What is Broadband?

Defining broadband can get complicated

There are many different takes on how to actually define the word: broadband. The first and most obvious way to define it is a transmission medium that allows for multiple pathways and types of data, far exceeding simple voice communication devices. Simply, put it is the ability to access a variety of data through one connection at a reasonable speed.

Where a phone line severely limits the amount of information it can transmit, a broadband line, which has bandwidth greater than 2 mbps, unlike a standard dial-up connection which will only have 56kbps, can allow for a variety of different frequencies and channels to travel down its wide pathway. This makes it optimal for those who play video games on the Internet or are involved in heavy graphics work that they need to import, send and receive along the information superhighway.

The minimum width of a broadband line has become a matter of debate. While initially, the broadband definition was a line that was greater than 2 mbps in width, other experts began asserting that it should be at least 3 mbps wide. Still others complain that at least 20 would be appropriate. But now, broadband services start as low as 1 mbps, for those who are trying out broadband for the first time. So who really knows what the minimum level of bandwidth is needed in order for it to be called broadband? One thing is certain though. DSL service which an range from 256 kbps capacity on the downstream and upstream side up to 1.5mbps, or even higher, is considered a broadband service as well. So are cable television modems, which have similar speeds. So, in reality anything with greater capacity than a narrow line, like a telephone line, which can only hold up to 64 kbps, is technically considered a broadband service.

Broadband services have become all the craze in the past few years. When the Internet started to become more mainstream in the 1990s people were content with simple dial-up Internet services, which used only narrow lines. But as the need for speed became important, especially as files and Web pages became more elaborate, requiring more computer storage space and memory, the need for larger bulks of information being able to be sent and received at a quicker pace became essential. Hence, we have the broadband revolution. Today, hardly anyone uses narrow band service, or dial-up. Broadband Internet access is the name of the game. And if you work in an office it is absolutely essential, as larger chunks of information are frequently sent to and from businesses on a regular basis. Simply put, if you don't have broadband today, you are probably a person who does not need the Internet for a living. With the number of telecommuting jobs available today, the need for broadband services is only likely to expand greatly.

About The Author:

Neil Shevlin is the owner of UK Cheap Broadband which is a great place to find broadband links, resources and articles.

For more information go to: UK Cheap Broadband

http://www.ukcheapbroadband � Copyright 2005

Please feel free to copy and paste this article and it's resource information.

Telegraph.co.uk

Tories say urban high-speed broadband 'the priority' Top 10 Broadband A Conservative government would encourage the private sector to develop a national high-speed broadband network, according to the Shadow Culture Secretary. ... Tories: fast broadband for cities firstPublic Service all 30 news articles »

Zhone Technologies Selected by Hardy Telecommunications to Bring High-Speed ... WELT ONLINE Zhone Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ZHNE), a global leader in network access solutions, announced today that Hardy Telecommunications has selected Zhone ... and more »

High speed broadband offered by Eclipse Techwatch The internet service provider Eclipse looks as if it will be joining the ranks of those ISPs offering high speed broadband services. ... and more »

Richmond Heights seeks community block grants for sidewalk projects, fiber ... Sun Star Courier RICHMOND HEIGHTS--Sidewalks or high speed broadband computer connections, some wireless, could sprout up all over town if City Council gets one ...

UPDATE 1-France Telecom CEO plans new direction for group Reuters Lombard told the IDATE conference in Montpellier he wanted a "new beginning" at the company focusing on big projects, such as bringing high-speed broadband ... and more »

The Malaysian Insider

Maxis May Pay Higher Dividend After Malaysia IPO Bloomberg The operator plans to spend 2.6 billion ringgit in the two years through 2010 expanding its high-speed broadband network to boost sales as growth in ... Work cut out for MaxisMalaysia Star Maxis shares surge on trading debutBusiness Times (subscription) all 258 news articles »

New members named to Broadband Development and Deployment Council EmpireStateNews.net “An affordable and accessible high-speed broadband network is essential if New York is to become a leader in the new economy,” Governor Paterson said. ... and more »

Politics in Minnesota

Tribune Editorial: High-speed broadband is critical statewide West Central Tribune A report issued Friday states that Minnesota needs to make significant improvements in order to meet a goal of statewide high-speed broadband access by 2015 ... Broadband Goals Proposed In MinnesotaInformationWeek There's no state money for broadband, but there are plenty of lobbyistsPolitics in Minnesota Report: Minn. needs significant Internet upgradesThe Associated Press KEYC -Pioneer Press -istockAnalyst.com (press release) all 143 news articles »

Broadband Expert (blog)

Eclipse to offer high speed broadband Broadband Expert (blog) Internet service provider Eclipse has announced that it is to break into the high speed broadband market by offering speeds of up to 40Mbps to its customers ... and more »

MDU Communications Announces Preliminary Fiscal '09 Year End Results ... CNNMoney.com (press release) ... a leading provider of premium communication/information services, including digital satellite television and high-speed (broadband) Internet services, ... and more »