All about broadband internet

Broadband is short for "broad bandwidth." It's a type of high-speed internet connection introduced in the late 1990s that replaced the dial-up internet technology of the day. By using a different frequency from landline phones, it could be "always on," meaning there was no longer a need to interrupt your phone service every time you wanted to connect.

Broadband, and especially fiber broadband, provides the fastest internet connections today, making it the most common type of internet service. And there are a number of different broadband technologies available.

Let’s take a closer look at how broadband technology works.

Broadband Label information

¿Cómo funciona Internet de banda ancha?

Una broadband connection uses a line exclusively for data transmission. Fiber broadband uses specialized fiber-optic cables, while DSL broadband uses copper wires (also used for phone lines). Cable broadband uses coaxial cables (also used for cable TV), and satellite and 4G/5G LTE broadband connections are wireless.

Each type of connection uses different frequencies that enable a range of speeds. An internet service provider (ISP) uses a network of equipment-buried cables, powerful computers, routers, switches, and more-to connect you to the internet.

Tipos de Internet de banda ancha

There are five types of broadband connections available today: cable, DSL, fibra, satélite y inalámbrico.

Internet DSL

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) was one of the earliest forms of broadband and is still a commonly used service today. DSL uses a single pair of copper wires in a telephone line for a high-speed data connection. The DSL signal runs on different frequencies from the phone lines, making competing phone and internet access a thing of the past. Using a modem to bring the connection from your telephone line to your computer allows the DSL to get more bandwidth, which increases speeds. DSL speeds today tend to top out around 140 Mbps.

Internet por cable

La internet por cable es casi tan común con el servicio de DSL. It uses the same coaxial cables that transmit TV service to carry a high-speed internet connection. Using a special type of cable modem, you can connect to these lines and enjoy a high-speed, uninterrupted data connection. Las velocidades de Internet por cable pueden ser de hasta 940 Mbps para descargas y de hasta 50 Mbps para cargas.

Internet por fibra óptica

Internet por fibra óptica (like Quantum Fiber!) uses special fiber-optic cables that send data as pulses of light over thousands of tiny, transparent fiber strands. Because light is the fastest way to transmit data, fiber-optic internet delivers an incredibly fast and extremely reliable connection with mind-boggling multi-gig speeds up to 8 Gbps.

Learn more about how fiber works

Internet por satélite

Satellite internet transmits data back and forth from satellites orbiting the Earth. It's not quite as fast or consistent as other types of broadband internet, but it can be used anywhere in the world. Las velocidades del servicio satelital para descargas en general se encuentran entre 25 Mbps y 100 Mbps, y tienen una velocidad promedio para cargas de 25 Mbps.

Internet inalámbrica

Wireless internet, such as 4G and 5G, is also available by satellite. It's most common in rural areas that don't have the infrastructure for wired internet networks (DSL, cable, or fiber). This type of service is typically offered by wireless phone companies, but telecom companies often provide wireless service options as well.

Broadband and WiFi – what’s the difference?

Broadband is the internet connection to your home or business. WiFi is the wireless connection you use in the home or business to connect to the broadband service. The broadband service that comes into the modem is converted to a wireless signal by a router or other WiFi solution, allowing you to connect multiple devices wirelessly to the internet.

Gone forever are the days of dial-up. As fiber internet and other types of broadband technologies advance by the year, the speeds we can access and what we can do online seems virtually unlimited. No matter the type of broadband service, it's all part of the amazing internet age we live in. Welcome to the future.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and may require additional research and substantiation by the end user. Asimismo, la información es suministrada en el estado en el que se encuentra, sin garantía ni condición de ningún tipo, ya sea expresa ni implícita. El riesgo que implica el uso de esta información corre por cuenta del usuario final. All third-party company and product or service names referenced in this article are for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with Quantum Fiber. This document represents Quantum Fiber's products and offerings as of the date of issue. Los servicios no están disponibles en todos lados. Quantum Fiber may change or cancel products and services or substitute similar products and services at its sole discretion without notice. ©2024 Q Fiber, LLC. Todos los Derechos Reservados. Quantum, Quantum Fiber and Quantum Fiber Internet are trademarks of Quantum Wireless LLC and used under license to Q Fiber, LLC.