You must have heard the word “broadband internet” all the time but do you fully understand what it means? All leading internet service providers including Charter Spectrum offer broadband connections. To figure out what it means and how this term was coined, read on.
What Is Broadband?
Broadband is the most widespread home internet service because of the speed it offers. It basically is a high-speed internet connection that is always on or constant. Meaning, you don’t have to set up anything (like in the case of dial-up internet). The internet services are ready to use whenever you need them.
Broadband was first introduced in the late 1990s, and it quickly replaced earlier internet connections like dial-up, which used the audible frequency of telephone lines. Because broadband operates on a different frequency than your phone line, it is always connected, making staying online easier than ever.
How Does It Work?
A broadband connection uses a dedicated line solely for data transfer. For instance, Digital Subscriber Line Internet uses copper phone lines, cable internet uses coaxial cable, and fiber-optics internet uses fiber-optic cables.
Each of these links uses a different frequency, resulting in a variety of speeds. To connect your home to the internet, the ISP uses a network of equipment such as cables, computers, routers, and other devices.
Types of Broadband Internet Connections
Broadband Internet has the following types:
DSL
This is a and widely available type of internet connection. It’s one of the first broadband services to be offered, and it is still widely used today. to high-speed data connection, a single pair of copper wires are used. Since this type of connection uses separate frequencies than voice lines, you can use the internet and your phone at the same time.
When you use a modem to connect your phone line to your computer, DSL can acquire more “bandwidth,” which means faster speeds. DSL connections can offer speed up to 100 Mbps.
Cable Internet
It’s the second most common type of internet connection available. As the name implies, cable internet offers a high-speed internet connection over the same coaxial lines that transmit TV service. The maximum download speed offered by cable internet is 940 Mbps whereas upload speed is 50 Mbps.
Fiber Optic Internet
Fiber internet makes use of a unique form of fiber-optic cable that sends data as light pulses across thousands of small, transparent fiber strands. This type of broadband internet is extraordinarily fast since light is the fastest route to carry data, giving us high-quality and stable connections. It can generate speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second, and this is likely to increase over time. If it’s available in your area, this is the type of internet you should choose.
Satellite Internet
In this type of internet connection, data is transmitted directly from a satellite orbiting the Earth. It isn’t as fast or reliable as other types of internet connection, but it can be used from anywhere on the planet. The download speeds typically range from 25 to 100 Mbps, with an average upload speed of 25 Mbps. Satellite internet is widely used in remote and rural areas where DSL, cable, or fiber optic services are not available due to infrastructural issues.
Mobile Hotspots
Mobile hotspots are also a form of broadband connection. This service uses cellular networks to connect to the Internet and requires a separate mobile hot spot or modem. The pricing of your service packages is usually determined by consumption. This is the gigabytes consumed plus the cost of the connection.
This sort of broadband connection for Internet access is more expensive than other options. Other drawbacks include data caps, beyond which extra fees may apply, and a larger risk of computer hacking in public areas. The main benefit, though, is the flexibility. It allows you to connect to the internet wherever you go.
Broadband vs. Wi-Fi
Broadband and Wi-Fi are not the same things. The wireless network that broadcasts internet signals across your house or office is known as Wi-Fi. The term “broadband” refers to the type and speed of signals supplied to your home and then routed through a router. The internet can then be sent to your computer and other devices through Ethernet cable or wirelessly via Wi-Fi from the router.
Broadband internet connections are widely available. Depending on where you live, you may not have access to all types discussed here. Look for the best providers in town and check if their plans suit your internet lifestyle.