Define Internet Speed
Internet speed refers to how many bytes of data your Internet connection can transfer per second. Internet speed can be categorized into two types, upstream and downstream. Upstream refers to uploading material, such as email attachments and pictures, while downstreaming consists of downloading materials, like websites and videos. Your Internet's upstream and downstream speeds help to determine what tasks you can perform with your Internet connection.
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Connections
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The type of Internet connection you have determines the speed of your Internet. DSL and cable Internet connections vary in speed from 768kbps to 6mbps. DSL uses a phone line to connect to the Internet, while cable uses a cable line for Internet connectivity. Fiber-to-home Internet connections provide for faster Internet speeds, ranging from 10mbps to 100mbps. The direct fiber connection used in fiber-to-home connections enables such faster speeds. The increased speed also gives you the ability to perform more online tasks.
Tasks
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DSL and cable Internet connections allow for basic tasks, such as emailing small attachments and watching 10 minute videos in standard definition. Fiber-to-home networks empower you to send larger size documents, watch videos in high definition, and take part in real time video conferences. These abilities can be beneficial in several areas, for example, the medical field. Speed Matters, a company dedicated to providing Americans access to high speed Internet, notes in their 2009 report on Internet speeds in the United States that the Internet will help revolutionize the medical field. An example of his includes doctors using video conferences to meet with patients.
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Importance
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Speed Matters lists Internet speed as an important political issue, especially as computers become more and more used in society. Fields which utilize the Internet include health care, education, public safety, and energy conversation. In Speed Matters' 2009 report on Internet speeds, the average Internet speed in America was 5.1mbps. South Korea proved to be the country with the highest Internet speed average, with a speed of 20.4mbps.
Expanding Access
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As a part of their 2009 report on Internet speeds in the United States, Speed Matters identifies creating greater access to high speed Internet as a priority for the country. Creating greater access will involve researching how to expand broadband access, and developing plans at the regional and state levels. A part of planning involves eliminating barriers to increasing access.
Obstacles
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Obstacles preventing greater access to high speed Internet connections include lack of knowledge, equipment, and funds. The knowledge barrier involves not understanding how Internet technology works, and not being interested in learning about the issue. The obstacles of equipment and funds can be related. For example, somebody who can't afford a computer has a monetary barrier which creates the obstacle of not having the equipment needed to access the Internet.
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References
- Photo Credit internet security image by Christopher Hall from Fotolia.com
