Table of Contents

Welcome

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1: Introduction to Current and Upcoming Technologies
1.2: Why Traditional Models Won't Work in Rural Canada
1.3: Overview of the Structure of This Thesis

Chapter 2: Internet Use in Northern Ontario
2.1: Communities and Infrastructure
2.2: Community Based Networks and Their Efforts
2.3: Computer, Internet and Broadband Adoption Statistics
2.4: Outlook for Northern Ontario

Chapter 3: Wired Networks
3.1: Fibre Optic Networks
3.2: DSL
3.3: Cable
3.4: BPL

Chapter 4:Wireless Networks
4.1: WiFi
4.2: Broadband Cellular
4.3: MMDS and LMDS
4.4: Motorola Canopy
4.5: WiMAX

Chapter 5: Satellite Networks
5.1: KU-band and KA-band
5.2: Satellite as a Pipeline

Chapter 6: Broadband Funding Programs
6.1: Government Support for Broadband
6.2: Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
6.3: Satellite Internet for Remote Areas (SIRA)
6.4: Federal Funding

Chapter 7: Infrastructure Feasibility Algorithms
7.1: The Need for Algorithms and the Definition of Feasibility
7.2: Reasoning Behind the Algorithms
7.3: Broadband Pipeline Physical Feasibility Algorithm
7.4: Broadband Last Mile Infrastructure Physical Feasibility Algorithm
7.5: Case Study: The Cottage
7.6: Case Study: Village of Hilton Beach
7.7: Afterthoughts on the Algorithms

Chapter 8: Conclusion

Appendix A: List of References
Appendix B: Glossary

Welcome!

The Internet has become a critical part of society in 2006, and high-speed access to it is becoming increasingly important as more and more services and communication tools move online. So-called “traditional” broadband technologies like DSL and cable have not been deployed in rural areas and small communities because these technologies are not economically feasible when the population density is low. A number of new wireless technologies developed over the past few years may hold some promise for rural areas, thanks to their low cost and ability to cover a large geographic area.
This paper will explore a number of wired and wireless technologies, giving an overview of each and identifying which ones may be feasible for rural areas. This information will be summarized and presented in the form of a pair of algorithms to help a municipality, community group, or individual determine which of these technologies may be physically feasible for their situation. The ultimate goal of this research is to serve as a resource to semi-technical people who wish to learn about broadband Internet infrastructure and what they can do to bring it to their community.

RURAL BROADBAND: IT'S COMING SOONER THAN YOU THINK
by Jake Cormier
Department of Computer Science

Submitted in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Science (Specialized)

Algoma University College
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
April 2006

Version 1.3 (Last Updated April 10, 2006)
© Jake Cormier, 2006

© Jake Cormier, 2006 [jake (at) stormcloudstudios.com]
Completed as a partial requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Science (specialized)
Department of Computer Science :: Algoma University College :: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario :: Spring 2006