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Do you remember dial-up internet? If yes, how do you feel about the times when it was the only way to get online? People who’ve never had the pleasure of using dial-up – let’s just say you’re not missing out.
Broadband has replaced dial-up, giving us access to much faster internet service via wired and wireless mediums. Today, Broadband is a popular term in the internet industry and you’ll see it everywhere as you explore different internet service providers near you.
So, what do you think broadband internet is? If you ask me, it can be hard to put into a few words because it is an umbrella term. To feed your curiosity, let me unpack the concept in detail.
Understanding Broadband
Broadband can be described as a group of high-volume data transmission technologies. It serves the purpose of transmitting all kinds of data signals (text, audio, video, etc.) efficiently over long distances; this function is facilitated by wide bandwidth.
Since data needs a medium to travel, copper/coaxial cables, fiber-optic cables, and radio waves are the standard vehicles. A broadband connection provides high-speed internet access on multiple devices, which was unthinkable when dial-up was the sole internet technology.
Types of Broadband Services
Broadband was introduced in the early 2000s and is now available in several progressive forms. Different types of broadband services cater to the diverse internet needs of households and businesses worldwide.
The kind of broadband connection you choose for yourself may depend on availability, as well as your budget and unique internet requirements. Let’s check out all the options:
Cable Modem
The cable modem uses the same copper/coaxial cables used for television/Cable TV services. Most cable internet providers can deliver download speeds up to 940 Mbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps.
Top Cable Internet Providers
Fiber Optic
Fiber optic cables transmit data over thousands of tiny glass/plastic strands at speeds comparable to the speed of light. Fiber internet technology delivers symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gbps, making it the fastest internet option right now.
Top Fiber Internet Providers
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
DSL is largely replaced by cable and fiber internet in urban areas, yet remains fairly popular among rural/remote regions. This type of internet connection utilizes a phone line and the maximum speed delivered by the average DSL internet provider is 100 Mbps.
Top DSL Internet Providers
Satellite
Satellite internet is a wireless form of broadband that relies on satellites orbiting the earth; data is transferred between satellites and dish antennas on land. Even though satellite internet is relatively slow with high latency, it sustains connectivity in rural areas that don’t have access to wired broadband.
Top Satellite Internet Providers
Wireless
Wireless broadband includes 5G home internet (fixed wireless) and mobile data networks (4G/5G), which utilize radio waves for data transmission. While 5G technology has the potential to deliver exceptionally high speeds, it cannot compete with the speeds of cable or fiber internet in practice right now.
Top Satellite Internet Providers
How Do I Choose the Right Broadband Service?
When choosing a broadband service for your home, it’s best to go for one of the wired options. Typically, urban residents can easily get a cable internet connection, which is relatively cheap and reliable.
People who work from home or need ultra-fast internet with symmetrical speeds for data-heavy activities (multiplayer gaming, 4K streaming, video conferences, etc.) should opt for a fiber-optic connection – it’s the safest and fastest option out there.
In case both cable and fiber internet are inaccessible in your area, DSL can be an alternative you can work around. When wired broadband is out of the question, 5G home internet (fixed wireless) is the next best thing.
Where nothing else works, satellite internet comes to the rescue. It’s the best rural internet option, given its nationwide availability.
FAQs
What is the difference between internet and broadband?
The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers/databases, whereas broadband is a type of high-speed connection that lets you access the Internet.
What is the difference between Broadband and Wi-Fi?
Broadband brings high-speed internet to your home, which is converted to a wireless signal/Wi-Fi by the router or gateway device. Therefore, you cannot get Wi-Fi without a broadband connection – cable, fiber, DSL, satellite, or wireless internet.
Do I need a router if I have broadband?
A modem and router or gateway are necessary to use the internet on multiple devices via Wi-Fi and ethernet - regardless of the kind of broadband service you have.
Does everyone use broadband internet in the US?
About 90% of households in the US are subscribed to a broadband internet service; the remaining don’t have broadband due to lack of availability in rural areas or very low income.
Does broadband have unlimited data?
You can get unlimited data with a broadband connection if your chosen ISP and internet plan allow it.
How much speed can I get with broadband?
The maximum speed you can get out of broadband depends on the type of internet connection and plan you choose. Additionally, the speed of Wi-Fi may also depend upon the capabilities of your router.
