Broadband can be provisioned in one of three ways, IPStream, DataStream and LLU.
Each technology has its own advantages as desribed below.
The main difference include:
- Speed
- Contention
- Bandwidth Limitations
- Availability
- Cost
IPStream
IPStream is a method of broadband provision carried fully over the BT colussus network, and adheres to the contention ratios set in place by BT of either 50:1 or 20:1. It is generally understood that these are the maximum contention ratios that BT would employ, and most connection run at much lower ratios. However there are no guarantees in place.
DataStream
DataStream is another means of broadband provision, using a virtual path to the local exchange, and then carried partly through the BT network from exchange to the end user. The contention ratios given are defined at the local exchange, and as such guaranteed contention ratios can be put in place.
LLU
LLU is the latest technology in place for the provision of broadband and is subject to the end users exchange having been “enabled” to carry such services. Enabling exchanges involves the ISP installing their own equipment in each exchange to allow them to provision their services to customers connected to that exchange. This is also the technology sitting behind the new high speed 24mb services.
The network carries the functionality to offer all the differing technologies as options to our resellers.