The ability of a central computer is defined both by the speed of your CPU and memory for its large, high, high-capacity external storage, the results in the device I / S and rapid, high quality of its internal engineering which results in high reliability and support expensive but high quality. A computer such like Industrial pc can run for years without problems or interruptions and repairs of the same can be done while running. Mainframe vendors offer special services, such as breaking up the computer, the seller will execute your client applications on their own computers without users noticing while during the repairs. Internal independence of these computers is so great that, at least in one known case, technicians could change the site mainframe removed piece by piece and assembled in another place, leaving in the meantime, these computers running, in this example, changing hosts on one site to another occurred in a transparent manner. Curious about OpenVPX?
Often, mainframe support thousands of simultaneous users that connect via terminal as the hub of many virtual terminals can provide the power needed to make these computers operate efficiently, but also the flexibility of networks personal computers. Today, IBM mainframes dominate the market, with Hitachi, Amdahl and Fujitsu. Prices are usually not less than several hundred thousand dollars. Read Computer on Module for details.
Just as the Internet will continue to bring people together and provide individualized services like never before, the IP network technology that enables broadband media services is rapidly improving and becoming more powerful. This section of the broadband media services tutorial will provide an overview of the network and component technology required for end-to-end broadband media services provision, as well as an overview of technology standards involved in digital multimedia content creation and transmission.
Next-Generation Networks
In a truly mobile information society, mobility, traditional fixed and mobile-network services, value-added services, and the Internet are all combined to offer seamless services for end-users. As uniform services will be available through different access points and optimized for each device (TV, PC, wireless device, etc.), seamless roaming among multiple access devices will be required. Users won’t have to be concerned with the underlying technologies used, but they will be concerned with being able to access the same services wherever they are and whenever they choose.The Next-generation network, the first truly data-oriented broadband network supporting broadband media services, will be all IP, meaning all access to the network will occur via IP standards. The evolution of the broadband media services network can be characterized by six different transitions:
- Transition from a dial-up-like circuit-switched network to a data-oriented network
- Transition from connectivity to service-creation platforms
- Transition from a copper-based network towards an all-optical network
- Convergence of fixed networks
- Convergence of mobile and fixed networks
- Transition to IP version 6 (Ipv6) networks
In short, next-generation networks will evolve to better reflect the requirements of broadband media services. In practice this means bringing IP and other associated network functionalities in the network closer to the customers. The DSL technology and network components that enable high-speed IP access and basic broadband media services exist today, and will remain the foundation of the next-generation broadband media services network:
The major components of a broadband IP access network and next generation broadband media services network are
- high-speed DSL access multiplexers (DSLAM) equipment, located in the operator central 0ffice (CO) and/or in remote locations close to end-users
- broadband access servers
- DSL modems in the home and/or office providing fixed local-area networks (LAN) and wireless LAN (WLAN) network access
- Network- and service-management and provisioning products
- loop management for managing DSL services in the local telecom loop
- IP network security and authentication products for network security and user identification
In addition to network infrastructure, network services will manage and enhance the physical network for broadband media services delivery. Broadband media services network integration services could include network capacity planning and business consulting for network optimization and interoperability, network installation setup and field-testing trials, customer-service support and training, and network validation and certification services.
Components
With the IP access network as a foundation, broadband media services–specific network enhancements are required. The broadband media services components can have varied functionality with just a minor change in the presentation of the feature, which is required for a modular and scalable solution as new services are created and consumer demand for additional services evolves. Essentially, broadband media services allows consumers to customize their viewing via network control devices. Each set of devices or “boxes” can support a unique content lineup map, which enables consumers to select and pay for only the media that interest them. Specific standards mentioned, such as moving pictures expert group (MPEG), are described in greater detail in the “Standards” section, and specific services, such as voice on demand (VOD), will be described in the “Services” section.
Video Encoders
Video encoders are devices that create digital video. Input to the encoders can be analogue video or a Digital Video Broadcasting Group (DVB) multiplex. Both are required because some video content will be statically loaded from video tapes and some content will be captured from a satellite (DVB) multiplex. Video encoders that are used to deliver broadband media services most often allow for the creation of MPEG content and have the ability to support IP multicast at varying bit rates, as well as the ability to decrypt video streams to remove conditional access.
Video Servers
Video servers perform two major functions. First, they act as content repositories for the material being streamed. Second, they are responsible for streaming out video and audio using the desired format and network protocol. Video servers can be scaled from streaming 20 to over 5,000 simultaneous video streams. Video servers generally support several different transport protocols for video delivery.
Interactive Television Application
Interactive TV (ITV) applications consist of many different applications. The core of the system is the application framework and the data-handling capabilities of the back-end systems. Highly scalable for add-on features, the fundamental applications in an ITV system are customer relationship management (CRM) software modules that track customer usage, profiles, buying characteristics, and application subscription information and create billing events that-can be exported to various billing systems. Applications that typically run on the application framework are VOD, time-shifted TV, web access integrated with video applications, e-mail, personalized user interfaces, broadcast multichannel TV, and pay-per-view applications. Variants of these fundamental applications include channel blocking; parental controls; instant web access associated with viewing preferences for an enhanced, interactive viewing experience; video special offers; and targeted advertising.
Set Top Box and Customer Premises Equipment
The set top box and customer-premises equipment (CPE) are devices that are placed in consumer homes or offices, either as two separate devices or as one device combining the home or office gateway functionality required for broadband media services delivery to fixed and wireless devices. A set top box is an electronic device that serves as an interface between a television set and a broadband network, providing VOD and interactive multimedia services. CPE is any type of network device that sits in the home or office of the consumer, as opposed to the central network office or remote sites. User connections to broadband media services are made through modems and media terminals in the home and office, while the main infrastructure lies in the back-end networks, invisible to the end-user.
Standards
To help ensure the interoperability, modularity, and flexibility of services, network, content, and service providers are driving towards open standards for individual broadband media services. Standards forums meet regularly to enhance existing standards, incorporate new technological developments into current standards, agree on next steps for testing, and anticipate new developments that will affect standards. Some of the standards involved in broadband media services areIP
This is a standard supported by major application providers, software companies, and computer manufacturers. Since the range and variety of broadband media applications are more important with respect to commercial revenue-bearing services than any one specific application, enabling the integration of a broad range of media services and applications, IP is crucial. Without IP as a unifying protocol, the set of applications could be limited. One of the features of broadband media services is that it takes full advantage of the guarantees provided by IP access products with respect to real-time IP data delivery. The network provides real-time guaranteed IP data delivery. This clearly removes the burden of bandwidth management off the consumer applications and enables the developers of consumer applications to focus on the usability issues as well as providing an enriched user experience. IP provides the path that allows applications to evolve, independent of the transport protocols selected for broadband delivery.
IPv6
This is the new IP to replace the current version, IP version 4 (IPv4). IPv6 has been designed to meet the challenges of the growing Internet and includes several improvements over IPv4. The main benefits of IPv6 include a larger address space, integrated security, support for auto-configuration of terminals, and support for mobility.
MPEG
This is a digital video and audio compression format that was defined as part of the International Standards Organization (ISO). MPEG is a compression method that uses interframe compression. Interframe compression assumes that although something is happening in the foreground, the background in most video frames remains the same. This means that it is not necessary to compress each entire frame, but only the differences between them.
MPEG–2
MPEG–2 is a widely used, standardized video coding and compression technology. MPEG–2 is used in DVD movies and digital satellite distribution. Non-compressed video stream is roughly 200 Mbps, but with MPEG–2 the video can be encoded at 1.5–18 Mbps. DVD quality can be reached between 5–9 Mbps, but 2–3 Mbps is enough to exceed VHS quality. MPEG–4 is also a video coding and compression technology.
MPEG–4
MPEG–4 is a compression/decompression technology that aims to achieve interactivity, efficiency, and stability in transmissions. The result of another international effort involving hundreds of researchers and engineers from all over the world, MPEG–4 offers higher video quality and resolution at a lower data rate than MPEG–2. Also, the MPEG–4 stream encoding rate range is wider (5 kbps–60 Mbps). MPEG–4 allows interactive objects in the stream, making it more multimedia ready. On a broader level, MPEG–4 aims to pave the way toward a uniform, high-quality encoding and decoding standard that would replace the many proprietary streaming technologies in use on the Internet today. MPEG–4 is also designed for low bit-rate communications devices, such as wireless mobile devices that can display video. MPEG–4 supports scalable content, which means content is encoded once and automatically played back and transmitted at different rates depending on the available network connection.
Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP)
This defines the control interface between video server and video client. With RTSP, the end user can control the video server as he or she would control the home VCR (play, pause, fast forward, rewind, etc.) RTSP also initiates the video streams and identifies different streams in the network so that the information can be used in billing.
Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP)
This is a protocol that supports IP multicasting, a method of broadcasting that authenticates end-users prior to receiving content.
Very High Bit Rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL)
This is an extremely high-speed DSL technology for transmitting digital information over short reaches of an existing phone line to homes and businesses. With VDSL, transmission rates are very dependent upon actual loop length. The maximum downstream rate is between 51 and 55 Mbps over lines up to 1000 ft (300 meters) in length. Initial upstream rate will be an asymmetric rate between 1.6 and 2.3 Mbps. The data channel will be a separate frequency than that of bands used for plain old telephone service (POTS) and integrated services digital network (ISDN), thus enabling service providers to overlay VDSL onto existing services. As needs arise for higher-speed upstream rates, VDSL may need echo cancellation. Easy Transaction through payday advance
The term 3G refers to the third generation of mobile phone standards as set by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). 3G technologies allow mobile operators to offer more options to their users, such options include mobile broadband.
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3G offers greater flexibility and services by making more efficient use of mobile bandwidth than did its predecessor 2G in a similar fashion
The relationship between 2G and 3G is similar to that between dial-up to broadband or terrestrial TV and digital TV. In all of the latter examples, greater spectral efficiency has enabled more consumer choice and a more effective service.
3G and mobile broadband
As a technology, 3G facilitates devices such as mobile phones and mobile dongles to deliver broadband speed internet. Most new top of the range mobile phones are 3G enabled, making it easy to check emails and browse the web on the go.
While internet use via mobile phones has been slow to take off, mobile broadband via dongles, has taken off extremely fast. Mobile broadband allows customers to browse the internet, email and download files, music and video clips from their laptops and PCs wherever there’s mobile coverage.
3G technology is made possible by two complimentary technologies HSDPA and HSUPA (high speed download and upload packet access, respectively).
These technologies enable mobile broadband users to access of up to 7.2Mb speed downloads and uploads with speeds of up to 1.76Mb via a mobile dongle, USB modem or data card which they plug into the USB port of their laptop or PC.
Predecessors of 3G such as 2G and GPRS offered limited internet connectivity that was often costly and slow. Conversely, because 3G uses the airwaves more efficiently, it can offer speeds of up to 7.2Mb with prices start at just £10 a month.
Broadband today: your options
3G mobile broadband is now available from all of the major operators in Australia. The major differences between the available services are coverage, performance and price. Since launching its NextG network, Telstra has led the race in terms of coverage and performance but Optus is rapidly closing the gap. VHA, the organisation resulting from the merger of Vodafone and Three, offers more aggressive pricing but is behind when it comes to coverage.
3G broadband is now more competitively priced than even entry level DSL. Coverage by the major network operators also rivals DSL:
• Telstra offers 99 percent coverage with its Next G network
• Optus offers 96 percent with its Yes G network. Aims to hit 98 percent by end the end of 2009
• Vodafone and Three to merge Australian operations to achieve 95 percent coverage
VPN services meet your business needs
VPN (Virtual Private Network) access is becoming the most significant driver for 3G broadband uptake when it comes to SMEs. It is being used for a mix of mobile, roaming and fixed requirements and as a substitution for DSL services, in circumstances where it arguably offers advantages. The availability of network-based 3G broadband VPN services will serve to increase the attractiveness of 3G broadband to business customers due to the high speed, broad coverage and relatively low cost that it now offers.
VPN is ideal for SME businesses. The ability to build corporate networks on a common IP core has transformed the way such businesses operate. The ability to connect 3G broadband services into such networks will drive further transformation. IP VPN technology is now very mature, having evolved in parallel with DSL. The speed and cost of 3G services is evolving more rapidly than was the case for DSL. 3G broadband is able to be used as a mobile, nomadic and fixed service, making it extremely versatile.
3G mobile broadband and your business
Being inherently ‘mobile,’ 3G broadband services are ideal for use by mobile field resources such as consultants and service technicians. Similarly, it is well suited to regular travelers or ‘road warriors’ that need access from their hotel, while at a client site or simply between meetings whilst sitting in a coffee shop. Sales staff will also benefit from the mobile nature of 3G broadband. They might look up and/or update details whilst with a client or perhaps avoid unnecessarily trips back to the office between meetings, saving precious selling time. For example, taking car hire Morocco with broadband service will give your mobile gadget access to the Internet.
I met with a client recently who has consultants that typically work on location at major banks and financial institutions. They have often found it hard to make arrangements for appropriate connectivity for their staff, which may require allowing for VPN access through a firewall. VPN access via a 3G broadband connection is an ideal solution in this instance; however it would be wise to have an external antenna, particularly if working in multi-story buildings.
In sites with a single computer and/or where an appropriate router and/or firewall is used, 3G broadband services may also be used to cater for ‘nomadic’ or ‘fixed’ requirements.
Given that there is no need to ‘install’ or ‘uninstall’ a 3G broadband service, they offer significant benefits for nomadic requirements. An example might be a stand at a trade show, where it has typically been costly and painful to set up appropriate network connectivity. Other examples might be a short-term retail shop, a temporary office while a business goes through a period of change or perhaps a disaster recovery site. In each case, 3G broadband offers cost savings and much less fuss.
Think of a staff member who frequently works from home and occasionally works on client sites. A 3G broadband service provides access in both cases and might also feature in your disaster recovery plan as it enables them to work from wherever it is deemed appropriate. And if they leave the business, you can reallocate their 3G device to another member of staff without having to pay any setup or termination fees. In short, 3G broadband is very adaptable and offers significant flexibility.