A number of different methods can be used to develop a community's wired broadband infrastructure or wireless network.

Fiber: Dozens of towns nationwide -- from Provo, Utah, to Glenwood Springs, Colo., to Kutztown, Pa. -- have built state-of-the-art fiber-optic networks to provide high-speed broadband to their communities. These fiber systems require a large capital investment, but, once built, they are able to support the "triple play" of telephone, cable TV and the Internet. Fiber is also more likely to keep up with future technological developments in telecommunications. Click here for a more in-depth look at fiber-optic networks.

Mesh networks: The most advanced Community Internet technology is the "mesh network," a system of interconnected antennas placed on top of city street lights, residential rooftops, buildings, or even rural grain silos that creates a cloud of wireless connectivity over a campus, neighborhood or entire city. To find out more about mesh networks, click here.

Hot-spot wireless: Wi-Fi hot spots are another common Community Internet technology. Coffee shops, public parks, libraries, community centers and even entire downtown areas now offer bubbles of wireless connectivity for public access, emanating from routers connected to wired broadband service.

Broadband over Power Line (BPL): Electric utilities can compete more effectively in the broadband market if a community decides to make broadband accessible to residents from electrical power outlets. Although use of this technology is relatively rare today and has caused interference problems, some communities have decided to offer BPL service. To learn more about this technology, click here.