Broadband is a high-speed internet connection that allows you to use the internet at top speeds. It is one of the most popular choices of internet connection as it’s extremely quick and enables us to make the most of the internet. The most common internet mediums include copper phone lines and optical fibre. In technical terms, broadband is a wide bandwidth data transmission where all sorts of traffic and signals are transported and interchanged, providing top speeds at the click of a mouse.
Before broadband was around, the internet was only accessible through several dial-up connections. Dial-up is the only non-broadband service available for the internet.
How does Broadband work?
A Broadband internet service is supplied through internet service provider (ISP). The service provider supplies the service, the router and if required, arranges for the socket to be installed. Some provider’s have their own internet infrastructure e.g Tata, however, this is costly and complex.
Types of Broadband
1.Cable broadband
Cable broadband is a form of internet access which uses the same infrastructure as cable television. Cable uses mostly fibre-optic cables to pass digital signals. The fibre optical material in the wires provides a secure connection for the signal to travel, resulting is more reliable signal and less chance of distortion. However, cable is not the same as fibre optic. For the last mile between your local telephone exchange and your home, the cable connection is carried in coaxial cable while fibre optic travels through copper wires. Coaxial cable can carry data faster than copper phone lines, making cable packages generally faster than other options.
2.ADSL broadband
ADSL stands for ‘Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line’ .ADSL broadband works through a fixed-line access network, otherwise known as telephone lines in the street. These are made up of copper wires and exchange a series of digital messages which translates the information you receive. These messages are split into either phone or internet signals using a microfilter, which is a small box that fits into the main BT socket in your home.
ADSL is not as fast as fibre, but it is still a reliable choice. The speed you receive depends on your distance from the telephone exchange, so those who live closer will likely get a faster connection. The age and health of the copper wires providing your connection can also play a part in connection speed.
3.Fibre broadband
Fibre broadband is a hight speed internet that uses fibre optic cables, These cables are quicker at transferring data than standard copper cables used in ADSL; meaning it’s a great choice if you regularly enjoy streaming films and music.
There are two types of fibre broadband connection: FTTC and FTTP.
i.FTTC fibre broadband
FTTC is otherwise known as very fast broadband connection. It stands for Fibre To The Cabinet. This type of fibre connection runs through fibre optic cables between your local telephone exchange and the phone cabinet on your street. From there, copper cables carry the connection into your home.
ii.FTTP fibre broadband
FTTP Fibre is an ultrafast connection. It stands for Fibre To The Premises, meaning fibre optic cables run all the way into your home delivering a fast connection with minimal chance of disruption. It can also be known as FTTH (Fibre To The Home). As the name suggests, ultrafast broadband gives you an extremely quick and reliable service but it is not currently available everywhere in the UK, so it’s worth checking if you are eligible for it.
4.Mobile broadband
There are some types of internet services that do not require a fixed-line for installation, for example, mobile broadband. This wireless connection uses mobile phone networks and satellites to transmit a broadband service through an ISP, providing long-range internet access so you can browse the internet using mobile data (3G or 4G networks) or Wi-Fi on your phone.
How fast is Broadband?
There is no definite answer to the speed of broadband. What qualifies as broadband is different across the UK, even worldwide. Super-fast starts from 30mbps and can go up to 300mbps. Anything higher is considered Ultrafast.