Broadband is a wide range transmission that can carry multiple signals and data over a fast internet connection. According to the Federal Communications Commission, a broadband connection has a download speed minimum of 25 Mbps & an upload speed of 3 Mbps. There are four types of broadband connections: DSL, cable, fibre and satellite.
Regarding Internet accessibility, a broadband connection is simply a high-speed Internet connection faster than any traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) dial-up access.
What is broadband connection?
The term broadband generally refers to high-speed Internet access, which is always available and faster than traditional dial-up access. Broadband includes several high-speed transmission technologies like DSL, Satellite, etc.
A broadband connection allows you to play many popular computer games that rely on a high-speed Internet connection. Unlike older dial-up Internet connections, broadband connections do not tie up phone lines while in use. A broadband connection lets you call someone, browse videos and anything based on our intent.
Another great advantage of a broadband connection is that you are always connected to the internet. You can quickly connect to your company’s intranet and email within seconds.
A broadband connection uses a wireless or wired modem, making it easy to establish connection between your home computers.
Broadband Connection Types
There are four types of internet connections, differing in the mode and speed of data transmission.
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DSL (Digital Subscriber Line):
DSL is a wired transmission technology that transfers data at high speeds over traditional copper telephone lines already installed in homes and standard gain horn. DSL-based broadband offers transmission speeds from hundreds of kilobits per second to millions of bits per second (Mbps). The availability and speed of DSL service depend on the distance between your home or business and the nearest telephone company.
Types of DSL transmission technology in existence now include:
- ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) – Primarily used by residential customers, for example, Internet surfers who receive a lot of data but send very little. ADSL or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line allows rapid downstream data transmission over the same digital subscriber line used to give voice services without interrupting normal calls on that line. ADSL is generally faster in the downstream direction instead of the upstream direction.
- Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) – Typically used in businesses for services such as videoconferencing that require high bandwidth both upstream and downstream.
- Cable: A cable broadband connection transmits data over the same coaxial cable that carries audio and video to your TV. The internet speed for each region or area here depends on the number of people using the Internet in that area.
- Satellite: Slower than DSL and cable broadband connections, but a good alternative to DSL in rural areas. Setup costs can be high, but monthly charges are comparable to DSL and cable broadband connections.
- Fibre Optic: As the name suggests, a fibre optic broadband connection transmits data over a fibre optic cable. This is the fastest broadband connection of all broadband connections and the most preferred mode of broadband connection.
- Wireless: A Wireless Internet Service Provider or WISP is an Internet Service Provider (ISP) which allows subscribers to connect to servers at designated hotspots (access points) over a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi. This type of his ISP provides broadband service & allows subscriber computers, called stations, to access the Internet & the web from anywhere within the coverage zone provided by the server antenna. This is typically an area with a radius of several kilometres. Wireless technologies use longer-range directional equipment to provide broadband services to those areas where DSL or cable modem services will be very costly, like remote areas or less populated areas. In terms of speeds, wireless is almost similar to DSL and cable modem. An external antenna is usually required. Wireless broadband Internet services permit consumers to access the Internet from a fixed point and often need a completely direct line of sight between the wireless transmitter and receiver. Thousands of small WISPs or Wireless Internet Services Providers furnish such wireless broadband at speeds of around 1 Mbps through unlicensed devices, especially in rural areas not served by any cable or wired or line broadband networks. Wireless Local Area Networks or WLANs provide wireless broadband services to shorter distances & are often used to extend the reach of wireline broadband connections inside a home, building, or campus environment. Wi-Fi networks use unlicensed devices & can be made for private access within a home, business or even to be used for public Internet access via “hotspots” in public places like restaurants, hotels, railway stations, airports, etc. Wireless service providers and others also offer mobile wireless broadband services.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Broadband Internet Service Provider
As you can see from the section above, if you’re going to get a broadband connection, you should probably opt for a fibre optic connection. Even then, you should check for specific attributes that can change your internet requirement altogether. Check out the points below –
- Understand what is the minimum and maximum bandwidth you require
- Check different ISP plans and prices
- Budget Check and choose the one that fits your budget
Benefits of a Broadband Connection
As you already know, a broadband connection is a high-speed Internet connection that allows you to transmit broadband data. Some of the benefits of broadband connections are listed below.
1. High Speed Internet
Broadband connection brings high speed internet to your home. There is no internet interruption for recreational purposes such as streaming or playing online games.
2. Multiple users can access it at the same time. Another advantage of a
A broadband connection is that multiple users can utilise the Internet at the same time without slowing it down.
3. Reliable Internet Connection
Internet speed is uninterrupted, except for routine maintenance activities with advance notice. Usually, these are done after midnight until morning to ensure that most people’s working hours are not affected.
4. Economical
With fierce competition between broadband providers and telecommunication companies, there are many plans and prices to choose from that make broadband connectivity very affordable.
Conclusion
A broadband connection is a high-speed Internet connection that carries a broadband signal. There are four main types of broadband connections (DSL, cable, fibre and satellite), each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Broadband has several advantages over other types of Internet service and maybe your best option