Paving the information superhighway's last mile

Abstract

Internet access speeds have increased dramatically. Carriers have been upgrading the Internet backbone so it can handle Gbits-per-second data transmission rates, and users have seen their computer processing speeds grow exponentially. However, the process of paving the information superhighway's last mile, between the ISP and the home or office, has proceeded much more slowly. The author considers how faster ways to access the Internet are under development, thanks to intense user interest in improving Internet connectivity and technology. This is leading to the deployment of modems that send data at high speeds over cable TV networks or over regular phone lines outfitted with asynchronous digital subscriber line equipment.