T
he term broadband is used to describe all internet connections that are always on, which include fiber optic, satellite, cable, and DSL connections. Different types of broadband exist and it is important for a user to know which one can offer effective internet solutions, based on the reason for installation. Here are some examples of broadband connections:
Digital Subscriber Line(DSL)
This type of connection uses regular telephone lines to deliver download and upload speeds. Two types of DSL exist, namely asymmetric DSL and symmetric DSL. ADSL is cheaper to install and offers faster download speeds. The main advantage of DSL is that it is less expensive and users have many providers to choose from. Besides, it offers stable and consistent speeds. However, the quality of speed depends on the distance from the provider’s central office.
Cable broadband connection
Cable TV providers, using coaxial cable TV wires, offer this type of broadband connection. It delivers download speeds between 3 and 100Mbps. The advantage is that speed quality does not depend on distance. Besides, it is widely available compared to fiber optic and much faster than satellite dish. The main downside is that many users can share the network, which eventually lowers the speed.
Satellite broadband connection
This type of connection uses satellite dish to tap internet feeds. Users have to install a satellite dish to make use of the connection. The connection is most suitable in rural areas where other broadband connections are unavailable. The main downside is that it is slower and more expensive to install compared to other types of connections.
Fiber optic broadband
This is the latest type of internet connectivity. It delivers faster download speeds compared to other types of connections. However, it is only available in selected areas.