Broadband Explained
Broadband is a generic term applied to the technology behind high speed data transfer. This can include technologies using cables, wireless and satellite. Broadband is ‘always on’. You don’t need to dial into your internet connection again. The most popular form of Broadband is ADSL or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. ADSL is the transmission technology, which sends information to and from the user, hence the term asymmetric. The speed of your Broadband connection is subject to the condition and performance your telecom operators network, whether this is copper or fibre optic.
Getting Broadband
Nearly every home and business in the UK has copper wire to the door in the form of a telephone line. To get broadband all that is required is the upgrading of the equipment at either end of this wire.
At the Exchange; The exchange has to be updated to accept the increase in data flow. This is referred to as being Broadband enabled. This process is phased to ensure that all the exchanges above the one to be updated are also updated.
In the home; You will need at least two pieces of kit. A new modem and a microfilter. You should also check your computer is capable of taking full advantage of broadband. The most common way of connecting to broadband is by using existing telephone cables however, other connection paths are available such as cable, wireless and satellite.
Cable
This requires a special cable connection to be installed into your house. You may already have a cable connection to receive your television or telephone service. The service providers will help you to establish whether you live in an area which can receive a broadband cable service. You will also need a special cable modem.
Wireless
It is also possible to have a broadband connection using wireless technology. A receiver on the outside of the house sends the signals through to connection points inside. These in turn then send the data through to your computer. There are few wireless service providers in the UK at present and like ADSL and cable it is not possible to receive wireless broadband services in all areas.
Satellite
Satellite access is available anywhere in the UK so for some people in remote areas it will be the only option. It is however, expensive to install and you may need planning permission for your dish. The one-way service is comparable to cable or adsl in terms of monthly charges but uses a dial-up for when you need to content. There are two-way services available but these are expensive to install (around £800) and the monthly subscription costs are around £60.
ADSL
ADSL Broadband Operates over a normal telephone line, there is no need to buy an additional line It is straightforward to install, inexpensive to run and reliable to operates There are no call charges with broadband ADSL, just a regular on-going payment. Whether you’re: self-employed, working from home, still on dial up, a small firm or a medium-sized enterprise, Broadband ADSL allows:
- Fast, easy, immediate and ‘always on’ access to the internet with, no waiting for a modem connection
- Fast downloading of data The ability to send more data at much faster rates than dial up
- The ability to connect your offices together for data and file sharing
- Staff to access your company’s network when working from home
Here is a good example of some of the interesting articles we have pulled together on Broadband: How to choose a broadband provider….How to Switch Broadband Provider..What is mobile Broadband….Best Value Broadband Packages etc
