A case for symmetrical bandwidth

This paper makes a case for the importance of symmetrical bandwidth deployment as it relates to the applications and requirements of communities, and to the response posture of the telecommunications industries with respect to community-based service business opportunities. The question of how best to structure and deploy physical bandwidth is a critical issue with respect to satisfying using community needs. The deployment choice is between symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetrical bandwidth provides equal capacity in both directions. Asymmetric bandwidth provides more bandwidth in one direction than the other. There is a direct relationship between the structure of the physical bandwidth (asymmetric versus symmetric), and the way the bandwidth is used. Symmetric bandwidth can support symmetric and asymmetric applications. Conversely, asymmetric bandwidth can only support asymmetric applications. Before examining the bandwidth deployment issues facing key telecommunications players today, it is appropriate to explore the origins, characteristics, and community relationship overtures of the two choices available