Broadband is a wide bandwidth transmission that can transmit multiple signals and data over a very high-speed internet connection. According to the Federal Communications Commission, a broadband connection has a minimum of 25 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps of upload speed. There are 4 types of broadband connections, namely- DSL, Cable, Fibre Optics and Satellite.
In the context of internet access, a broadband connection is a high-speed internet connection that is faster than the traditional dial-up access over PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).
Types of Broadband Connection
There are four types of broadband connections, differing by the mode of data transfer and its speed.
- DSL (Digital Subscriber Line): In a DSL connection, the data is transmitted using the traditional copper phone lines. The internet speed in a DSL connection decreases with your distance from the switching station. The longer the distance, the slower the internet speed will be.
- Cable: In a cable broadband connection, the data is transferred using the same coaxial cables that transmit audio and picture to a television set. The internet speed in any region or area here depends on the number of users using the internet in that area.
- Satellite: It is slower than both DSL and Cable broadband connections but is a good replacement for DSL in rural areas. The setup cost can be higher but the monthly charges are comparable to both DSL and Cable broadband connections.
- Fibre-Optic: A fibre-optic broadband connection, as the name suggests, transmits the data through a fibre-optic cable. This is the fastest broadband connection of all and is the most preferred mode of a broadband connection.
Things to Consider before Choosing a Broadband Internet Provider
Although from the above section, it is very much clear that one may want to go with a fibre-optic connection when getting a broadband connection. But what are the factors to consider before choosing an internet provider? Check the points mentioned below –
- Get an idea of how much bandwidth you need
- Check different plans and prices of the internet providers
- Check your budget & choose the one that fits your budget
Benefits of Having a Broadband Connection
As we know already, a broadband connection is a high-speed internet connection that can transfer wide-bandwidth data. Here are some of the advantages of having a broadband connection:
- High-speed internet
Having a broadband connection ensures that you have high-speed internet at your place, implying that whether you are working, having online meetings, or using the internet for entertainment purposes such as streaming or playing online games, you will not experience any interruptions due to the internet.
- More than one user can use it at a time
Another benefit of having a broadband connection is that more than one user can use the internet at the same time and that does not slow down the internet speed.
- Reliable internet connection
Apart from the occasional maintenance, for which you will be notified beforehand, you will not face interruptions in your internet speed. Generally, these happen after midnight and before morning to ensure that it does not hamper the work hours of most individuals.
- Cost-effective
With such high competition among the broadband providers and telecom companies, there are many plans and prices for you to choose from that makes your broadband connection very cost-effective.
Read More: Broadband vs Wi-Fi: What’s the Difference
Conclusion
A broadband connection is a high-speed internet connection that transfers a wide bandwidth signal. There are four major types of broadband connections – DSL, Cable, Fibre-optics and Satellite each having its advantages and disadvantages over the other. There are several benefits that broadband offers over other types of internet services and maybe the right option for you.
