1. Digital subscriber lines (DSL):

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a service that offers a faster Internet connection than a standard dial-up connection. DSL technology uses existing 2-wire copper telephone wiring to deliver high-speed data services to homes and businesses.

With DSL, data can be delivered at a rate of 1.5 mbps (around 30 times faster than through a 56-kbps modem). Also, DSL users can receive voice and data simultaneously; so small offices can leave computers plugged into the Net without interrupting phone connections. Currently, DSL is expensive because specialized equipment--a splitter--needs to be installed at the subscriber's location. DSL Lite, the consumer-ready version of DSL, requires no such splitter, and promises comparable access speeds at a cheaper rate.

Today DSL is for the first time putting high-speed Internet access within the reach of the home, small and medium-size businesses. DSL takes existing voice cables that connect customer premises to the phone company's central office (CO) and turns them into a high-speed digital link.

n          How does it work:

When you connect to the Internet, you might connect through a regular modem, through a local-area network connection in your office, through a cable modem or through a digital subscriber line (DSL) connection. DSL is a very high-speed connection that uses the same wires as a regular telephone line.

n          Advantages

1.          The speed is much higher than a regular modem (1.5 Mbps vs. 56 Kbps)

2.          DSL doesn't necessarily require new wiring; it can use the phone line you already have.

3.          The company that offers DSL will usually provide the modem as part of the installation.

4.          Always-On Service

5.          Phone/Internet Simultaneously

6.          Up to 25x Times Faster Than Dial-up Modem

7.          Cost Effective

8.          No More Busy Signals

9.          No More Dropped Connections

10.      Faster Downloads

11.      Faster Games

12.      Multiple Computers on Single DSL Line

13.      Dedicated Connection & Speed

Asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL):

In other respects, ADSL possesses all of the characteristics one associates with DSL, including an "always on" combination of voice and data services, availability limited by physical distance, and high speed access compared to analog modems

It is a new solution to the continuing problems with modems on current phone lines. A user can now get faster service and does not have to worry about the problems that can occur with noisy phone lines and seemingly forever connect times.

It is called asymmetric because it allows more bandwidth downstream from a NSP's central office to the customer's site than it does upstream from the end user's site. No call setup is required. This makes ADSL ideal for Internet/intranet surfing, and video-on-demand. Users typically download much more than they upload. ADSL supports download speeds between 1.5 and 8 Mbps; upstream the rate is between 640 kbps and 1.54 Mbps. ADSL can provide 1.54 Mbps transmission rates at distances up to 18,000 feet over one wire pair. An optimal speed of 6 to 8 Mbps can be achieved at distances of 10,000 to 12,000 feet using standard 24-gauge wire.

n          How does ADSL work?

ADSL gives you a constant connection to the Internet. Every time you switch on your computer, you are connected to the Internet automatically, no dialing necessary. This is done by a direct connection to our service. The faster rates are accomplished through an ethernet card and a special DSL Modem (both provided by NVBell), leaving behind the slower standard modems. Upon receipt of your order NVBell will mail you a kit that includes the modem, splitter & filters that you will need connect to your existing phone jack inside of your house or business. Then, you simply plug the line from the DSL Modem into your computer's ethernet card. The next time you turn on your computer, you will be connected directly to our Internet service and able to obtain blazingly fast speeds.

n          Advantages

1.          High-speed remote network connection

2.          High-speed remote video conference, multi-media applications

3.          Dedicated line, no shared bandwidth

4.          Voice, data, video transmission all on same line

5.          Co-existence with voice phone/fax without interruption

6.          No more busy line or line disconnection

7.          Plug-and-play installation

8.          Easy-to-use GUI configuration

Here are some companies that manufacture this type of equipment and their products:

Now we are going to specify to talk about one company: D-Link

D-Link is a world leading supplier of data network equipment. The Company designs, manufactures and markets adapters, hubs and switches, the bulk of hardware that let computer users share resources and communicate over a local area network (LAN). In
addition, D-Link also makes modems, Internet servers and remote routers equipment that enables individuals and offices to link up to the wide area network (WAN) and to the Internet.

ADSL Devices

 ADSL Modems

2.  Recently, in today’s Hong Kong, there are various positions available in the telecommunication industry, including the Internet. And now, we are going to introduce the positions, their jobs requirements and their salary range.  

According several on-line search companies, the positions available in such industry could be classified into three categories. Firstly, they are telemarker, representative office automation, sales executive and customer service representative. Secondly, they are assistant computer officer, RF engineer, system analyst, data/internet programmer and software developer. Thirdly, they are I.T. manager, unit manager, account manager and sale manager.

For the first category, employees have to promote stuff about computer, for example, multi-functional office automation equipment. Generally, F.5 or above with at least 1-2 years working experience are required. Being a sales executive, it is no doubt that they should be mature, aggressive, independent and good presentation skill. Otherwise, business will become worse. Apart from this, fluent Cantonese and English with some Mandarin are expected. Some companies also provide attractive package and product training such as Chevalier iTech Group. However, most of companies do not show salary range, but we discover that basic salary is around $7000 plus commission. 

For the second category, character’s duties are different from those are in the first category. What they have to do generally are local support of leading edge product, diagnosis and trouble-shooting of system and networking issues, recommendations and guidance on networking and implementation, interface with product support groups and even regional exposure. Moreover, the job requirements are much more tighter, too. The requirements are not only degree holder in Computer Science or equivalent, but also at least two years relevant experience. That is, knowledge in certain technologies. For example, systems engineer are preferred to know PPP, ADSL, IP, ATM and good working knowledge of the Internet; programmer have to know Unix, internet environment, database administration, C/C++ and Informix/ Oracle. Besides, good analytical skill and able to work independently are preferred. Compare the salary with the above categories, the positions in the second categories may be higher that the income range is $12, 000 to $30,000 depending on experience. For instance, salary of programmer in Startec Global Communications is HK$18,140 - 28,745.
     

For the third category, the job requirements and the salary are the harshest and the highest among three. I.T. manager in Dell is a convincing example. Although it is the same as the second category that requires the degree holder in Computer Science or related discipline, applicants should have minimum five years experience in handling application maintenance and project development, database administration, providing in-house support of network administration and system implementation. Also, Well-versed with PC software & hardware supporting, trouble shooting and good technical knowledge in internet applications, Windows NT, Novell & Servers are required. Travel overseas also is a must, too. But we think travel overseas may only be suitable in some cases. We really realize that being a manager is not an easy job. However, the salary is attractive which is around HK$32,000 – HK$4,5000.

Telecommunication industry, indeed, is the latest trend in our society. It plays a major role in local and global. Without them, email, websites, etc. will not survive.

Bibliographies:

http://www.hkonly.com/

http://jump.mingpao.com/

http://careertimes.com.hk/

http://www.jobs.gov.hk/findexc.htm

http://www.classifiedpost.com/jshome.php

http://www.pandaplanet.com/index_eng.cfm

http://timway.com/hk/Computer/Companies/