The internet plays a pivotal role in almost every aspect of our lives. Whether we’re sending emails, streaming videos, or browsing social media, we rely on the seamless movement of data.
The movement of data through the internet is a complex and fascinating process involving multiple layers of technology and infrastructure.Understanding this journey involves exploring various components, including servers, routers, and data packets.
At its core, the internet is a global network of interconnected computers. Data on the internet travels in the form of packets, which are small units of data that are transmitted independently and reassembled at their destination.
These tiny bundles carry everything needed for communication: IP addresses, hop counts, length, and payload. Imagine them as digital couriers, shuttling information across the web.
When you send a message or request a webpage, your data is broken down into these packets. Each packet contains not only a portion of your data but also essential information such as the destination address, the source address, and sequence information.
Once the data packets are created, they first travel through a local network. This network can be a home Wi-Fi network or an office Ethernet connection. The data packets move to a router or modem, which serves as a gateway between the local network and the broader internet. The router ensures that the data is properly directed to its next destination.
Internet Service Providers (ISPs):
Data packets travel from the local network to the broader internet through Internet Service Providers (ISPs). ISPs maintain extensive networks and infrastructure to facilitate the movement of data across vast distances. They connect local networks to the internet backbone, ensuring efficient and reliable data transmission.
Domain Name System (DNS):
Before data can be sent to a specific destination, the domain name of the destination must be resolved into an IP address. This process is handled by the Domain Name System (DNS). When a user enters a web address (e.g., www.example.com), a DNS query is initiated to find the corresponding IP address. DNS servers, distributed globally, perform this resolution, allowing data to be routed to the correct destination.
The internet backbone consists of high-capacity, high-speed data transmission lines that interconnect major network hubs and ISPs. These lines are typically made of fiber-optic cables, capable of transmitting large amounts of data at incredible speeds. The backbone spans across continents and oceans, connecting various regions of the world.
Data Centers and Servers:
Along the backbone, data centers and servers play a crucial role in storing and managing data. When a user requests data, such as accessing a website, the data is retrieved from servers located in data centers. These servers are powerful computers designed to handle numerous data requests simultaneously. Data centers are strategically located to optimize data delivery speeds and ensure redundancy in case of failures.
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs):
To further enhance the speed and reliability of data delivery, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) are employed. CDNs consist of multiple servers distributed across various locations. They cache copies of data, such as web pages and media files, closer to the end users. This proximity reduces latency, ensuring faster access to frequently requested content.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP):
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite governs the movement of data packets across the internet. TCP ensures the reliable delivery of data by managing packet sequencing and error correction. IP handles the addressing and routing of packets to their destination. Together, TCP/IP provides a robust framework for data communication.
Encryption and Security Protocols:
To protect data during its journey across the internet, encryption and security protocols are employed. Encryption converts data into a coded format, ensuring that only authorized parties can decipher it. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) are common security protocols that provide encrypted communication channels, safeguarding data from interception and tampering.
Upon reaching the destination network, the data packets are reassembled into their original format. This reassembly process is managed by the receiving device’s TCP/IP stack, which uses the sequence numbers in the packets to arrange them correctly. Once reassembled, the data is delivered to the appropriate application or service, completing its journey across the internet.
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In today’s digital age, streaming TV has become a popular alternative to traditional cable services. Whether you’re catching up on your favorite shows, watching live sports, or diving into the latest blockbuster movie, having the right internet bandwidth ensures a smooth and buffer-free experience. But how much bandwidth do you actually need? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Bandwidth Requirements
Bandwidth refers to the capacity or speed at which data can travel over a network connection. For streaming TV, bandwidth requirements vary based on several factors :
Resolution Matters
The quality of your streaming experience depends on the resolution and the amount of data per second (bitrate) your connection can handle. Here are the recommended minimum bandwidths for different resolutions:
Consider Your Devices and Services
Different streaming services and devices have varying bandwidth requirements. Most streaming providers recommend around 10 Mbps for a smooth experience. However, here are some specific recommendations:
Account for Multiple Devices
The number of devices connected to your network also affects your bandwidth needs. More devices mean more simultaneous data usage, which can strain your connection. Assess how many devices are actively used at the same time and ensure your bandwidth allocation can handle the cumulative load.
Check for Throttling
Sometimes, internet service providers (ISPs) may throttle your connection, reducing your bandwidth to manage network congestion. If you suspect throttling, check your internet speed using online tools and compare it with your plan’s advertised speeds. If there’s a significant discrepancy, contact your ISP for clarification.
Quick Tips to Improve Your Connection
To enhance your connection and ensure optimal performance, consider these quick tips:
By understanding and managing your bandwidth needs, you can greatly enhance your streaming experience. Consider the resolution, number of devices, and optimize your network setup to ensure smooth and uninterrupted streaming. Evaluate your internet plan and make necessary adjustments to meet your streaming demands.
With multiple streaming devices and upcoming 8K technology demand for bandwidth is going to sky-rocket. Going forward the bandwidth requirements per connection will be atleast 100 Mbps. This requires high-end BNG routers for supporting the increased throughput requirements.
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In 2024, the OTT (Over-the-Top) streaming industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. From the rise of ad-supported models to the integration of AI-driven personalization, these trends are transforming how content is delivered and consumed.
Here, we explore the top 10 trends that are shaping the future of streaming.
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Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a disruptive force capable of revolutionising the telecom sector. By harnessing the power of generative AI, telecom companies can enhance:
Here are 15 innovative ideas to disrupt the telecom sector using generative AI.
Generative AI enables telecom companies to optimise network performance and proactively address network issues through predictive maintenance.
By collecting real-time network data and applying generative AI models, potential failures can be predicted and maintenance scheduled proactively, minimising downtime and ensuring optimal performance.
Analysing geographical data, user behaviour patterns, and traffic predictions, AI can generate optimised deployment plans, ensuring maximum coverage and capacity.
Generative AI transforms customer experience management by analysing customer interactions and behaviours to deliver personalised services.
By applying AI algorithms to customer data, telecom companies can generate personalised service recommendations and offers, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Utilising AI models to analyse call records, billing data, and network usage patterns, anomalies can be detected and flagged in real-time, enabling timely fraud prevention measures.
Generative AI optimises network traffic and resource allocation by predicting and adapting to dynamic traffic patterns. By training AI models on historical traffic data, future traffic patterns can be predicted and resources allocated optimally, improving network efficiency and service quality.
AI can predict future demand for connectivity, enabling proactive planning and infrastructure upgrades, by analysing geographical data and growth projections.
Generative AI powers intelligent virtual assistants and chatbots, enabling personalised customer interactions and support. Using AI models that understand natural language queries, seamless customer support can be delivered.
AI algorithms can detect anomalous patterns indicating security threats, enabling real-time monitoring and proactive response to mitigate risks.
By predicting service degradation and identifying potential issues, AI enables proactive resolution, ensuring optimal service quality.
AI models can optimise pricing strategies and subscription offerings, maximising revenue. It also enables revenue assurance and subscription analytics by analysing customer behaviour and identifying revenue leakage.
It revolutionises fault management in Operational Support Systems (OSS) by analysing network alarms and identifying root causes.
Generative AI enhances revenue assurance in Business Support Systems (BSS) by calculating customer usage patterns and predicting revenue risks. By implementing proactive measures, revenue streams can be safeguarded.
Improves customer relationship management in BSS by tracking customer interactions and behaviours. AI enables personalised recommendations and proactive issue resolution, increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Optimises network capacity planning in OSS by gathering historical traffic patterns and predicting future demand. Efficient resource allocation strategies can be recommended, ensuring optimal network performance and cost efficiency.
Churn predictions in BSS by analysing customer behaviour and sentiment. AI models can predict customer churn likelihood and implement targeted retention strategies, minimising churn and retaining valuable customers.
These ideas underscore the transformative potential of generative AI, revolutionising key support systems in the telecommunications sector. By embracing these innovations, telecom companies can stay ahead in the competitive landscape and deliver superior services to their customers.
With the advent of AI in telecom, the sector is going to witness a tremendous change in terms of improving customer experience and automating network tasks. Processes will become more efficient and employee productivity will improve with AI incorporated into telecom.
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Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) is the latest iteration of the wireless standard, aiming to address the growing demand for data connectivity and bandwidth. It offers substantial improvements over its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).
Just as 5G revolutionizes mobile networks, Wi-Fi 6 is set to transform our wireless internet experience.
Beyond speed, Wi-Fi 6 excels in supporting more devices without compromising performance. It offers four times the bandwidth of Wi-Fi 5, ensuring that network speeds remain stable even as more devices connect.
Wi-Fi 6 achieves this efficiency through two key technologies: MU-MIMO and OFDMA.
MU-MIMO (Multi-User, Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output)
MU-MIMO allows multiple devices to connect to a router simultaneously. Wi-Fi 5 supports up to four devices, whereas Wi-Fi 6 expands this capability to eight devices. Think of it as having more delivery trucks to distribute goods, enhancing efficiency.
OFDMA takes the concept further by enabling a single truck to deliver goods to multiple locations at once. This technology allows data packets to be sent to various devices simultaneously, optimizing network performance.
While speed and device capacity are significant, Wi-Fi 6 offers other crucial benefits:
Adopting Wi-Fi 6 is a way to future-proof your network. As more devices become Wi-Fi 6 compatible, having a Wi-Fi 6 router will ensure you can take full advantage of the capabilities of these new devices. Additionally, even non-Wi-Fi 6 devices can experience improved performance on a Wi-Fi 6 network due to better traffic management and reduced congestion.
Upgrading to Wi-Fi 6
To experience the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, both your devices and your router need to be Wi-Fi 6 certified. Similar to requiring Bluetooth 5.0 compatible devices for a phone with Bluetooth 5.0, both ends of the connection need to be Wi-Fi 6 capable to leverage its advantages.
Wi-Fi 6 represents a significant advancement in wireless technology, providing faster speeds, superior capacity for handling multiple devices, and improved efficiency. As the number of internet-connected devices continues to rise, Wi-Fi 6 is well-positioned to meet the growing demands for reliable and high-performance wireless connectivity.
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The internet is running out of IPv4 addresses. IPv6 is the next generation addressing protocol designed to solve this issue. As an ISP, transitioning to IPv6 is crucial for future growth.
Here’s a 12-step guide to navigate this process:
Determine your current and projected customer count (home and corporate). Request an appropriate IPv6 prefix: /32 for up to 50,000 customers, /31 for up to 100,000, and /30 for up to 200,000. If necessary, request an upgrade of your current prefix. Visit your Regional Internet Registry for requests.
Evaluate your equipment for IPv6 support. Document all components, from upstream connections to customer premises equipment (CPEs). Push vendors to provide necessary support if lacking.
Enroll in training programs with experienced IPv6 deployment companies. RIPE NCC offers valuable IPv6 training material. Consider consulting services for a smoother transition, saving time and reducing potential business losses.
Verify IPv6 support with your upstream providers and configure BGP sessions accordingly. Ensure Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) used have IPv6 support. Seek better partners if your current ones lack support. Use tunnels like 6in4 or GRE only as temporary solutions if dual-stack is unavailable.
Update security policies to match those of IPv4, avoiding ICMP filtering for IPv6. Check IPv6 prefix filtering in BGP peers and review operational security considerations.
Ensure all monitoring systems support IPv6. Systems should handle IPv4 and IPv6 equally, tracking traffic quality, stability, and visibility of your prefixes.
Create a detailed addressing plan, different from IPv4. Use an IP Address Management tool for accuracy. RIPE Labs’ article on preparing an IPv6 addressing plan and the online IPv6 Subnetting Card are useful resources.
Start with dual-stack deployment in core and distribution networks. Consider phasing out IPv4 in parts of your network later to reuse those addresses elsewhere.
Begin with a trial in your corporate network. Allocate a /64 for each LAN or VLAN and maintain dual-stack configurations. Use Stateless Address Configuration (SLAAC) and RDNSS. Involve corporate and residential customers in this phase.
Update your access network and provisioning system, including billing systems. Choose an appropriate transition mechanism, like 464XLAT for residential customers. Use DHCPv6 prefix delegation for numbering customers, referring to RIPE BCOP for guidance.
Implement NAT64 and DNS64 in your network. Avoid carrier-grade NAT (CGN) due to higher costs and complexity. For cellular networks, deploy PLAT and set up an IPv6-only APN. Ensure devices like Android and Windows support customer-side translators (CLAT).
Update CPEs and conduct tests with customers. This step is critical and complex. Once successful, proceed with phased IPv6 activation and prepare for a commercial launch.
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5G represents the fifth generation of mobile networking, succeeding 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G. Designed to connect objects, individuals, and devices, 5G promises significant innovations and benefits over its predecessors.
5G is expected to deliver peak data rates of 20 Gbps and average rates exceeding 100 Mbps. This is a significant leap from the current fastest fibre-optic speeds of 1 Gbps.
While 4G LTE networks offer speeds around 12.5 MB/s, 5G could reach speeds as high as 2.5 GB/s. This means a 3GB file that takes 30 minutes to download on 4G could take only 35 seconds on 5G.
Ericsson predicts that by 2024, 5G will cover 40% of the world and handle 25% of all mobile traffic. This rollout requires substantial investment, with over $4.2 billion projected to be spent on 5G infrastructure.
5G replaces the physical last-mile connection with a wireless one, though the core network will still rely on fibre-optic cables. The challenge lies in ensuring individual connections maintain high performance despite potential congestion and physical barriers.
Compared to fibre-optic internet, 5G installation is cheaper and less labour-intensive. The plug-and-play nature of 5G means faster, easier deployment, making it a more attractive option for many.
There have been many concerns raised about the safety of the 5G internet. The radio waves emitted by 5G devices and towers are similar to those emitted by previous generations of mobile technology and are well below international safety standards.
Despite the impressive advancements of 5G technology, it will not replace fibre optic internet. Instead, 5G will serve as a crucial complement, especially for last-mile connectivity, while fibre optics will continue to play an integral role in the core network infrastructure.
ISPs will need to navigate a future where both technologies play a crucial role. Broadband market is expected to grow at a steady rate and ISPs will continue to play a dominant role in deploying last mile fibre for fixed broadband services. ISPs will need to manage operations to be efficient and scale as their networks grow.
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As artificial intelligence (AI) models continue to grow, system design limitations have become the primary bottleneck. With advancements in conversational AI, computer vision, and recommender systems, AI models with hundreds of trillions of parameters are on the horizon.
However, to sustain this growth, significant architectural innovations are essential, as current system designs are struggling to keep pace.
The expansion of AI models has been astounding.
To keep up with the rapid growth of AI models, computational throughput must increase significantly. This means either adding more nodes or boosting the communication speed between nodes. However, even today’s most advanced systems face interconnect bandwidth limitations, maxing out at hundreds of gigabits per second (Gbps).
Current Limitations: Copper-based interconnects face limitations in bandwidth, cost, power, density, weight, and configuration.
Tight Coupling Requirements: Today’s AI architectures rely heavily on GPU-HBM (high-bandwidth memory) and GPU-GPU communication, creating tight coupling requirements and increased latency due to the necessity of routing through the CPU to access DRAM.
To address these challenges, a fundamental shift towards photonics, or optical I/O, is necessary. This technology uses light pulses instead of electrical signals to transmit data.
With optical fiber there is practically no limitation on the amount of bandwidth that can be transferred and this will be critical to upcoming AI models.
ISPs and bandwidth providers will need to be ready to scale up their systems to cater to the increased bandwidth demands with the proliferation of AI.
This would require support for newer BNG routers with newer architectures such as CUPS which will help cater to increased bandwidth demands without high hardware costs.
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The world is moving towards an “always connected” reality, with growing numbers of devices demanding ever-increasing bandwidth. This surge in data creates a critical need for robust, secure, and sustainable network solutions. GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) technology stands out as a frontrunner in meeting these demands.
GPON utilizes fiber optic cables to transmit massive amounts of data between a central point and multiple distributed locations, spanning up to 20 kilometers. As the name suggests, it’s a passive network, meaning it doesn’t require any electrical equipment in the signal path, reducing energy consumption.
A GPON network consists of an OLT at the central office. This OLT communicates with ONTs installed at user locations through a fiber optic cable. One OLT port can manage up to 64 ONTs, with passive optical splitters dividing the signal efficiently. Data travels downstream (OLT to ONT) at 2.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps) and upstream (ONT to OLT) at 1.25 Gbps, offering superior broadband capabilities.
GPON transmission relies on a single optical path between the OLT and ONT, using different wavelengths: 1490nm downstream and 1310nm upstream.
Downstream Transmission: In downstream transmission, data is packaged and addressed at the OLT, distributed in a “broadcast” manner. Each ONT only collects data specifically addressed to it.
Upstream Transmission: In upstream transmission, multiple ONTs send data to the OLT via a single fiber. This is achieved through time slots, where each ONT transmits information in its designated slot.
Technological advancements have led to enhanced GPON protocols like XG-PON, NG-PON2, and XGS-PON, which offer 10 Gbps transmission in both directions.
Superior Bandwidth: GPON offers significantly higher bandwidth compared to traditional copper networks, enabling faster downloads, uploads, and seamless streaming.
Long-Term Scalability: The underlying fiber optic infrastructure in GPON networks boasts a lifespan exceeding 25 years. Upgrading the network to handle future bandwidth demands only requires replacing terminal equipment, not the entire fiber optic cabling.
Sustainability Champion: By reducing reliance on electrical equipment, GPON networks consume considerably less energy, making them a more environmentally friendly solution.
Cost-Effective: Lower equipment requirements and a low-maintenance passive network translate to significant cost savings for both network operators and users.
GPON networks are revolutionizing how we connect, with applications extending beyond traditional internet access:
Remote Work: Reducing the need for commuting, allowing more time for other activities.
Remote Health Services: Minimizing travel and providing faster service.
Online Government Services: Streamlining public services and accelerating processes.
GPON networks are also applicable as local access networks (LANs), potentially replacing existing copper networks in:
ISPs deploying GPON networks need to provision CPE devices and monitor devices for troubleshooting. Jaze ISP Manager provides TR069 based provisioning of credentials, Wi-Fi network provisioning as well as monitoring of critical statistics like fiber power levels and Wi-Fi signal strength.
Jaze ISP Manager also pulls SNMP data to monitor upload and download speeds and device statistics. This information is provided to the administrators along with the other details of the subscriber, thus enabling quick troubleshooting of issues and faster resolution leading to better customer satisfaction.
Also Jaze ISP Manager provides inventory management to manage the device life cycle right from purchase to deployment with end-to-end tracking and accountability helping you get better insights.
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Network bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can travel across a network connection in a given amount of time. It’s essentially the capacity of your internet pipe. The wider the pipe (higher bandwidth), the more data can flow through it, resulting in a faster and more efficient connection.
Bandwidth vs. Speed:
Many people confuse bandwidth with internet speed.Bandwidth is the capacity of the connection, whereas speed is how fast the data actually travels. Think of it like this: if bandwidth is the width of the highway, speed is how fast cars (data) are moving. A high-bandwidth connection allows more cars to travel at once, but the speed at which they move depends on various factors, such as network congestion and hardware capabilities.
Bandwidth is crucial because it directly impacts the efficiency and performance of your network activities. In other words, it keeps your connection flowing smoothly. Higher bandwidth allows for:
Traditionally, bandwidth was measured in bits per second (bps). However, with today’s high-speed connections, we more commonly use Mbps (megabits per second) or Gbps (gigabits per second) to represent bandwidth. There are two main types of bandwidth connections:
Technology: Newer technologies like fibre optics with multiplexing can squeeze more data through a connection compared to older copper options.
Spectrum Licensing: In mobile networks (LTE, 5G), operators have licensed spectrums for data transmission, offering a more controlled environment.
Wi-Fi Spectrum: Wi-Fi uses unlicensed spectrum, so multiple access points competing for the same frequencies can lead to bandwidth congestion.
Effective Bandwidth : The highest reliable transmission rate a link can provide is measured by a bandwidth test, which involves repeatedly timing the download of a specific file from origin to destination.
Even with high bandwidth, other factors can impact your experience:
The demand for bandwidth is expected to increase significantly in the coming years with the emergence of new technologies such as VR and AR. Additionally, IoT and AI will further drive the need for higher bandwidth.
Currently, a household with multiple streaming devices and users typically requires about 50 Mbps. However, this requirement is expected to rise dramatically. In response, some broadband providers have already started offering 1 Gbps plans to their subscribers.
To meet the future’s increased throughput demands, broadband providers need scalable BRAS routers.
Jaze ISP Manager integrates with all leading hardware and software BNG providers. It supports both RADIUS and Diameter protocols, offering unlimited scalability for service providers. Click here for more details.
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