Universal Internet Access: A Necessity

Introduction

The continuously changing technological evolution in information science and technology bred forth internet, which has greatly contributed to globalization and opening up of new areas. Consequently, Universal Internet Access has become to be considered one of the basic requirements in the contemporary digital era. Initiation of Universal Internet Access is tabled as one of the vital areas presently addressed art the European level through the Digital Agenda for Europe.

Additionally, the internet has been a great source of importance whether through learning, entertainment, or socializing to users, connecting to various website to encounter various music stores, and movies for home entertainment. In view of these introductory remarks, the implications of internet are diverse to peoples’ progressiveness and prosperity; both socially and economically. However, to some people, the access of internet is supposedly a far-fetched dream, in some areas. The internet access is poor in such areas which induces impressions of retrogression; based on the proposition that digital businesses cannot thrive in such areas (Dang et al., 2010). The other impact that characterizes such poor internet connected areas is depopulation, in that people are discouraged to stay areas with low internet connectivity; in such a digital dispensation.

The induction of efforts to facilitate the spread of internet to inaccessible areas is ongoing, by various Internet Service Providers. These efforts are being implemented through a wide array of technological applications that intends to connect urban internet with suburban and remote areas, where connectivity is a challenge. Such technologies are such as the use of wired links; for instance the Digital Subscriber Line, Wireless Fidelity (WIFI), fiber to the cabinet or homes, and cable TV. However, the introduction of such technologies in sparsely populated areas may not be effective concerning the costs incurred, and indeed very far areas due to physical barriers in between. This thus calls for a need to innovations better tamed to resolve the connectivity in all areas.

This paper intends to use Thorpe Lane in Trimley St Martin, Suffolk as a case study with poor internet connection, in conjunction with two technological interventions deemed to induce supply of internet connectivity to the region. Thorpe Lane Street has been branded, a street the slowest internet connection in the entire Britain (Scarfe, 2010). Notably, while it is approximated that it will take twenty one hours to download a two-hour film via Netflix. This rural street is situated 90 miles from the country’s capital London; with her speed being 0.68 megabits per second; which is fifty three times slower than the United Kingdom’s average internet speed.

The reasons attributing to such slow connections are embedded on the long distance from the nearest exchange and service providers. Additionally, the area is limited from cable services and fiber-to-the-cabinet broadband which compromises the connectivity. The geographical locality of the area towards the Eastern Region of England and coastal Suffolk near the Atlantic induces elemental physical barriers that affect the provision of internet network services (Macdonald, 2016). The issue of depopulation in the area also discourages distribution of internet, on the premise that it is not economical.

Technologies that can Provide Internet Connection in Thorpe Lane in Trimley St Martin, Suffolk

Considering the vitality of internet in the broad spectrum of business and homes; there is a need to adopt technologies geared to induce connectivity along poorly connected areas. This section intends to discuss two of such technologies that can be applied in Thorpe Lane in Trimley, to conquer the connectivity challenge. These two technologies include;

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) and Wireless Fidelity (WIFI)

Use of Fiber

WIFI and WIMAX Broadband Wireless Technologies Technical Description

WIMAX and WIFI are broadband technologies which share few similarities, and differences especially in their execution domain. Wireless standard network connections have been developed over the past such as Bluetooth, WIMAX and WIFI which are all founded on the threshold of IEEE standards. Whereas WIMAX is built on IEEE 802.16; WIFI is based on 802.11 (Deshmukh et al., 2016). WIMAX is differentiated from WIFI technology on the premise that it is relatively faster, and with an ability to provide internet connectivity within a range of up to 40 miles, with a speed of more than 70 Mbps. The main focus for WIMAX technology is to provide fast and cheap internet connectivity for both data and voice connectivity (Basaran, Olgun, and Sertel, 2013).

WIFI technology’s main intent is to provide connectivity for computers and other digital gadgets without necessarily applying wires. WIFI constitutes one of the most common wireless technologies for communication and data transmissions. WIFI make use of radio technology that is commonly referred to as802.11, whereby the application of such radio technologies gets to disseminated data over relatively shorter distances. 802.11 operate on either 5GHz or 2.4 GHz, depending on its nature and type (Giorgetta et al., 2013). WIFI technology exists in four main standards which are tabulated below;

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) is within the IEEE 802.16 standard. It is a typical broadband technology which offers a rigid reliable, nomadic and mobile communications via wireless and wired connectivity. There are two WIMAX technology typologies namely (Sharma et al., 2013);

802.16-2004 (Fixed WIMAX) and

802.16e/ 802.16-2005 (mobile WIMAX)

802.16-2004 (Fixed WIMAX) is a modification to former specifications such as 802.16 and 802.16a. On the other hand, 802.16e/ 802.16-2005 (mobile WIMAX) is an extension of 802.16-2004 for mobile applications within 2 to 6 GHz band. Moreover, this type of WIMAX enables users to communicate while engaging in other activities such as walking, riding or driving (Kumar, and Udaykumar, 2013).

The advent of WIMAX and WIFI wireless technologies have greatly contributed to widespread of internet to areas that were initially inaccessible. According to Hasan, and Mahmood, (not dated) WIMAX technology came into being more than ten years ago but yet it has not gained a resounding fame to many people. WIMAX is a standard based on IEEE 802.16 broadband wireless access metropolitan area innovation; but also is an air-interface standard for millimeter-wave band and microwave.

As a comparatively newer technology, WIMAX offers a fast internet connectivity which can be harnessed to connect with 802.11 Times wireless hotspot to the network. WIFI on the other side is a wireless technology that is built on IP addressing. The WIFI’s high bandwidth constitutes of different options considerate for small distance connections, known as Local Area Network which is responsible for meeting people’s needs for internet (Xu et al., 2013).

The deployment of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is capacitated via a router or an AP to get access to internet. The main intent of the router or an AP is to convert the wired network into a wireless network and enable many users to be able to join to the internet service. The internet source or access point ought to continually form part of a local area network which is abundant of internet and thus which offers the node’s internet connectivity (Song, and Isaac, 2014).

WIFI and WIMAX technologies are more effective when operating collaboratively; and in a creative form as, Marzuki and Baba, 2011 observe. Such mutual coexistence between WIFI and WIMAX help to sort out the internet connectivity in our chosen area of study. Additionally, the functioning together of WIFI and WIMAX is a contemporary and complementary trend. Over the recent years, they have become integrated with the 3G technology. The 3G, WIMAX and WIFI joint networks utilize a common management system in pursuit to share user’s information; and yet their functionality in terms of performance can easily get improved (Song, and Isaac, 2014).

Application of WIMAX and WIFI technologies, as a Solution to Suffolk’s Thorpe Lane Internet Problem

The industrial designation of WIMAX and WIFI technologies are such that they are able to offer internet solutions at a high speed especially to areas that are isolated and depopulated based on the proposition that the technologies are relatively cheaper to install. WIMAX technology is designed to enable high speed internet access from laptops, or any other compatible device, over large distances; as opposed to former technologies. WIFI technologies are instrumental in acting as supplements for WIMAX technologies (Ouaddah et al., 2017). .

Broadly, WIMAX is made up of two components which facilitates up its functionality. These two parts are the WIMAX tower, and the WIMAX receiver (Raju, Tabassum, and Damodaram not dated). A particular WIMAX tower is enabled to cover very vast areas, of up to 3000 miles which therefore is deemed effective for applications in Thorpe Lane on Suffolk. Additionally, WIMAX tower station has the capacity to connect directly to the internet source with the help of a high bandwidth wired connection. the ability to connect to a secondary tower and in conjunction to cover large geographical distances makes WIMAX one of the best options for providing internet services to remote areas.

WIMAX technologies apply the radio waves from the transmitter to the receiver, in a similar manner to light waves. Notably; WIMAX make use of lower frequency range of about 2 to 11 GHz just like the WIFI technologies (Hu et al., 2011). The transmissions using such short wavelengths are not easily interrupted or disrupted by physical barriers because they have the capacity to diffract, or negotiate and bend over such obstacles standing on their way. This therefore makes WIMAX technologies and WIFI a potential solution to areas where physical barriers attribute to poor internet connectivity (Kumar, and Deen, 2014).

Moreover, WIMAX technologies are incorporated with smart antennas. For instance the OFDM is integrated with a smart antenna which is much more effective than the 3G technology (Oliviero, and Woodward, 2014). The smart antennas induce increments in coverage and range throughout the station. In favorable conditions, the smart antennas can increase the coverage rage by factor two, which in the context of Thorpe Lane is ideal and economical.

Lastly, WIMAX technologies come with concrete security measures for encryptions and privacy. Authentication is enhanced with X.509 credentials and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) which may offer standard SIM authentication and support for SIMs. The elemental security offered by WIMAX instrumental to personal or organizational use against external; or non-intended users. Similarly, WIMAX also constitutes of an in-built Virtual Private Network (VPN) which offer data protection from getting accessed by other users within the same base station (Richardson, Nilsson, and Clarkson, 2010).

Use of Fiber Optics

Fiber optics is a medium through which information is disseminated from one place to the other in the form of light. A fundamental fiber optic system is made up of a transmitting cable which carries the receiver for the carried light signals carried by the fiber cable. The transmitting signal helps in the conversion of light signals into electric form (Sarkar, 2012). Fiber to the home constitutes yet another critical avenue that can be used to supply internet to homes and locations. Fiber optic is characterized by efficiencies in transmissions of data at a high speed over long distances which make it the fastest kind of broadband technology.

Optical fibers constitutes of three fundamental parts; the core, coating and the cladding (Oliviero, and Woodward, 2014). The core is the central part and is doped with silica. The core is surrounded by the cladding which is made of natural silica. The light signals are transmitted along the core with the signal being reflected in between the core and cladding surfaces. The coating is the external layer that safeguards and protects the silica part against abrasion during installation

There are two main different types of optical fibers on disposal; namely multimode fibers and single mode fibers (Pei et al., 2011). Multimode fibers are typically used for Local Area Network whereby the internet connectivity can be range up to 2km. There are two main standardized core sizes provided; namely the 62.5 micrometers and the 50 micrometers. Notably, multimode fibers are integrated with graded index profile which increases the bandwidth. The large core size facilitates easier connectivity and low costs test equipment. Single mode fibers on the other hand are capacitated to transmit connectivity over wide ranges. Their installment is a little more sophisticated and this type has a smaller core of approximately 9 micrometers, which thus implies precise connectors (Raju, and Damodaram, 2012).

Fiber optic internet applies optical cables that in incorporated with plethora flexible and ultra-pure glass fibers. The optic fibers are the ones used in the dissemination of data signals which enables one to get access to internet, and access to online activities. The utilized optical cables are small in weight and width which render them effectiveness for varied impediments of cabling. The conductor is made of glass which is a poor conductor of electricity, and therefore which makes it immune to any form of interferences while transmitting data (Ouaddah et al., 2017).

Optical fiber transmissions utilize wavelengths that are of equal measure with infrared spectrum and therefore which makes them invisible with an unaided eye. Typical optical wavelengths are transmitted at 850, 1350 and 1550 nm (Ozgur, 2017). Notably, LEDs and lasers are applied in the transmission of light via the given optical fiber. Fiber normally operates in between a certain range of wavelengths, known as operating windows; with every window at the center of an operating wavelength.

LEDs are normally applied in low data rate and short distance multimode systems based on the fact that they have limited bandwidth and low output power. Additionally, the output spectrum for a LED is approximately 40nm which lowers its functionality due to chromatic dispersion. LEDs function in a linear manner than the way Diodes do (Narayanaswamy, and Wolfbeis, 2013). The ability to operate in a linear manner makes them more effective in analog modulation, which is applicable to Local Area Network. Laser diodes are applied in longer distances and high rates of data are needed for the same. Since Laser Diodes have larger power output; they are able to transmit information over long distances (Parida, 2015).

Application of Fiber Optic for Internet Solutions

The application of fiber optic come at a time when internet supply is a fundamental need to the progressiveness of businesses, other related applications. In its fundamental state, fiber optics provides internet at a very fast sped, especially during the peak hours (Liu et al., 2012). When applying optic cables, data transfer is very fast, meaning connectivity is instantaneous. This proposition is a vital basis for the induction of network connection in Thorpe Lane that is isolated and relatively far for urbanized area. Fast internet connection is an impression that huge data can be transferred quickly hence the remote residents can be connected effectively.

Additionally, optical cables are characterized by elemental efficiency and reliability, which can ascend the physical barriers that hamper smooth connectivity in isolated areas (Massa, 2012). Optical fibers are not able to absorb light that travels via them, which therefore means that data can negotiate through lengthy distances without experiencing any kind of degradation. The nature of frequencies applied in optical cables is high and also their data capacity is large. Notably; the applied optical cable are made from glass which is not susceptible to electric interferences along the way. This therefore induces a stable signal coming through without deteriorations (Lam et al., 2013).

Fiber optics is characterized by consistency in transmissions; concerning speed. According to the companies that manufactures fiber optics (FCC), interference and energy losses are taken into considerations during the manufacturing process (Aguren, and Hewlett, 2012). Fiber cables are capacitated to handle such interferences better than any other transmission mode available. When travelling through lengthy distances, fiber optics undergoes negligible signal loss which therefore maintains their consistency. The consistency is what many people look up to especially the business community whose processes entirely rely on internet network.

Lastly, investing in fiber optic cables is a long-term solution for internet supply, based on the premise that fiber cables do not easily break. Therefore it means that hay do not require periodic replacement as opposed to copper wires (Kaminow, Li and Willner, 2010). Even though the cables are made from glass, they are not prone to physical damages, meaning they are able to serve their intended purposes for a long time, in areas deemed isolated, geographically and demographically; just like the Thorpe Lane of Suffolk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this paper takes cognizance of the fact that internet in the contemporary societies is a propellant factor to business ventures, office processes, and home entertainment. The advent of internet bred forth globalization, because through the same, there is sharing of different information regardless of geographic space involved. Due to the vitality of internet, there is a need for initiatives to avail the same to everyone in need of it. The United Kingdom government has made such efforts.

Technological advancements have also provided mechanisms to boost areas with lo connectivity, through innovations such as the two presented above. As discussed above, the use of wireless technologies such as WIMAX and WIFI are not only cost effective but also promote connectivity in marginalized areas. The inability of an area to connect has ability to discourage human settlements owing to the fact; that such areas cannot sustain communication that is an element tool in communication. The application of fiber to inspire connectivity has also been discussed above, and the rationale for the application identified.

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