ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the topic of broadband infrastructure- the wires, tubes, software and associated hardware that makes integrated voice, data and video services possible. From digital subscriber lines (DSL), to hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) systems and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), access platforms continue to become faster, less expensive, more flexible and interoperable. Wi-Fi has gained a foothold in the current broadband landscape because it functions with a simple architecture, the equipment is inexpensive and Wi-Fi is relatively easy to configure and install. Very-high-bit-rate DSL (VDSL) is a related technology that provides more bandwidth over copper lines and uses a different frequency band than Asymmetric DSL. In general, because WiMAX uses time-division multiplexing, it is more efficient at allocating bandwidth than Wi-Fi systems. Cellular systems also represent a popular long-range technology for wireless broadband access. The architecture of satellite broadband systems is relatively simple, but the required equipment is more significant than a typical terrestrial broadband platform.
