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Not all internet connections are identical and certainly not all of them present the same value. Anyone that remembers the old dial up connection is intimately familiar with not only the exceedingly slow nature of the system, but also the fact that it would tie up a landline phone connection interminably. Then again, it would be inaccurate to assume that no one is still using an archaic dial up connection. Many still are and they are surely looking over advertisements for broadband internet connections. But, what is broadband and how does it differ from the many other internet connections on the market?

Broadband is commonly referred to as high speed internet. As the name implies, this is because the system allows one to surf the internet in an expedient fashion while also downloading and uploading files at exceptionally fast speeds. (Specifically, broadband is currently defined as a speed of 768 kbit/s or more)Those interested in watching video streams online, for example, would have a much easier time with their viewing experience than someone using a dial up connection. So, what is broadband? In a word, it is convenient.

In terms of the technological explanation of what is broadband, it is an internet connection delivered through a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). That is, the broadband signal will travel to your computer’s modem via a telephone line that carries the particular broadband company’s service. Not all broadband services are carried in every area and there are even a few areas where broadband may not even be available. However, the numbers of such regions have shrunk dramatically over the years and broadband has become significantly more accessible. Basically, if you have a phone line in your home, you can probably receive a broadband signal.

Additionally, you can receive such a signal through a phone line even if you are not currently subscribing to a phone service. In the past, this was not possible as the phone line needed to be activated and engaged. Today, technology has allowed developers to come up with a system that eliminate for the dual need of a phone line and a DSL signal. This not only adds to the accessibility of the system, it also reduces the costs involved since there is no need to pay for a phone. Obviously, cost often plays an important factor in a subscription decision. This brings us to our next point….

When it comes to the question of what is broadband, people do not always ask this question to differentiate it from dialup systems. They may also ask in terms of differentiating it from cable internet systems. In terms of the actual differences, cable internet is faster and the computer modem is plugged into the cable TV box. However, cable internet is often much more expensive and the higher speeds are not always even necessary depending upon the purposes one is using the internet. As such, it is recommended to explore options of broadband if super high speeds are not necessary and budget concerns must be taken into consideration.