The Basics of Broadband Internet

Remember how slow your internet connection used to be? Waiting forever for a page to load has become a thing of the past, thanks to broadband internet, also known as high speed internet.

Types of broadband internet connections

DSL and cable modem are two ways to obtain broadband internet. They are the most popular consumer technologies, by far.

DSL is also remotely available although it hasn't become very popular yet in most areas. This involves installing the hardware in a remote location and sending it to houses by fiber-optic cable. A DSL repeater allows the signal to travel further without distortion, allowing one remote DSL system to be used by several rural households.

A dual modem is anther, more antiquated way to go. It involves doubling up on dial-up connections to double the internet speed. Although this was popular before more advanced technology came out, it is no longer considered a good option. You pay twice the internet fee, as well, which is a big downside. The ISDN service is a form of the dual modem and is no longer in use in most areas.

T-1/DS-1 is a broadband option in rural areas, but the cost is prohibitive. Rural service in general is a difficult proposition because the equipment necessary may be installed for just one person, whereas in the city, one set of equipment can serve dozens of households.

Satellite broadband is another option, which is also quite expensive, although it may be the best option for rural areas. The main problem with this provider is the delay, since the signal is essentially coming from outer space!

Wi-Fi is a relatively new method of providing broadband internet signals through radio. Recent advances allow the signal to travel large distances and this is one of the more economic methods of achieving internet access.

Advantages of broadband internet

Now, with a broadband internet connection, websites load in split seconds, with even the most graphic-loaded ones appearing sooner than a text-based site on a dial-up connection.

For those who use the internet for work, the high speed option is a great improvement. Productivity is sped up drastically and information can be sent and received far faster than before.

Gamers are also appreciative of the new technology. They can download games faster than ever before and connect with other players for online gaming, without having to wait for long load times.

Another advantage is video. We can now watch movies online without too much interference and video conferencing has been made possible with the popularity of broadband internet. And video sharing through websites like YouTube is another phenomenon made possible by this rapidly growing technology.

Disadvantages

The high cost of most service providers is a big turn-off for many home internet users. Also, the simple lack of access in many rural areas means that dial-up is the only way to go in some cases.

There are several technologies in development now that will eventually provide low-cost, broadband access.