Access Networks

Introduction

Access networks are means by which internet service providers (ISPs) provide internet connectivity to their customers. They are final part of infrastructure that connects end-users to internet. Access networks can be wired or wireless and have different characteristics that make them suitable for different applications.

Wired Access Networks

Wired access networks are a type of computer network infrastructure that uses physical cables or wires to connect devices to internet or a local network. They are typically installed in buildings or homes to provide a stable and reliable connection to internet or other devices within network. Wired access networks have been in use for several decades and are still most common type of access network used today.

Wired access networks can use different types of cables, such as coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, and fiber optic cables. These cables can transmit data at different speeds and have different bandwidths, which can affect quality and speed of internet connection.

Coaxial Access Networks

Coaxial access networks are a type of wired access network that uses coaxial cables to connect end-users to internet. Coaxial cables consist of a central conductor that carries signal and an outer conductor that acts as a shield to reduce interference.

Coaxial access networks are commonly used to provide cable TV and broadband internet access to homes and businesses. They are widely available and can provide high-speed internet access at affordable prices.

In a coaxial access network, internet service provider (ISP) sends internet signal to a central node, which then distributes signal to end-users through coaxial cables. End-users connect to network using a cable modem, which converts signal into a format that can be used by their devices.

Coaxial access networks can provide high-speed internet access because they have a high bandwidth capacity. coaxial cables used in these networks can transmit data at speeds of up to 1 Gbps or higher, depending on quality of cables and technology used.

One disadvantage of coaxial access networks is that quality of internet connection can be affected by distance between end-user and central node. further away an end-user is from central node, weaker internet signal will be. This can result in slower internet speeds and more interference.

Fiber Optic Access Networks

Fiber optic access networks are a type of wired access network that uses fiber optic cables to connect end-users to internet. Fiber optic cables use glass or plastic fibers to transmit data using light pulses. These cables can transmit data at very high speeds over long distances and are commonly used in high-speed internet connections, such as in data centers, universities, and large corporations.

Fiber optic access networks offer several advantages over other types of wired access networks. They have a very high bandwidth capacity, which means they can transmit large amounts of data at very high speeds. They are also more reliable and less susceptible to interference compared to coaxial and twisted pair cables.

In a fiber optic access network, internet service provider (ISP) sends internet signal to a central node, which then distributes signal to end-users through fiber optic cables. End-users connect to network using an optical network terminal (ONT), which converts signal into a format that can be used by their devices.

Fiber optic access networks can provide very high-speed internet access, with some networks offering speeds of up to 10 Gbps or more. They are also less affected by distance and interference, making them a more reliable choice for internet access.

One disadvantage of fiber optic access networks is that they can be more expensive to install compared to coaxial or twisted pair cables. However, cost of installation has been decreasing over years as technology becomes more widely adopted.

Wireless Access Networks

Wireless access networks, also known as wireless local area networks (WLANs), are a type of computer network infrastructure that uses radio waves to connect devices to internet or a local network. Unlike wired access networks, wireless access networks do not use physical cables or wires to connect devices. Instead, they use wireless signals to transmit data between devices.

Wireless access networks are commonly used in homes, businesses, and public spaces such as airports, coffee shops, and libraries. They offer convenience of being able to connect to internet or a network without need for physical cables, which can make it easier to connect multiple devices.

Wireless access networks use wireless access points (WAPs) to transmit wireless signals between devices. These access points can be connected to a wired network or internet through a modem or router. End-users connect to wireless access point using a wireless adapter or card, which can be built into device or added separately.

Wireless access networks use different wireless standards, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, to transmit data between devices. Wi-Fi is most common wireless standard used in wireless access networks and can transmit data at speeds of up to 1 Gbps or higher, depending on technology used.

One advantage of wireless access networks is that they allow devices to connect to network or internet from anywhere within range of wireless signal. This can make it easier to connect to internet or network without need for physical cables or wires.

Cellular Access Networks

Cellular access networks are a type of wireless access network that provides internet connectivity to mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. These networks use cellular technology to transmit data over a cellular network, which is made up of a series of interconnected base stations.

Cellular access networks are commonly used by mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide mobile internet access to their subscribers. cellular network is made up of a series of cells, each of which is served by a base station or cell tower. As a user moves from one cell to another, their device automatically switches to nearest base station to maintain internet connection.

Cellular access networks use different generations of cellular technology, such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, to transmit data between devices and base stations. Each generation of cellular technology offers faster speeds and more advanced features compared to previous generation.

One advantage of cellular access networks is that they offer mobility and flexibility, allowing users to connect to internet from almost anywhere. They are also more reliable compared to other types of wireless access networks, as cellular network is designed to provide continuous connectivity even when user is moving between cells.

Wi-Fi Access Networks

Wi-Fi access networks are a type of wireless access network that uses radio waves to provide internet connectivity to devices within a specific area, such as a home, office, or public space. Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity and is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance, an industry group that promotes use of Wi-Fi technology.

Wi-Fi access networks use wireless access points (WAPs) to transmit wireless signals between devices. These access points are connected to a wired network or internet through a modem or router. End-users connect to Wi-Fi access point using a wireless adapter or card, which can be built into device or added separately.

Wi-Fi access networks use Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless standards to transmit data between devices. These standards specify different frequencies, data rates, and modulation techniques used to transmit data over Wi-Fi.

One advantage of Wi-Fi access networks is that they offer high-speed internet connectivity to devices within range of wireless signal. Wi-Fi access networks can transmit data at speeds of up to 1 Gbps or higher, depending on technology used.

Wi-Fi access networks can also support multiple devices simultaneously, allowing multiple users to connect to network and use internet at same time. This makes them an ideal solution for home and business environments where multiple devices need to be connected to internet.

Conclusion

Access networks are an essential part of internet infrastructure. They provide means by which end-users connect to internet and access online services. Access networks can be wired or wireless and have different characteristics that make them suitable for different applications. Coaxial and fiber optic access networks are wired networks that provide high-speed internet access. Cellular and Wi-Fi access networks are wireless networks that provide internet access over a wide or limited area, respectively. Understanding characteristics of different access networks is essential for selecting right network for your application.