Broadband Internet offers high-speed services such as cable, DSL, and cellular. It is faster than dial-up, doesn’t take up a phone line, and allows for online activities. However, it is more expensive and requires protection from Internet-based attacks.
Broadband Internet is the term that describes different types of high-speed Internet services. The three most common types of broadband Internet are cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), and cellular service, but there are other varieties as well. There are several benefits to a broadband connection and few drawbacks.
Most people in the United States have some form of broadband internet available to them. Cable subscriptions come over the same lines as cable television, DSL comes over the telephone, and cell phone uses a cellular signal. If any of these basic services are available, broadband probably is as well. In more remote areas, services such as satellite Internet are often available.
The biggest benefit of a broadband connection is speed. Broadband service can be hundreds of times faster than dial-up connections. This will allow most systems to download information in a fraction of the time of dial-up. This faster download applies to everything a user can do, from loading web pages to paying bills to downloading files.
A broadband connection won’t take up a phone line: Most broadband connection services don’t use phone lines at all. DSL systems carry information over a telephone line, but will allow calls to pass while in operation. Not only will this keep a phone line available, but it will also prevent inadvertent disconnections when someone tries to use the phone.
With a broadband connection, it is possible to do things that are difficult or impossible with a dial-up connection. Users can play persistent online games, watch videos or chat without worrying about disconnections. They can also use internet phone systems to talk around the world at prices much lower than standard phone options.
A computer is always connected to the internet with a broadband connection. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Being able to access the Internet day and night without ever getting a busy signal can be a real time saver. On the other hand, your computer is more vulnerable to Internet-based attacks and will need a basic firewall to protect your system.
Besides the necessary protections for your system, there is another major disadvantage; price. A broadband Internet connection is generally much more expensive than a dial-up connection. There are often new offers for subscribers, but these are often reduced from the initial connection rates. This is one of the main benefits of cable broadband; if it’s through the same provider as your television, you can often receive a reduction in the price for using both.
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