year. Cingular Wireless is also in the process of launching GPRS services.⁷

      2. TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
         This second-generation (2G) digital network runs on two bands used in North, Central, and South America. TDMA and GSM networks are similar in that they can both be upgrade to higher speed GPRS (2.5G) and EDGE (3G).

      3. CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
         CDMA is a digital wireless technology that allows multiple users to share radio frequencies at the same time without interfering with each other. This is the most popular standard in the USA. 1xRTT (CDMA2000) is the name for the first phase in CDMA's evolution to third-generation (3G) technology. 1xRTT uses a wider spectrum of frequencies than CDMA and therefore, can transmit and receive information faster and more efficiently. Broadband speeds of 144Kbps are possible. There are new cdma2000 variants called 1X EV-DO, 1X-EV-DV, and cdma2000 3X. 1X EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) is an enhancement that puts voice and data on separate channels in order to provide data delivery at 2.4Mbit/s. 1X-EV-DV allows for data speeds ranging from 3Mbps to 5Mbps. Sprint PCS and Verizon Wireless are two major domestic carriers with CDMA networks.^{8, 9} Verizon now has a 3G (third-generation) EV-DO data network, providing average user speeds of 300 to 500 kilobits per second. It is currently available in Washington, D.C., and San Diego and is expected to be available in many other major cities in the United States this summer.

      

   2. Wi-Fi

      Wi-Fi or 802.11 is a technology that allows wireless communication via radiofrequency waves between a computer device and a Wi-Fi access point. These access points or "Hot Spots" have been installed in numerous venues such as coffee shops, conference facilities, hotels and even airline terminals. Notable examples include Starbuck's Coffee and the RSNA conference in Chicago. The number of "Hot Spots" continues to increase as the popularity of this technology continues to grow. To access the Internet wirelessly from one of these "hot spots", a laptop, PDA or other device must be equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter. One must be within a certain distance of the access point to communicate, usually less than a few hundred feet. Wi-Fi has also become the dominant technology for home wireless networks as well.

      The 802.11 standard comes in different varieties:

      802.11a

      This technology features faster speeds than 802.11b. Data transfer rates of 54 Mbps are possible. At a higher frequency than other 802.11 technologies, interference is less of a problem. The disadvantages, however, include less range and worse transmission through walls and floors. Portable devices consume more power that results in shorter battery life. In addition, these products are less available for home networks.

      802.11b

      Data transfer rates of 11 Mbps are possible. The range is longer than 802.11a. 802.11b functions at a lower frequency and, therefore, less draining on Laptop/PDA power and the range is greater. This is the common standard used for "Hot Spots" found in airports, cafes, and hotels. This is also a common standard found in home wireless networks. A disadvantage of 802.11b is interference. Many common items such as portable phones, microwave ovens and baby monitors use the same 2.4 GHz band.

      802.11g

      802.11g is an extension of 802.11b with similar benefits and limitation except that it is much faster (54 Mbps). 802.11g is replacing 802.11b as the new standard for home wireless networks. Fortunately, 802.11b devices can connect directly with 802.11g devices but will function at their original slower speed of 11 Mbps. As with 802.11b, there is less power consumption and there is a longer range when compared to 802.11a.

      Dual Band

      Dual-band products offer both 802.11b and 802.11a functionality. There is enhanced roaming with less interference. Many dual-band products feature improved security capabilities.

      

      Broadband Wireless Exchange Magazine and WWW.WiFinder.com may provide additional useful Wi-Fi information including "hot spot" locations.

      As Wi-Fi and the cellular technologies grow, it is likely that the two technologies will co-exist successfully by serving different purposes. Cellular is better suited for mobile applications while Wi-Fi is well suited for private networks such as enterprises, campuses and homes. However, the cellular companies are looking at Wi-Fi, as a way to augment their networks in areas such as airports where data usage is expected is very high.

   3. Bluetooth

      Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that is being embedded into numerous consumer devices such as laptops, PDA, cell phones, headphones, and even cars. The number of Bluetooth equipped devices is expected to grow enormously over the next few years. Bluetooth has a short-range of 10 meters and a relatively slow speed of 1Mbps. It is, therefore, not expected to compete with Wi-Fi networks. However, Bluetooth will allow various devices to communicate without the clutter and inconvenience of a wire connection. The following are just a few of the many applications of this technology. In the home office, Bluetooth can provide wireless connections between various peripherals such as mouse, printers, and keyboards. Data can be exchanged between these devices quickly and easily. Bluetooth can provide wireless connectivity between a MP3 player and headphones. Bluetooth may be used to exchange data between an automobile computer/navigation system and a cell phone or PDA. Bluetooth can also add mobility to medical monitoring equipment. The potential for such technology is almost limitless.¹⁰

5. Wireless Home Networks

   Those fortunate to have broadband Internet access to the home, may desire sharing the access among multiple computers within the home. This can be done in the form of a home network where computers and printers are connected and can communicate with each other. The benefits of a home network not only include sharing Internet access but also sharing printers and scanners. In addition, files, such as music and pictures can be easily exchanged between computers. Such a setup allows one to better organize files in one place as well as back them up.

   Wired Ethernet networks have been available for years. Wireless network devices are now widely available and affordable. A wireless network is particularly attractive for obviating the need to string cumbersome and unsightly cables across the home. A wireless network adds mobility. For example, a laptop can be moved from room to room and still maintain Internet access as well as communication with other computers and printers in the home. Wi-Fi or 802.11 has become the most popular standard for home networks. One requires a wireless router that connects to the DSL or Cable modem. The router controls the traffic on the network. It will usually function as a firewall as well. Each of the computers on the network will require a wireless adapter. This may be a PCI adapter for a PC or a PC card for a laptop. Print servers are devices that can be used to connect printers to the network allowing use by all computers on the network. Some printers are now coming internally equipped for wireless. There are also multimedia adapters or servers that will communicate with multimedia equipment such as stereos and televisions. Music or pictures can be broadcast to the multimedia devices from one central location.

   There are several companies providing the equipment to create these home networks such as Linksys, NetGear, and Microsoft.

   One of the banes of wireless networking is security. Since network traffic is broadcasted, it is possible for unscrupulous individuals to intercept the radio signal and obtain personal information or do harm to computers and files on the network. Therefore, wireless network users should familiarize themselves with available security safeguards.

   1. Wired Equivalent Protocol (WEP)
      Most of the systems available today are equipped with an encryption mode called Wired Equivalent Protocol (WEP). This wireless security feature encrypts all network traffic before transmitting it over the airwaves. This helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing the transmitted data.

      Encryption is the conversion of data into a form that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized computers. Data is encrypted with a key (string of characters). Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back into its original form, so it can be understood. To recover the contents of encrypted data, the correct key is required.

      The currently available wireless devices often have two levels of encryption: 64-bit (standard encryption) or 128-bit (stronger encryption). The 802.11a standard allows for a higher 152-bit level of encryption. WEP is an option that can be turned on or off. WEP is not impenetrable but still very difficult to crack. Turning it on will certainly deter hackers. NOTE: WEP encryption applies to wireless networks only.

   2. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)
      WPA is a newer form of wireless security stronger than WEP. WPA encryption has just recently become available on wireless devices. Like WEP, WPA encrypts data transmitted over the network; however, WPA uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). Under this protocol, the encryption key is always changing, therefore, extremely difficult for a hacker to decipher. WPA is a temporary fix for what will be a new more secure wireless standard called 802.11i where WPA is only one component. Unfortunately, this is not compatible with 802.11 a/b/g and will require new wireless equipment.

   3. Other steps to protect a wireless network include:
      1. Change the default SSID.
         Wireless devices have a default SSID set by the factory. The SSID is the name of your wireless network. Hackers know these defaults and can use them to help gain access to your network. It is advisable to change the name to something unique. As an added precaution, be sure to change the SSID on a regular basis.

      2. Disable SSID broadcast
         Most wireless devices are set to broadcast the SSID, inviting outsiders to join the wireless network. Unless you are running a public hotspot, it is best to disable SSID broadcast.

      3. Change the default password needed to access a wireless device
         Access points, routers, and other wireless devices require a password to change the settings. The factory default password should be changed.

      4. Enable MAC address filtering
         The MAC address is a unique series of numbers and letters assigned to every networking device. By enabling MAC address filtering, wireless network access is allowed to only those devices where its specific MAC addresses is permitted. This makes it harder for a hacker to access a network using a random MAC address.

      5. Position wireless components away from windows and toward the center of your home

      6. There are other more advance methods to secure a network that are beyond the scope of this discussion. Most wireless device makers provide guides and recommendation to securing a wireless network.

      The following illustrates a possible home wireless network layout. The yellow arrows are wired connections.

      

Broadband Security

The always-on advantage of broadband does not come without certain drawbacks. As long as a computer is connected to the Internet, it is vulnerable to hackers. Such intruders can read, delete or alter files on your computer. They can use your computer to send e-mail with your name on it and they can crash your computer or erase your programs.

Anyone with a broadband connection should set up protective barriers!

1. Firewalls
   One barrier to outside intrusions is a firewall or gateway. These come in the form of hardware or software. A hardware firewall is located between a PC/Home Network and the DSL/Cable modem. A firewall controls what information is communicated from computers on the network to the Internet and from the Internet to computers on the network. Firewalls check data arriving and leaving a network and discard anything suspicious. Some firewalls can block objectionable Internet sites, certainly something to consider when there are children using the Internet. Firewalls can also block advertisements from Web pages.

   Hardware firewalls range from less than a hundred to several thousand dollars. The routers used for home networks often function as a firewall.

   Firewall software can range from freeware to more than $50. There are many companies such as ZoneAlarm, Norton, McAfee, and BlackICE offering software firewalls. After installing a firewall program, you may be quite surprised at how many outsiders are probing your computer.¹¹

2. Virus Protection
   Viruses are malicious programs intended to destroy data on your computer or crash targeted software applications. Viruses can be attached to e-mail messages even by friends and family, unknowingly. Viruses may be imbedded within interactive Web applications such as Java applets and ActiveX code or may be associated with cookies. Anti-virus software such as McAfee VirusScan, and Norton Anti-Virus is the best way to protect against viruses. These programs continually scan incoming files including e-mail.

   To avoid destructive programs that may be embedded within web applications, avoid unfamiliar Web sites, particularly sites where content or the owners may be of questionable integrity. It may be wise to have Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator require approval before downloading web applications.

3. Disable file- and printer-sharing capabilities
   To keep files secure, it is best to share them with other computers only when necessary. File- and printer-sharing capabilities should be disabled when possible. For example, Microsoft Windows allows one to limit accessibility of files on a computer from other computers on the network. This will help prevent unwanted users on the network or from the Internet from accessing them.

4. Use Strong Passwords
   • The longer, the better
   • Never use a word from the dictionary
   • Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters
   • Use at least one number and one symbol
   • Avoid using passwords that can easily be guessed such as a family name

Summary

Over last several years, fast access to the Internet has become increasingly more important and desirable. Cable and DSL are affordable broadband technologies that are now available to millions of homes. When DSL or Cable is not available, there are other technologies such as satellite that may be a viable option for home broadband access. With increased broadband access in the home, the popularity of home networks, particularly wireless networks has grown. These allow the benefit of sharing broadband access with more than one computer in the home. There are many added benefits of a home network such as sharing data, music, and pictures as well as sharing devices such as printers. Unfortunately, the "always on" benefit of broadband increases the exposure to hackers and other threats. There are additional security concerns with wireless networks. Therefore, it is important for the broadband user to familiarize themselves with the many security safeguards. We are now finding broadband technology moving outside the home and business in the form of wireless. We are just beginning to see a world where we are always connected wherever we are and wherever we go.

References