Today consumers prefer to have fast Internet connections for a variety of activities. These can range from personal interests such as playing online games, transferring files, listening to online music and sending and receiving e-mails to business purpose. With the increase in usage of the Internet, speed is the most important consideration for user looking for an Internet solution. And when we talk about high speed Internet connection, it has to be a broadband service.
What is a broadband connection?
An Internet connection is described as broadband if it has a download rate of over 256 kilobytes per second while transferring files and data. It is often referred to as “high-speed” or “premium Internet” connection, because it usually has a high rate of data transmission. With a broadband plan, users can enjoy a faster, better-quality access to the worldwide web as compared to dial-up, its predecessor. There is a vast difference between broadband and dial-up connection in terms of connection speed, rates of data transmission and price. Due to the popularity of broadband internet there are many different companies that offer broadband service ranging from larger national companies to small local ones.
Major types of broadband Internet
Broadband Internet service can be transmitted in a variety of ways such as through power lines, cable lines, cellular networks and satellite connections. Five major types of broadband connections that are in most common use today are:
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) – This is the most popular broadband connection in the market. Anyone with a normal telephone line can access this type of broadband connection. Speeds of ADSL can range from 128 kilobits per second to more than 5 megabits per second. However, as ADSL is asymmetrical in nature, the upload speed is slower as compared to download speed.
Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) – To use this type of broadband plan, one needs to have an additional phone line. Here the speed of upload and download of data is same.
Cable Broadband – Here coaxial cables are used for providing high speed broadband connection. As cables come with a higher bandwidth connection as compared to a telephone line, a cable broadband connection is faster. The speed of a cable broadband connection can range from 2 megabits per second to 8 megabits per second.
Satellite broadband – In a satellite broadband connection a satellite dish is used to send and receive data. This type of broadband connections are common in rural areas, where other form of Internet connections are quite rare.
Wireless broadband – This is the latest form of broadband technology where a user needs to connect their mobile phone to their computer to transmit data. Speeds of wireless broadband can range from 128 kilobits per second to 3 megabits per second.
Each of these broadband plans have their own merits and demerits. In fact, there are many vital aspects to be taken into consideration while deciding upon an appropriate broadband type and a broadband plan for both home and business use.
