• Buying Guide
• What is Broadband?
• Broadband Security
• Types Of Broadband
• Broaband FAQs
• Broadband Glossary
• Broadband Usage Levels

Types Of Broadband

ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line

A form of digital subscriber line which enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional modem can provide. It does this by utilizing frequencies that are normally not used by a voice telephone call, in particular, frequencies higher than normal human hearing. This signal will not travel very far over normal telephone cables, so ADSL can only be used over short distances, typically less than 5 km. It allows a single telephone connection to be used for both ADSL and voice calls at the same time. Approximately 80% of the UK population will have access to ADSL.

Advantages

• 80% of the UK will have access to ADSL.
• Internet and telephone can be used at the same time.
• Easy to install.

Disadvantages

• Need to purchase micro filters for all telephone sockets to prevent the ADSL interfering with voice calls.
• Downloading information is much faster than sending.

Cable

If you have cable television or live in an area with cable access, you could subscribe to a cable broadband internet connection. It requires a special modem but these are normally supplied by the cable companies within their package.

Advantages

• Internet and telephone can be used at the same time.
• Easy to install.
• Potentially the fastest connection.
• Usually bundled with TV and phone packages.

Disadvantages

• Only available if you like in an area served by cable operator, usually large cities and towns.

Satellite

This is generally a last resort for people deciding on a broadband connection. It is suitable only for people who live in remote areas and cannot receive any other form of broadband internet. It is available throughout the UK and a special satellite dish must be installed.

Advantages

• Available throughout the UK.

Disadvantages

• Expensive – a special satellite dish must be purchased. If you chose a one way connection, you can receive data but can only send data by using a standard dial up service. If you want two way data services, sending and receiving data is done via the satellite dish but the dish will cost approximately £800 plus an additional monthly subscription.