Understanding The True Meaning Of Broadband Internet

We all are well acquainted with the term broadband. It has become one of our necessities of daily life. But do you know the actual meaning of broadband? Broadband data transmission is the transmission of high-quality data over a large bandwidth. In its most basic form, it is a continuous high-speed Internet connection. WiFi, DSL, fibre, and satellite connections are examples of broadband connectivity. So, let’s read more to know what broadband along with its uses!

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Definition & Meaning Of Broadband

To understand broadband’s meaning, you must know what it actually is. Broadband refers to a wide bandwidth that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) over a fast network. 

Broadband internet is offered via a variety of methods, with availability changing depending on region. Broadband is a high-quality transmission system that allows for the transfer of sound, video, and data. People and organisations can gain access to broadband connectivity, which is commonly used in the context of the internet, via fixed or mobile connections. Let’s now see the different types of broadband connection.

Also Read: Key Advantages of Using High Speed Broadband for Business

Types of Broadband

Broadband types can be classified on the basis of transmission technology. Each type is an example of broadband and can be preferred on the basis of speed, capacity, and other requirements. Here are the main types of broadband that will further grow your understanding of the concept and meaning of broadband: 

1. DSL

DSL is an abbreviation for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL internet is available through your telephone provider. So, this type of broadband is delivered using the telephone lines that are already present in your locality. A few DSL connection versions have been developed especially for businesses. They are:

1. HDSL i.e. High Data Rate Digital Subscriber Line.

2. VDSL i.e. Very High Data Rate Digital Subscriber Line.

The speed of DSL is determined by your proximity to the nearest telephone provider infrastructure. The farther you are, the slower it will b. DSL peak speeds typically vary from 3 to 12 Mbps but may go as high as 20-100 Mbps in major metropolitan locations. Such a broadband connection WiFi is enough to meet daily internet needs like managing emails, downloading attachments, and browsing demands of small enterprises.

2. Broadband via cable

To understand broadband examples of the traditional type, you must understand the broadband offered by a cable operator. Cable broadband makes use of the coaxial cable lines that are already present in most organisations.

The same lines that supply audio and video to your television set will deliver internet connectivity to your PCs with a simple cable modem installation.

Cable broadband is significantly faster than DSL, with rates ranging from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. The uses of broadband that offers such high-speed include video conferencing, video streaming, sharing memory-intensive files, e-commerce, etc. 

3. Broadband over fibre

Fibre-optic internet is a modern example of broadband. This type of broadband uses a fibre-optic cable to transmit data. Fibre-optic cable is composed of transparent glass fibres as thin as human hair.

Fibre internet transmits data at blazing speeds that reaches up to and beyond 1 Gbps. So, it is by far the fastest of all broadband internet connections.

In most markets, both telephone and cable providers offer fibre broadband internet connections. While fibre internet connections are becoming more widespread and inexpensive, they are not always available. 

Fibre-optic internet is one of those broadband examples that is not available in rural and remote areas. It is not even available in all cities. So, all the business centres and locations do not have fibre-optic cable. 

4. Wireless Internet

Many people don’t know what a wireless broadband is. To be upfront and clear, we are not discussing ‘WiFi’ here. So, it is not the WiFi network that is available at your home or office.

A wireless broadband internet connection connects your PCs to a service provider’s facilities and subsequently to the internet via a radio link.

Wireless broadband internet connections are mostly utilised in rural locations where telephone and cable lines do not exist. To be effective, the antenna must have a ‘line of site’ to the service provider’s facilities. The speeds are equivalent to those of DSL. 

5. Satellite Internet

To further understand the meaning of broadband that doesn’t use wires, let’s look at the satellite internet. A satellite internet connection may be the best option for enterprises in distant places where a direct line of sight to a provider’s facility or tower is not available.

This connection needs direct line of sight to the satellite. To be sure, the weather can occasionally make this difficult. However, geosynchronous satellites, which are constantly above the defined service region are also available. They provide broadband internet access in the same manner as telephone and television services do.

Satellite connections are 10 times quicker than dial-up connections. Yet, they are slower than DSL and cable broadband service. This type of broadband uses a dish antenna that can be rather costly when compared to other forms of connections.

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How does broadband work?

Now that you have understood what broadband connection is and its types, let’s see how it works. Broadband uses high-capacity transmission systems that send data, phone, and video over long distances and at fast rates. 

The infrastructure for broadband is made up of coaxial cables, fibre optic cables, or radio waves. Once you understand the meaning of broadband completely, you will give up the desire for having traditional forms of internet. 

Uses of Broadband

Broadband can be used by homes, online businesses, cyber cafes, IT service providers, healthcare centres, and more. Any commercial or business centre that handles a lot of customer requests and data must also get it. 

Conclusion

Unless you work in a remote place, your most likely broadband internet connection options are DSL, cable, and fibre. Before committing to any particular connection, ensure  that it will fulfil your internet usage requirements. The majority of buyers rely their opinion of a brand on the quality of their online experience. A majority of employees believe that the quality of internet access is strongly related to their productivity and job happiness. Research what is the best speed for broadband and assess your own requirements. Understand what is a broadband connection and balance features and speed with price. To begin, contact your local internet and cable providers and seek all the details. 

FAQs

What is broadband service?

The internet services that can be availed through a broadband internet plan is termed as broadband service. Broadband services are available in many forms and types that are explained in the above sections. 

What is my broadband speed?

Use a speed testing application like Ookla to determine your broadband’s speed. 

What is fibre broadband?

A broadband connection that uses fibre-optic cables to transmit data is referred to as fibre broadband.