Broadband Internet Connection Explained

Most of us have heard of “broadband,” but we never really know how to explain what it is when someone asks. What is a broadband internet connection, anyway? What are all the different types of broadband connections, and how do they work?

Get ready to say goodbye to any confusion around broadband internet connections. We will discuss its history, give a detailed explanation, and go over the different types of broadband internet connection. So sit tight, and let's get started.

What is Broadband Internet?

Broadband refers to high-capacity transmission technologies that can transmit data, voice, and video at long distances and high speeds. Common mediums of broadband include coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, and radio waves.

Nowadays, more precise definitions of broadband are usually required. For a service to be classified as broadband internet by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), providers must offer speeds of at least 25 Mbps when downloading and 3 Mbps when uploading data.

More and more Americans are realizing just how crucial a high-speed internet connection is for work, school, and health care. The FCC reports that between 2020 and 2021, there was a 26.6% increase in people downloading content from the internet, with 49% of people uploading content. Even so, data suggests that 24 million Americans still lack access to basic high-speed broadband connections.

The FCC considered changing the definition of broadband to 100 Mbps of download and 10 Mbps of upload speed. However, they decided not to go through with it over worries about whether there are sufficient ISPs who can meet the new standard. 

To bridge this gap, in November 2021, President Joe Biden signed into law the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which sets aside a total of $65 billion to improve internet access in both rural areas and among low-income families so that "every American has access to reliable high-speed Internet".

Broadband vs Dial-Up: Which is Better?

The long-standing debate of broadband or dial-up rages on, but the answer is not as black and white as you may think. Some people prefer a broadband connection for its reliability, while others find dial-up more straightforward.

It all ultimately comes down to what will work better for you. Let us review their key differences to help make your decision easier.

Dial-Up Internet

Remember the good old days when people had to use dial-up? If you wanted to make a phone call and someone else was already using the internet, you were out of luck! Those were the days before Wi-Fi or hotspots. The entire connection was monopolized by the internet. There were no mobile phones back then, so people had to choose between making a phone call or going online.

So how exactly does a dial-up work? When you have a dial-up internet connection, your modem sends and receives data through a landline. When you activate the service, your modem gets in touch with another modem at your ISP to start the connection. Therefore, when you use dial-up internet, it's using your copper telephone line to communicate data instead of just voice — which is why you hear a phone dialing sound as well as a high-pitched noise while logging on.

Although a dial-up connection is cheaper and more secure than other types, its slower speed can make it difficult to watch videos or download media files difficult. For example, opening email attachments or playing online games takes much longer with this type of connection. 

The largest drawback, however, is that you can only utilize the telephone and internet at one time. Once a connection is made, it occupies the entire telephone line for the duration of your Internet session.

This could prove problematic if there's only one phone line in a home because an active internet connection operates similarly to a regular phone call. Depending on who your service provider is, this might mean being charged for however long you spend online. These shortcomings are what caused dial-up's downfall between 2004 and 2005. 

Even though this is the case, plenty of homes still use dial-up services. A 2017 statistic revealed that 0.3% of Americans (around 977,000) still have a dial-up connection. 

Broadband Internet

The early 2000s called for an upgrade from the regular dial-up internet, and broadband internet was born. Its speedy connections made it much simpler to download & send files. Plus, once it's installed, your broadband is always on – meaning you never have to wait for it to connect! By early 2007, almost half of all internet users had a broadband internet connection.

With a broadband connection, you can use your phone and browse the internet simultaneously because it uses a separate line that is only used for data transmission. There are many types of broadband connections like those that use copper phone wires (DSL), coaxial cable television wiring (cable), fiber-optic cables (fiber), and wireless options like satellite or 4G/5G LTE. 

Over time, dial-up has become outdated, and its demise is a result of the simple fact that broadband is just better in almost every aspect - speed, price, reliability, convenience­ — you name it. Let's explore some of these advantages further.

1. Speed is one of the key advantages of using a broadband internet connection. Download speeds are faster, and there's also more than enough bandwidth to support large streams.
2. A landline is not required to connect you to your ISP. This means that important phone calls from friends or family can come through any time of the day without worrying that the line is busy.
3. You are continuously connected to your broadband. Thus, you eliminate the need to constantly reconnect to the internet and avoid wasting time with busy signals.

However, one of the major issues with a broadband connection is that it can be quite expensive to use. You may have to pay $35 - $90 per month just to access the internet, which can be a real problem if you're on a budget. 

Additionally, security concerns are always present when using a broadband connection. If you want to keep your computer safe while online, you'll need to purchase and install a firewall protection system.

While there may be some disadvantages to having a broadband connection, the advantages often outweigh them. In this battle, it is clear that broadband is the winner.

Different Types of Broadband Internet Explained

With a large variety of broadband options on the market, it can be tricky to identify which one is best for your specific needs. This is why we've done extensive research so that you don't have to spend hours poring over different types of broadband internet — now, you can confidently make an informed decision.

Digital Subscriber Line

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is a type of modem connection that takes existing telephone lines and uses them to transport high-quality data, such as video and multimedia. With DSL, you get public network access that's point-to-point and dedicated to your homes.

Many people take notice of DSL because it provides high data speeds to numerous locations without needing massive changes to existing telecommunication infrastructure. DSL provides high-speed bandwidth at an affordable price compared to using cellular data.

Proximity, unfortunately, plays a significant role in how well DSL works. The closer you are to your service provider, the better service you'll receive. On the other hand, being further away will more likely result in glitches and interruptions. 

Additionally, most DSL providers also offer telephone services, so if you want DSL, chances are you'll have to get both phone and internet through the same company.

With DSL, you can enjoy some of the quickest internet speeds available. With download and upload speeds as fast as 8 Mbps, your connection speed will depend on the package you select from your provider. 

The monthly average price for DSL is around $50.57, making it a great option for budget-conscious consumers.

Now, let's move on and discuss the two types of DSL in greater detail. Broadband internet connections can be majorly grouped into two categories. The most noteworthy distinction between these groups is the data allowance each category provides its users. Continue reading to see the differences for yourself.

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, or ADSL for short, is a type of internet connection where the speed of data sent (upstream) and received (downstream) are different. The downstream direction typically has much faster speeds than the upstream, which is why it's called an Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.

Since the average person downloads more data than they upload while online, ADSL technology is sufficient for most people. It's currently the main type of high-speed internet connection in use around the world.

A key ADSL advantage is that multiple services — telephone and internet, for example­ — can be delivered on the same two wires at the same time. This is because not all of the bandwidth gets used up by ADSL.

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ADSL is perfect for home users who mainly rely on the internet for leisurely activities. If you're someone who likes to browse the web, watch movies, or stream music, then ADSL is ideal for you.

Because this type of broadband connection sends and receives data at different speeds, it can be difficult for some users to upload or download files. However, if you don't engage in those activities often, ADSL is still a great option that's much faster than dial-up.

Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL)

Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) is a type of DSL used to provide high-speed Internet connectivity. SDSL is called “symmetrical” because the upstream and downstream connections have the same bandwidth. This allows for equal high speed in both directions (upload and download speed). 

SDSL completely uses the bandwidth, not allowing any to be allocated for a telephone. The line for the telephone would normally take up some of the bandwidth, but because SDSL reserves all of it for data, the upload speed is significantly higher than if a phone were attached.

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SDSL used to be ideal for small businesses. If your company uses the Internet to market or make sales, this would be the service for you because it allows for a consistent connection. As a small business owner, you'll likely have many of the same requirements as an individual user but on a larger scale — like needing to send large files frequently or hosting a website from your office.

SDSL, while once popular, is now considered a legacy technology. It has been replaced with newer versions and is now obsolete.

Cable

Cable Internet is a type of high-speed broadband that uses a cable modem and coaxial cable, which is the same kind of wiring used for your television. These networks then plug directly into your modem or gateway (combined router and modem), allowing you to create your own WiFi network, or connect directly to ethernet. 

Additionally, cable internet is fast, stable, and usually offered with TV plans - giving users the ability to surf the web while still watching their favorite programs.

Cable-based services redeem themselves by advertising that they deliver 99 percent of advertised speeds. A guaranteed speed is a perk for those who opt for this type of connection, as it does not depend on distance like other options and is durable even in storms.

Although cable Internet typically runs faster than a DSL connection, it does have one drawback - bandwidth is shared with other people in your area who are using the same cable line, which results in reduced speed overall. In addition, cable is still likely unavailable in many rural areas.

The average price for cable is $51 per month, with speeds offered to start at 3–500 Mbps. Although your local providers mainly determine your cable options, you may get a bundled package of internet and television services that offer additional savings.

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If you're someone who only uses a couple of devices at the same time, cable internet is probably the best type of internet for you. Even though things like streaming videos or playing video games could still work, your internet will slow down if too many are being used at once.  

As long as your main focus is checking email, listening to music, or making phone calls, then cable should fulfill those needs just fine.

Satellite

Satellite internet uses radio waves to communicate with satellites orbiting the Earth. When you want to access data, your device sends a request through your modem and satellite dish, which goes out to space and back down to Earth, where it is processed at network operations centers (NOC). After being processed, the data comes back through this same process — from space and then back down to your satellite dish on Earth — and is delivered onto your device.

People opt for satellite internet because it's accessible in more rural areas than other types of internet. It also doesn't require phone lines or cables to function, making its set-up simpler. Plus, the satellite internet industry as a whole is growing rapidly.

However, be mindful of latency if you have satellite internet. This occurs when data travels slowly from a home's satellite dish to space satellites and then finally to land-based servers because of the large distances involved. In addition, bad weather decreases its signal strength.

The average monthly price for satellite internet service in the United States is $110, with a download speed of 31 Mbps. This greatly exceeds the FCC's minimum broadband speed requirements of 25 Mbps, making it more than sufficient for most users.

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If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere for either work or pleasure, then your options for an internet connection are few and far between. Usually, you'll only have dial-up or satellite internet as reliable providers.

If you're currently on dial-up, upgrading to satellite would be a significant improvement due to its increased speed. Additionally, if all you need is general connectivity and don't require too much speed, then satellite should still suffice nicely.

Wireless

It's important to remember that we're not referring to "Wi-Fi" in this context. A wireless broadband connection and "Wi-Fi" are two distinct terms.

A wireless broadband internet connection is the data transmission between your modem/router and the outer world. Meanwhile, "Wi-Fi" is the wireless connection within your house or business that connects phones or computers to your modem/router.

Now that we've cleared that up let's compare the difference between the two types of wireless broadband connection.

Fixed Wireless

More and more people are choosing fixed wireless internet for their homes. With this type of connection, there is no need for any physical wiring ­ — everything is done wirelessly. This makes it much more efficient and reliable, not to mention widely available. 

Speeds can range from 3 to 1000 Mbps, making it a great option for anyone looking for fast internet service.

Although fixed wireless is typically quicker than mobile broadband, it has the disadvantage of only being limited in crowded places. This is because a line-of-sight connection from up to 10 miles away is necessary.

If you live in a rural area with little to no access to cable or fiber-optic connections, fixed wireless internet is perfect for you! Not only does it provide high-speed internet services, but there are also no data limits. Moreso, if installed correctly, weather conditions shouldn't affect your connection.

With fixed wireless internet, you can download at speeds of 100-400 Mbps and upload at speeds of 10-50 Mbps. The average starting price point is $15, but this will differ based on your plan and ISP.

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For those who don't like being restricted by cables and wires, fixed wireless broadband is the best option. It's perfect for families with members using the Internet in different rooms at the same time.

Moreover, If you have a wireless gaming console or use a laptop, this type of service is perfect for you because it doesn't require an old-fashioned landline phone. This is also great for people living in large houses where the router is not close enough to reach a cable wire.

Mobile Wireless

Most cell phone plans come with mobile wireless internet, a service that lets phones and other devices web surf by using cellular towers. If you're moving around, your device will automatically switch connections between various towers to keep an internet connection as long as you have a signal from the cellular network.



A battery-operated router is perfect for remaining connected while on the go. With mobile wireless, people can connect their portable devices — like phones and smartwatches — to the internet. Whether you want to stream music in your car or check social media while running errands, mobile wireless makes it possible!

Although less expensive, mobile wireless plans typically have data limits that make using it as your main internet connection impractical or costly. Even if some providers advertise unlimited monthly data, you can get charged overage fees for exceeding the limit. Be mindful of how much data you use each month to prevent a slower connection or added charges.

Most 4G LTE networks have an average download speed of 15Mbps. In contrast, 5G network speeds are 47-58Mbps on average. Although initially criticized for being too expensive, mobile data is now becoming more affordable; it currently averages at $3.05 per GB and is projected to lower to $2.75 per GB by 2023.

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Mobile wireless is the perfect solution for anyone who is always on the go, such as students who need to do research just about anywhere and businessmen who often travel from one place to another. 

To add, if you live in an area where traditional wired technologies like cable television, DSL, or fiber optic cabling are not yet available, mobile wireless may be your best option. You can still enjoy broad coverage and high speeds through a wireless service without these traditional means of accessing the Internet.

Broadband over Power Line (BPL)

BPL, also called Ethernet over power (EOP), provides internet to your home by using the standard electricity supply. Let's take a closer look at how it works! 

The concept behind BPL is easy: Since electricity only uses the low-frequency portion of power lines, data can be streamed over higher frequencies.

BPL gives you the ability to connect your computer to any electrical outlet in your house and have high-speed Internet right away. By fusing principles of radio, wireless networking, and modems, developers discovered a way to deliver data via power lines into people's homes at lightning speeds (equivalent to DSL and cable).

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The notion of receiving broadband internet through electrical wires is certainly encouraging, as nearly every home in the world has access to power lines. This would mean that areas, where providers can't reach, will finally be able to have quality internet service.

Though BPL had potential, it never really took off and is even considered obsolete because of too many issues that come with it. There have been attempts to use BPL worldwide, all of which have failed because of two main issues: limited reach and low bandwidth compared to ADSL, Wi-Fi, and even 3G mobile.

Fiber

Fiber-optic broadband is the newest and, currently, fastest internet connection. By sending signals through thin strands of plastic or glass - known as optical fibers - an entirely light-based network communication infrastructure is created.

Not so long ago, fiber internet was relatively pricey. Nowadays, most providers have lowered their prices to make them more affordable. Fiber is now likely to be as competitively priced as any other connection type out there­ — and when you factor in the increased speeds you get for the price, it's one of the most cost-effective options available. Not to mention, it’s less prone to experience slowdowns, and it offers faster upload speeds. 

The only significant disadvantage to fiber-optic internet is its lack of availability in rural and remote areas. This type of broadband service requires a lot of infrastructures, including fiber optic cables that need to be buried or laid underground. It's also more delicate than other internet connections and can be easily damaged during installation. As a result, it usually takes experienced technicians to complete the job correctly.

Although the average monthly cost of fiber optic internet is more expensive than DSL or Cable — at $63.78, — it might be worth shelling out a bit extra every month. The speed you get with fiber optics is unrivaled, as most providers offer up to 1 Gbps in speed.

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If you place high importance on having a consistently quick internet connection, then fiber optic internet is probably for you. Also, if you often do data-heavy tasks or use cloud storage/access, then fiber optics becomes even more of a necessity. There are several other advantages to using this type of internet, including security and reliability, making it so popular among consumers and businesses.

Furthermore, fiber internet is excellent for anyone who has a smart home or multiple people using the internet at once. Since multiple devices within a home eat up more bandwidth, it's important to have an internet connection that can handle several devices at once. And with fiber, you'll never have to worry about your connection lagging or slowing down.

The Bottom Line: Dial-Up is Out, Broadband is Here to Stay 

Although dial-up was once the go-to for internet usage, it is now a dying technology, and broadband internet connection is here to stay. You can find broadband networks in nearly every community across America. Not only do consumers prefer broadband services, but governments have also thrown their support behind this kind of Internet access. 

We expect global average broadband speeds to double in the next few years. By 2023, the average speed is expected to be 110.4 Mbps, up from 45.9 Mbps in 2018. With such an increase, many people will enjoy much faster internet connections and be able to take advantage of new online opportunities.

So what are you waiting for? If you're still using dial-up, it might be time to upgrade. Broadband internet connection is the way of the future and offers speeds that are unrivaled by other connection types.

Plus, there are six main types of broadband technologies: DSL, cable, satellite, wireless, BPL, and fiber. There's bound to be one that perfectly meets your needs—whether for leisure or work! So what are you waiting for? Upgrade today and join the rest of us in the 21st century!