What is broadband
Quick facts about broadband
- exceptionally fast data and internet connection that is always on
- 10-100 times faster than a dial up account
- unlike modem connections, you can connect instantly and even use your telephone at the same time
- you can do business, gain information and access entertainment instantly
- allows you to download large files or display web pages in just a matter of seconds
- you are able to download TV programmes, music and software, share photos, watch movies and play online games with thousands of other people.
- you pay a flat monthly fee for an 'always on' connection, so there's no need to dial in to get online. Just turn on the computer and you're connected.
Broadband can come via your phone line, a cable TV service, 3G mobile phone network or by satellite.
Some terms you may hear...
ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line - upstream bandwidth is lower than the downstream bandwidth - in other words it takes less time to download a picture or document than to upload your own pictures or documents to a website
SDSL - Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line - the same upstream and downstream bandwidth - in other words it should take the same time to download and upload something.
The diagram below shows how broadband can get to your home or business premises. Fibre to the cabinet and fibre to the home is what is referred to as 'next genereation' as the speed and quality of the broadband is superior to previous and current provision (depending where you are located)..
Source: Digital Britain: Consultation on proposals for a Next Generation Fund
Copper based access (ADSL) - broadband is run through your existing phone line. Speeds vary because of 'electro-magnetic noise' and the strength of signal. A person living closer to the exchange will receive faster speeds than someone living further away - typically if you live further than 5km away you are unable to receive broadband.
Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) - hybrid solution using both copper and fibre delivering speeds of around 60 Mbps making it a cheaper option than fibre. Because this uses copper, speeds will be dependent on how close people live to the street cabinet.
Fibre to the Home (FTTH) - would bring speeds of between 50 Mbps and 100 Mbps, with the added benefit of being able to offer those speeds both upstream and downstream.Boradband can also come via a cable TV service or satellite.
Broadband on the go:
Wi-Fi - a wi-fi enabled device such as a laptop, mobile phone, MP3 player or PDA can connect to the internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the internet.
Mobile Broadband - comes either as a dongle or via a wireless router.
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