Choosing broadband can seem a little bewildering at times, especially if your technical skills stopped somewhere around the era of the 8-track stereo. While the jargon related to broadband modems may seem dense at times, they really aren't that difficult to understand when they're properly explained.

You see, just as radio signals are broadcast over different frequencies, allowing you to pick up many different stations by tuning in to a different frequency, cable TV is broadcast on its own distinct frequency.

Now, a cable broadband modem simply transmits and receives data through your TV cable using a frequency that isn't being used, just as a pirate radio station may use an unused frequency to broadcast.

Cable broadband modems simply allow you to make a broadband connection using the same cable used to bring cable TV into your home. It's simply a matter of using a different frequency to the TV signal.

Since DSL broadband modems and voice calls use a different frequency band you can use both at the same time. In order to split the outgoing signals from each other you need to fit a 'splitter' to each phone jack in your home - don't worry, your ISP will give you a bunch of these when you sign up.

DSL broadband modems work in much the same way as cable modems, only instead of piggybacking on your TV cable they use your telephone lines. In the same way that cable TV is broadcast on a narrow frequency band, voice calls do the same. This means that there is a 'broad' frequency band just sitting unused. DSL broadband modems take advantage of this band when transmitting or receiving data. Simple!.

Since DSL broadband modems and voice calls use a different frequency band you can use both at the same time. In order to split the outgoing signals from each other you need to fit a 'splitter' to each phone jack in your home - don't worry, your ISP will give you a bunch of these when you sign up.

The splitter works quite simply. You connect one end to your telephone wall socket and into the other end, you fit one cable leading to your phone and the other to your DSL broadband modem. The splitter will separate the signals without you having to do anything.

Many ISPs are now introducing wireless broadband modems into the home. The same technology used in Wi-Fi hotspots around the world, a wireless router simply creates a wireless network in your home, communicating with wireless enabled devices without the need for a physical connection. Your wireless 'hub' broadband modem will need to be connected to the phone lines at a single point in your home, from which it will send and receive data to any device configured to communicate with it - from PCs and laptops to wireless enabled games consoles.

The cost of your broadband modem will vary depending on your ISP. Some providers will give you a free modem when you sign up, but some will levy a small charge. You should compare broadband prices before you sign up, as the fees for your modem and its installation could wipe out any perceived saving you think you'll make with a low monthly charge. As always, you should read the small print before signing a contract. The golden rule, though, is this: whether or not they charge a fee, the ISP should provide a broadband modem when you sign up. If they expect you to buy your own hardware you might want to consider signing up with another service.