Types of Broadband Connection
ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line)
ADSL is one of the most popular types of broadband used and is delivered through the existing BT telephone by using a special router or modem. It helps in receiving and making calls, using the same single telephone line, even when the internet is in use. While employing a ADSL connection, it is essential to fit small devices called microfilters, to all the telephone sockets. These filters help in clearing the voice calls and preventing the ADSL signal from interfering with the voice calls.
Advantages :
- Easy to install
Disadvantages :
- Downloading information is much faster than sending
SDSL (Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line)
SDSL is another type of broadband connection which is almost similar to an ADSL connection. In comparison to SDSL, ADSL is faster in downloading data and a bit slower in uploading data. SDSL needs a separate telephone line to avoid interruptions in the voice calls. Another difference between the ADSL and SDSL connections, is that SDSL is more commonly used in businesses, where there are lots of uploads.
Cable
Cable is another broadband connection option, where the cable operator provides the internet connection. It requires a special modem which is connected to the cable TV box. Majority of the cable companies provide packages which have telephone and TV channels as well as a broadband internet connection.
Advantages :
- Easy to install
- Potentially the fastest connection
Disadvantages :
- Only available in cities and large towns
Wireless
The wireless connection enables the user to be online, send and receive data easily and quickly, which is not possible in the ADSL and SDSL connections. With the invention of data cards, the use of modems and wires for connecting to the internet have taken a back seat. The card comes in a plug-in format and is highly portable. In some of the remote and rural areas, where ADSL and cable Internet connections are not established, smaller broadband providers are supplying local coverage using wireless technology. Wireless connections don't require a telephone line. It needs a small antenna installed outside the house, which sends signals to a connection point attached to the computer.
Advantages:
- Not restricted by the local telephone exchange
- Fast connection for downloading and sending information
Disadvantages :
- Requires an experienced technology provider to set up and maintain the network
- Can suffer from interference in built-up areas if there is another network nearby used for something other than internet access
- A wireless LAN also provides a community with its own very high-speed network, independent of the World Wide Web, which links all the local subscribers and enables them to share files with each other even faster than over the internet.
Satellite
Satellite is the ultimate option for people living in remote areas and who can't receive any other form of broadband internet. It requires the installation of a special satellite dish. There are mainly two types of connections: one-way connections and two-way connections. In the one-way connection, you will be able to receive data, but for sending data, you will need a dial-up modem through a telephone line. In the two-way connection, data is both sent and received through the satellite dish, though it is more expensive.
Out of these various broadband connections, you can choose the one which suits you best, depending upon the time you spend online or your budget. Broadband connections give an effective and advanced working opportunity and environment, and facilitate various activities like booking tickets, watching many live shows, downloading movies, etc.
Advantages :
- Available anywhere
Disadvantages :
- Expensive
- Bad weather can cause connection problems
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