Deck 19: Broadband and Personal Networks

Question 1

Which is the fastest broadband service to the home?

A) Cable modem service
B) DSL
C) Fiber optics
D) Satellite broadband

Answer 1

Fiber optics

Question 2

What is the most popular technology for home networking?

A) WiMax
B) WiFi
C) Ethernet
D) HPNA
E) Power-line networking

Answer 2

WiFi

Question 3

Few wireless networks deliver the maximum speed because

A) So much bandwidth is used for control and coordination of all devices on the network.
B) ISPs throttle the available bandwidth to minimize traffic on their networks.
C) Interference from cordless phones and microwave ovens.
D) Maximum speed is a theoretical measure.

Answer 3

So much bandwidth is used for control and coordination of all devices on the network.

Question 4

What is the best way to protect a wireless home network?

A) Anti-virus programs
B) WEP
C) WPA
D) Turn off the router when you're not online

Question 5

Residential gateways are important because:

A) They control the flow of traffic within the home.
B) They control the flow of traffic into the home and out of the home
C) They provide security for the home network.
D) All of the above.
E) None of the above.

Question 6

The U.S. Government

A) Is actively promoting broadband access to American homes.
B) Requires broadband ISPs to provide a certain percentage of connections for free.
C) Is not involved in the broadband industry.
D) Has passed regulations limiting the spread of broadband, especially in rural areas.

Question 7

Net neutrality is favored by:

A) ISPs who want a more competitive landscape.
B) Consumer groups, who want to keep ISPs from limiting Web traffic.
C) The courts, which have consistently mandated equal treatment of all Web traffic.
D) Newspapers and other traditional media.

Question 8

In broadband penetration:

A) The U.S. is first in the world, with more than 80 broadband connections per 100 residents.
B) The U.S. is fifth in the world, with about 50 broadband connections per 100 residents having broadband access.
C) The U.S. is 15^th in the world, with about 32 broadband connections per 100 residents having broadband access.
D) The U.S. is 49^th in the world with about 15 broadband connections per 100 residents having broadband access.

Question 9

Consider the history of electricity in the home. One hundred years ago, electricity was fairly new in households, with only a few light bulbs and other devices connected. Today, every home has dozens, perhaps hundreds of devices that use electricity. Apply this lesson to predict the future of the Internet in the home.

Question 10

In your opinion, to what degree should home networking and Internet access be considered an "information utility," regulated by the government, as opposed to a private, unregulated service?

Question 11

Discuss the relative merits of different types of home networks. Which one do you think will be dominant in 20 years? Why?