Let’s face it; many of us are simply not technologically savvy. When we are faced with decisions that involve anything to do with recent innovation or current technology, we freeze in our tracks and our mind goes into panic mode. One of the most common terms we hear today when referencing Internet service is the word broadband. If asked for a show of hands of those who know what it really means, one wonders how many hands would be in the air.
Let’s make it simple to understand. If you are reading this, you obviously have an Internet connection. You may be tired of a very slow, dial up connection and are shopping for better, faster access to the Internet. Here is where the term broadband becomes significant. Broadband is simply the term used to reference any sort of high speed Internet connection.
Whether you are upgrading from slow dial-up or setting up Internet for the first time, be sure to look into a variety of broadband deals since even the entry level speed of broadband is far faster than dial up, and commonly a much better monetary value.
When we compare broadband to dial up connections, the equipment for each is similar. Often, the physical connection is through the phone line with both broadband and dial-up, and both types utilize a modem. The distinguishing difference is that the broadband connection is on 24 hours a day whereas a dial-up the connection is only on when the dial-up is achieved and the connection disconnects when you close the Internet session. Broadband is continuously on and dial-up is not.
The monthly rate for broadband service is commonly a monthly flat rate fee for unlimited use. Dial-up frequently limits the number of minutes the user can be online each month, and like your mobile phone service, can charge you for overuse of minutes.
Broadband speed is what attracts users to subscribe. With typical dial up speed it takes approximately 14 seconds to load an average web page. With entry level 512K broadband, it would only take 1.6 seconds for that same average web page to load. For those who are really in a hurry, the super speedy 6mb and 8mb broadband would load the page instantaneously. Now that’s fast! The consensus of most Internet savvy advisors is that 1mb speed is the best all around selection for most users.
Mobile broadband allows you to do away with your land line phone altogether. Mobile broadband is the perfect solution for those who travel frequently, business persons who must stay in touch with the office and clients, students and as a back up for the regular connection in case of power failure or server problems. Mobile broadband speeds currently are not quite as fast as fixed line broadband speeds but innovation continues and certainly before long, mobile speeds will equal fixed line speeds.
So, there it is; the meaning of the term broadband. Hopefully this short discussion has given you insight and the confidence to shop for and decide which broadband speed is best for you.