Broadband : High-speed Internet

Broadband

Broadband Articles

Broadband refers to high-speed internet access that is faster and more reliable than traditional dial-up access. It's an umbrella term that includes several types of high-speed internet connections. The primary technologies include:

  1. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL): This technology uses existing telephone lines to provide high-speed internet access. There are various types of DSL, such as ADSL (Asymmetric DSL), SDSL (Symmetric DSL), and VDSL (Very High Data Rate DSL), each with different speed capabilities and uses.
  2. Cable Modem: Cable broadband uses the same coaxial cable that delivers cable television to provide internet access. It's widely available in many areas and generally offers faster speeds than DSL.
  3. Fiber-Optic Broadband (Fiber): Fiber-optic technology converts electrical signals carrying data to light and sends the light through transparent glass fibers. It offers the fastest internet speeds available and is often used for 'gigabit' internet services.
  4. Wireless: This technology uses radio signals to connect homes or businesses to the internet. It can be used for both fixed wireless services, such as wireless broadband in rural areas, and mobile wireless services, like 4G and 5G.
  5. Satellite: Satellite broadband can provide internet access to areas where other types of connections are not available. However, it generally has higher latency and lower speeds than other types of broadband.
  6. Broadband over Powerlines (BPL): This technology delivers internet service via existing electrical power lines. While it's a potentially convenient method since it uses existing infrastructure, BPL isn't as widely available or used as the other technologies mentioned.

Each technology has its own set of advantages, disadvantages, cost implications, and geographical availability, and may be more or less suited to different types of users and applications.