ISDN can potentially deliver 128kbps full-duplex (ie, symmetrical)
ISDN service to the home user. For even higher speeds, typical
recent technological developments include:
ADSL
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line provides a high-speed (in
the low-Mbps range) data service over an existing phone line. The
"Asymmetric" aspect is that the "downstream" data rate is usually
much higher than the "upstream" rate -- an arangement which is
suitable for most home users. It's also often possible to configure
an "SDSL" link if preferred. This service is becoming increasingly
available in Australia, and will probably dominate the market in
future years.
Cable Modem
For areas which have an existing Hybrid Fibre-Coax (HFC) "Pay
TV" infrastructure, the cable modem provides access to a shared
high-speed medium (eg Optus@Home), in much the same
(conceptual) way that traditional Ethernet works. Cable modems are
limited by the fact that many areas do have a cable TV service.
Wireless Systems
A variety of systems have been proposed, none yet dominant.
Watch this space...