Broadband is an internet connection with a bandwidth of 512kbps or more and can be accessed through telephone line, cable line, radio signals, or even by satellites. Broadband connections need special modems which should be capable of sending and receiving data very fast. Broadband also demands faster processing speed and good memory (Random Access Memory) from your computer. Slow computers without minimum requirements of processor speed and internal memory affect the downloading speed of web pages.

ADSL is the technology used in the broadband connections accessed through telephone line. The majority of broadband connections worldwide are accessed through ADSL, and three-fourths of broadband connections in UK use this mode of broadband connection. Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) technology allows faster downloading than uploading and its micro-filter uses the existing telephone line both for making calls as well as for surfing the net at the same time. ADSL is ideal for people who regularly download videos, mp3 music and software updates.

It means that web pages will load a lot quicker than normal and they will appear almost instantly. It also means that you can download large files like video clips and MP's in a much shorter length of time. Not forgetting the fact that you can send and receive emails quicker with large attachments too.

Generally narrowband or dial-up connection refers to the internet connections with a connection speed of 56 kbps (kilobit per second) or below than that. On the other hand, broadband connections begin with a minimum speed of 512kbps and have speeds up to 24Mb.

Presently, most of the broadband connections in the UK have connection speeds between 1Mb and 2Mb while 8Mb connections are becoming popular nowadays.

Broadband enables both telephone calls and your Internet connection to operate on the same phone line simultaneously. This is achieved by plugging a filter (sometimes known as a splitter) into all phone sockets that are to be used allowing voice and Internet at the same time. A filter separates (or splits) the telephone signals from the broadband signal, therefore allowing telephone and Internet connection at the same time.

Not necessarily, most broadband suppliers offer at least one filter free of charge when you sign up with them.

You will need a broadband modem which also comes with a data cable as part of the package, some filters and that's it!

*The above diagrams are reproduced from Tiscali Broadband

This is the cost of setting you up with broadband. Some suppliers don't charge you and some charge up to £100.

Again, some broadband suppliers offer a modem free whilst some charge from £20 to £100. Make sure you check to see if filters are included in the price too.

This is your subscription fee that you will have to pay every month. It includes all of your Internet calls.

The only other thing to be aware of is that some broadband suppliers may charge you a delivery fee for the modem. You also need to be aware of what the minimum contract is when you sign up. Most suppliers only work on a minimum 12 months contract but as the market gets more competitive, some companies are offering 1 month minimum contracts.

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