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

In the United States, three large cellular-service providers offer mobile broadband services on their networks. Sprint and Verizon are both CDMA networks, so their services are based on EV-DO technology. AT&T, formerly Cingular, is a GSM network, so it’s offering an HSDPA mobile broadband service.

Mobile broadband services provide fast and easy ways to connect even from coffee shops.

All three of these companies have built nationwide cellular networks. But not every part of the network is created equal. If you’re in a major metropolitan area, then you’ll have the most data services available to you. But if you’re out in a rural area, you may be limited to simply making phone calls or browsing the Web at dial-up speeds.

For example, AT&T’s mobile broadband service is called BroadbandConnect. With BroadbandConnect, you can send e-mails, instant messages, browse the Web at speeds between 400 and 700Kbps, watch TV shows, and even record and share live video during a phone call.

But to access all of these BroadbandConnect services, you need to be within coverage range of AT&T’s 3G network. Right now, that’s confined to the nation’s largest cities. If you’re outside of that coverage area, you can still access some data services like e-mail, text messaging and Web browsing, but at speeds between 75 and 135Kbps.

Sprint and Verizon’s services are the same. With Sprint’s mobile broadband service, you can use your cell phone to send e-mails, listen to streaming radio stations, download songs and music videos, watch live TV, share photos, play games and browse the Web at speeds between 600Kbps and 1.4Mbps (megabytes per second).

But like AT&T, the most data services and the best connection speeds are only available in 3G coverage areas, which are usually found in the nation’s biggest cities. On the fringes of these coverage areas are mobile broadband roaming areas, which offer limited multimedia and data services. Even further outside major cities is the regular Sprint nationwide cellular network, with basic data services and connection speeds between 50 and 70Kbps, similar to dial-up.

What you pay to access these mobile broadband networks depends on what device you’re going to use. There are four basic options for connecting to a 3G network:

• 3G cell phone
• PDA/smartphone
• laptop computer with a PC card
• laptop computer using a cell phone as a modem

For each of these options, the cellular providers offer several different mobile broadband payment plans. There’s usually an option for unlimited monthly access, which is the most expensive plan. Another option is to pick a plan that allows for a maximum amount of data transfer a month. Sprint, for example, has an option for laptop users to pay $39.99 a month for 40MB (megtabytes) of data transfer over the network. Verizon has a 5GB (gigabyte) plan for $59.99 a month. To give you an idea of what that means, Verizon says you could send 1,747,627 e-mails a month before reaching 5GB, or look up nearly 35,000 Web pages

Cellular providers generally package their mobile broadband services for cell phone users. Sprint’s package is called Power Vision and AT&T’s is called MEdia Net. You pay extra for these packages on top of your regular calling plan. Or you can sign up for an all-inclusive plan that gives you a certain amount of anytime minutes per month, plus unlimited mobile broadband usage. With a PDA or smartphone, you can choose from unlimited or maximum data usage plus a voice-calling plan.

If you don’t want to sign up for a monthly plan, you can actually pay by the kilobyte of data transfer. Sprint, for example, charges three cents a kilobyte for mobile broadband access without a monthly plan.

Now let’s break down the terms and fees of a mobile broadband plan.

Terms and Fees of Mobile Broadband Services

Mobile broadband is a brand new technology, so expect to pay a premium to use it. Like all cellular services, mobile broadband requires a one- or two-year contract. If you cancel the contract early, the cellular provider can charge an early termination fee up to $200.

Most mobile broadband services require the use of a card, that allows users to access the Internet.

If you’re going to use a cell phone for mobile broadband access, you might also need to buy a new phone. Cellular providers require that you use certain phones to access certain services. If you want to sign up for AT&T’s BroadbandConnect service, for example, you’ll choose from a dozen or so phones that have the right hardware and software to handle Web browsing and multimedia playback. And if you don’t sign up for an all-inclusive voice and data plan, then you’ll have to sign up for some kind of voice plan in addition to the mobile broadband contract.

The nice part is that the cellular providers often offer steep rebates and discounts when you buy a phone with a voice or data plan. Some phones and PC cards are even free after all of the instant discounts, online savings and mail-in rebates.

Make sure you read your mobile broadband contract closely and pay attention to all of the surcharges and taxes that apply. When you’re quoted a monthly charge of $39.99 a month, that doesn’t include any of the extra fees that will show up on your monthly bill. Let’s talk about a few of them:

• Most cellular service contracts come with a one-time activation fee of around $35.
• Some contracts require a deposit. Depending on your credit history, that deposit could be as low as $50 or as high as $1,000.
• Cellular services are subject to state and local taxes. Depending on where you live, those could add between 4 and 35 percent to your monthly bill.
• Phone companies are required to contribute to a federal fund for providing phone access to low-income individuals and families. This is called the Universal Service Fund (USF). As of April 1, 2008, the FCC is charging 11.3 percent per telephone line, also known as the Federal Universal Service Charge.
• There are also various regulatory and administrative charges that add up to around one dollar a month.

Some mobile broadband services have roaming areas that extend into parts of Mexico and Canada. Generally, if you use data or mobile broadband services within one of these extended roaming areas, you’ll be charged an extra fee based on a set price per kilobyte or megabyte of data transfer.

We hope this has been a helpful introduction to the exciting possibilities of mobile broadband. For more information about mobile broadband services, wireless technology and related topics, check out the links on the next page.

Almost anything and everything in today’s world is unlimited. The world has come to a stage where technology and advancement has made it possible to procure almost everything in limitless quantities. So why not unlimited broadband too? Broadband is available today in both options; limited and unlimited. The influx of better infrastructure and better technology has now made broadband services possible in urban, semi-urban and rural areas also. From the time when only a dial-up connection was accessible in rural areas, companies have made headway into villages and areas where laying cables are impossible. Satellite Internet is the new phenomenon which can even provide competitive business broadband services in rural villages.

The minimum threshold for an Internet service to be termed as a broadband service is 768 Kbps of download speed. Most business broadband providers now have a minimum speed of 2 Mbps to a maximum of 24 Mbps. The higher the speed limit, the more expensive the broadband connection. A huge range of frequencies available has now made it viable for multiple users to log on to a single server and experience the same speed. Even during peak traffic hours like in the evenings or weekends, broadband services with reliable speeds are available for home as well as business purposes.

Small and medium businesses have long realized the need of a good business broadband connection. Whereas unlimited broadband is available for residential as well as business purposes, broadband services for businesses are expensive. But the huge number of competition in the market have steadily brought down prices and unlimited broadband for trade, commerce and industry is now available at unbeatable tariffs.

Broadband services can be obtained as monthly subscriptions. For a fixed fee which depends on the download speed and data transmission, you can access broadband Internet. When broadband is limited, you subscribe for services on a particular speed under a specific download limit crossing which you will have to pay for extra usages. For example, you may take a monthly subscription for Rs.899 which provides speeds upto 2 Mbps and has a download limit of 10 GB. If you cross the limit of 10 GB in a month, you will end up paying more than Rs.899 for extra usage.
Unlimited broadband is different because you don’t have a limit. You can download unlimited music, movies and wallpapers from the Internet all at a fixed rate. For example, you may have a monthly plan of Rs.1099 for a download speed of 2 Mbps. For Rs.1099 you can explore and download all you like.

When choosing a business broadband service, the most important things you have to keep in mind and compare are the subscription package, download speed, extra charges and after sales services. For a business situation you cannot compromise on any of these parameters.

Choosing the right mobile provider is an important decision for any modern business with employees on the go. Technology is becoming increasingly mobile, and for many SMEs, the difference between a good day and a bad day can come down to just one call and their ability to respond.

A missed call or email, but particularly a delayed response to clients, could spell disaster for SMEs. It’s therefore important that businesses are fully mobile and accessible at all times. There are a variety of different mobile providers to choose from in Australia that cater for an ever-growing range of mobile services. Here are some important steps to take prior to choosing a mobile provider and some crucial questions to ask before you sign on the dotted line.

Assessment
First and foremost, you must assess and understand the mobile technology requirements for your business before examining your options. When considering the following points, keep in mind your company’s growth plans, as your mobile service will need to develop and grow as you do.

Level of access required:

• How many employees will share the company’s mobile plan?
• Do you have any employees that are regularly out of the office? For example, sales teams spending significant time on the road or employees working from home?
• On average, how much time do your employees spend on their desk phone vs. mobile phone? Do you need your mobile phone to act as both?
• Is email and internet usage an integral part of the way your business operates?
• Do you need to place restrictions on employee mobile usage, for example, the level of data they can download?
• How often do your employees travel both interstate and overseas?

Account management:

• Do you have an existing mobile contract that may affect negotiations with a new mobile provider? This will need to be flagged with your new mobile provider so that they can tailer a deal that’s right for you.
• Is your business currently supplied mobile services in addition to mobile solutions, such as mobile broadband? If so, how many suppliers across the business are involved? Can you benefit from streamlining your suppliers?
• Are your mobile services interoperable or stand-alone?
• Does your business have access to technology conducive to the level of mobile access you require, or do employees need a handset upgrade to enable them to be as efficient and productive as they can be?

Price
As in all business decisions, one of the crucial differentiators with choosing your mobile provider is price. Once you’ve assessed your mobile needs, it’s important you engage a mobile provider that can offer you the services you require at the best possible price; but look deeper than just the quoted call rate. Ensure you’re getting genuine value.

The flexibility of your mobile plan is key to maximising the cost-effectiveness of your corporate mobile solution. Most of the major mobile service providers in Australia provide a certain level of flexibility and scalability to their corporate customers, but it’s important you understand the structure of the plans being offered to ensure it’s the right one for you. Generally, the most cost-effective plan is one that lets a group of employees share from the same pool of talk-time, rather than bill each single employee separately on general call rates. A shared pool option allows for greater certainty in your mobile spend each month, minimising the chance of bill shock. It’s unusual for mobile service providers to charge their corporate customers in this way, so do your research to ensure you don’t exceed your budget allocation.

It’s also worth noting the flagfall rate of the corporate mobile plan you choose. Flagfall is a fixed fee that mobile service providers charge to connect each call, with the total cost deducted from the monthly value of a customer’s plan. Some mobile providers, such as Vodafone Australia, have removed flagfall from their corporate plans, allowing greater cost savings and account transparency for customers.

Coverage
Mobile network coverage—both locally and internationally  will directly affect your ability to use mobile services. When thinking about your business’ requirements, also think about the locality in which your employees operate, evaluating how far they travel and the mobile activity required to conduct business effectively in those areas. Do your employees spend 99 percent of their time in metropolitan areas? In which case, paying a costly premium to a mobile provider that guarantees you coverage in Uluru may not be the best way to spend your business dollar.  Australia’s leading mobile service providers, including Vodafone, Telstra and Optus, have reasonable levels of network coverage with further enhancements expected to take place mid-2009.

International travel is becoming a more frequent component of how SMEs operate, whether for client meetings, product selection or undertaking sales. It’s crucial that your mobile provider offers you the best global network coverage with the best international rates, so that you can operate with minimal fuss and disruption wherever you are. While most leading mobile service providers can connect you globally, Vodafone is the only mobile provider in Australia to have its own global network. For this reason, it is able to offer extensive roaming throughout the world, with call rates at the optimum level of value. As with domestic calls, it’s key your mobile service provider offers a clear pricing structure for their international call rates. You shouldn’t have to pay more to your bill to receive great value international rates. Look for service providers that allow you to add on tariff options to your bill for free.

The internet is more important than ever for small to medium businesses looking to maintain an edge over their rivals. Look for a mobile service provider that offers the most cost-effective mobile data plans abroad. For businessmen and women who need to travel regularly, their mobile broadband needs to be able to travel too, so look for a service provider that offers the best international coverage and roaming rates.

Technology
Your corporate mobile package isn’t just about network coverage and applications, but the ability to operate your business using the best technology available. When choosing your mobile provider look at the types of handsets available with each of the corporate plans. Look too at the add-on technology available for your mobile solution. It’s important your provider notifies you when upgrades and updates are available so that your technology is working as effectively as it can. Applications are also an integral part of maximising your technology, so check whether your mobile provider allows business-friendly applications such as GPS.

Customer service
A loss in communications for a business can mean a loss in sales so, if things go wrong (and they will from time to time) it’s important you have a dedicated team you can turn to for help. When it comes down to choosing a service provider, many SME owners will see quality customer service as a make or break component. A knowledgeable, reassuring voice at the end of the phone line can make a world of difference when in times of crisis.

Choosing a service provider based on its customer service qualities can be difficult, however there are a few stand-out features that SMEs can look for when making their appraisal. Firstly, evaluate whether your mobile service provider offers a one-stop-sho customer service centre, offering advice on all your telecommunications components. Secondly, check if your mobile service provider offers free customer service. Some service providers can charge a fee for customer service calls, so check the fine print. Also, check what hours they operate in. You don’t want to be stuck overseas with no mobile, no internet and no customer service. Look for a service provider that offers free 24/7 customer care; essential for business users who find themselves working late into the night, over weekends or while overseas.

For larger businesses, mobile service providers are able to offer dedicated account management teams. And, if you are based in Australia, you will want a dedicated client executive team based in Australia which understands your business, the local market and account, and can talk to you in your own timezone.

Solution
When looking at the mobile solution for your business, smart SMEs should also look at other ways to improve business efficiencies and consider consolidating mobile service suppliers into one. In fact, services such as mobile broadband, mobile internet, mobile calls, fixed-line calls and WiFi are all essential to keep your business viable in 2009 and give you an edge over the competition. Understandably, several types of communication solutions can cause a bit of a head ache for CFOs, with several separate bills potentially hitting their in-trays each month.

To help streamline your communications solution, try to look for a mobile service provider that offers an all-in-one solution, as one bill for all your communications services equals much less of a headache for SME business owners and CFOs. This approach allows for easier financial reporting and maximised cost savings. Furthermore, look for trusted brands that offer their services as part of an all-encompassing package. This needn’t mean a compromise on the viability of the package for your business, so make sure that the service you purchase is scalable to ensure a tailored solution that fits your business like a glove.