As our world becomes more technologically driven, terms such as ‘internet speed,’ ‘modem’ and ‘bandwidth,’ have now permanently reserved a place in our everyday lexicon. We use these words often, but not always accurately.
Most of us know whether we have antiquated dial-up service, DSL or cable internet access. We typically know what internet speeds our servicer provides and our data limit. But more often than not, all we know is that faster means better, and when slow connections or downloads happen, we’re frustrated.
This is where bandwidth becomes a key player. Bandwidth is often likened to a highway, whereas internet speed becomes the speed of the cars on this highway. If you have five cars on a one-lane highway, all starting from the same location and going to the same destination at the same speed, the last car will arrive later than the first car.
However, if you put those cars on a five-lane highway, they will all arrive at the same time even though the speed of each car remains constant. Adding more bandwidth is like adding more lanes to the highway.
The type of internet connection we have is crucial in how our service performs. If one of the cars on our one-lane highway breaks down, there is a chain reaction that causes all cars behind it to be delayed. But if that car breaks down on our five-lane highway, the other cars aren’t affected.
Walsh anticipated potential issues with bandwidth and data limits, and solved the problem by having Frog install underground fiber optic lines to bring 2- to 10-gigabit service, with unlimited data, to its residents and businesses.
Fiber optic lines provide astounding bandwidth. If you currently have cable internet with a download speed of 50Mbps, a full-length HD movie takes about 8 minutes to download. With the 2-gigabit per second service, that same movie will download in approximately 12 seconds. And there is still plenty of bandwidth available for the kids to play games while the spouse pays bills without the fear of the entire system locking up.
Switching to a fiber optic system is costly for most homeowners. Walsh solved this problem too by working with Frog to install the system as the neighborhood develops, allowing for significant savings on premium service. The basic service offered to homeowners is 2-gigabits per second, which is provided for free. Businesses can upgrade their service to 10-gigabits per second for a reasonable monthly charge.
Technology is one of the cornerstones of the Walsh foundation. By planning for a future that will only become more technologically advanced, Walsh ensures a community that will serve not only your family, but future generations.
By Diann Nichols
