How does it all work?

[capdog]

Hi everyone

Could someone please explain (or point me to a FAQ that explains) how internet access is physically configured to work in SA? I'm a pretty technical guy but I still don't quite get it.

Confusion lies in these points:

1) What is the local loop?
2) Who controls the undersea cables that go to the USA / Asia / Europe? Is it Telkom?
3) Are ISP's allowed to create their own local data networks by running cables nationally?
4) How do Sentech towers access the internet backbone?
5) What is SAIX? What's the difference between the IS network and SAIX? Are there others? How do these networks interface with the Internet at large? How can IS have their own network if Telkom controls everything?

Sorry, a lot of questions I know but it's something that facinates me. Are there any diagrams of the whole setup? I always read reports on how they plan to liberate telecoms in SA but not understanding where the problem lies exactly makes it tough.

Apologies if these are all answered already, but my searches don't show up anything.

Cheers,
capdog

 

[youradsl]

I always read reports on how they plan to liberate telecoms in SA but not understanding where the problem lies exactly makes it tough.

The main problem lies with Telkom (over priced because they can, no LLU because they can, support by Government because they don’t know any better) and off-course a regulator (ICASA) that is worth absolutely **** (see here).

Unfortunately before the above factors are sorted out none of the rest matters as Telkom control everything (especially bandwidth wise - SAT3).

 

[pope24]

Hi everyone

Could someone please explain (or point me to a FAQ that explains) how internet access is physically configured to work in SA? I'm a pretty technical guy but I still don't quite get it.

Confusion lies in these points:

1) What is the local loop?
The connection between the local exchange and the customers' premises. In the past it was always either copper or fibre but it could be wireless as well. But in terms of local loop unbundling it refers to physical wires from the exchange to the customer. If other companies had access to this they could put their own equipment into an exchange and connect you to their network effectively cutting Telkom out of the picture altogether.

2) Who controls the undersea cables that go to the USA / Asia / Europe? Is it Telkom?
Telkom controls the landing rights to the cables so any information that comes into or out of SA has to pass through Telkom first. That is if it comes via cable. The Cable itself is owned by a number of companies but legally they are not allowed to sell it to SA companies

3) Are ISP's allowed to create their own local data networks by running cables nationally?
No. They may be allowed to when the electronic communciation bill gets passed but right now they have to use either sentech, Telkom or WBS or the cellular networks but that means that they have to use Telkom

4) How do Sentech towers access the internet backbone?
They connect to each other using microwave links as far as I know then they link into one of the ISPs

5) What is SAIX? What's the difference between the IS network and SAIX? Are there others? How do these networks interface with the Internet at large? How can IS have their own network if Telkom controls everything?
SAIX is the Telkom internet network. IS buys data transmission capabilities from Telkom to link its points of presence together. SAIX is the same thing but because it is Telkom it has more POPs and I doubt they pay retail rates for access to the transmission network

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Hope this helps and apologies if I have got anything wrong.

 

[andres101]

1) What is the local loop?

Local loop is the piece of copper between your house and the exchange (telkom box - usually less that 5km away)

2) Who controls the undersea cables that go to the USA / Asia / Europe? Is it Telkom?

There are only two cables to europe and only telkom has landing rights.

3) Are ISP's allowed to create their own local data networks by running cables nationally?

No

4) How do Sentech towers access the internet backbone?

Either sattelite or buying from telkom

5) What is SAIX? What's the difference between the IS network and SAIX? Are there others? How do these networks interface with the Internet at large? How can IS have their own network if Telkom controls everything?

Think of SAIX as an ISP for ISPs. They buy access to the undersea cables from telkom, set up agreements with other ISP to route international traffic through them and sell the service to ISPs or large companies.

 

[andres101]

sorry, was out when i opened the thread and didnt refresh.

 

[capdog]

Shot

Thanks guys. I think I get it now.

 

[kilo39]

Map here how it's all connected:

http://www.ispmap.org.za/topmap.html