What is broadband connection?

Do I need one?

With the advances in Internet technology, the need for faster and faster internet connectivity has come about. Where as computers used to connect to the internet via a dial up modem, which could attain speeds up to 56kbits/s, this has been replaced by "Broadband". The term Broadband is a generic one and is widely accepted as being any internet connection greater than 256k/bit/s.

There are TWO main types of Broadband available for the home:

• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
• Cable Internet access

DSL Broadband

For a full description click HERE

This method uses the existing copper phone cables. It allows the voice signal and the internet signal to pass at the same time due to differing frequencies, meaning that someone can be online as well as someone on the phone. It is provided by a number of companies who all use the BT phone network.

Cable Internet access

For a full description click HERE

This method uses the fibre optic cabling that has been layed down to supply homes with phone and television packages. Because these are alot newer than the copper telephone wires, they are only available to homes that have had the cables laid. The main supplier is Telewest who currently can supply around 4.2 million homes.