What Is the Difference Between Broadband And DSL?

Many people are confused by the terminology used to describe Internet services. Terms like "broadband," "DSL" and "bandwidth" seem cryptic and incomprehensible if you're not familiar with them. The meanings behind these terms are actually quite simple. With just a little study, anyone can understand them.

Function

Many DSL connections are broadband, but not all broadband is DSL. Broadband is a type of telecommunication that uses multiple data channels to send large volumes of information. The term broadband is an abbreviation of "broad bandwidth." Broadband Internet services such as DSL and cable are considered to be high-bandwidth connections. Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be sent along a given channel per second.

Types

There are three popular types of broadband Internet service: satellite, DSL and cable. Satellite Internet uses a satellite that's in orbit around the Earth to facilitate the transfer of data. DSL transfers data along unused bandwidth on ordinary telephone cable. Cable Internet uses a coaxial television cable to provide Internet service.

Features

The slowest of all broadband services is DSL. It is also the least expensive service. It offers speeds up to 6 megabits per second (Mbps). Cable is faster, but it's less reliable and more expensive. Although cable Internet service providers often advertise download speeds up to 30 Mbps, cable users rarely achieve these speeds. Satellite is the most expensive of all commonly used broadband Internet services. Satellite speeds can range anywhere between 1 and 3 Mbps. The Federal Communications Commission now defines a broadband connection as having speeds of 768 Kbps. Therefore, not all DSL connections are considered broadband.

Benefits

Having a broadband connection can speed your downloads significantly. Getting DSL service is one of the most economical ways to increase your Internet connection speeds. Cable Internet service is best for people who frequently download large files or use streaming audio and video extensively.

Considerations

DSL service is not available in all areas. This is because in most cases your home or office must be within 18,000 feet of the ISP's central office. The farther your computer is from the central office, the slower your DSL speed will be. If DSL isn't available in your area, cable service may be an acceptable alternative. If you can't get either of these services, you may still be able to get a satellite broadband connection.

Effects

Getting broadband DSL Internet service can save you time and money. However, don't expect every download to happen at blinding speeds. Some DSL providers promise speeds up to 6 Mbps. There are many factors that affect your download speeds. Many download sites limit their downloads to speeds as low as 10 Kbps. If you download frequently, get a download manager to take the best advantage of your bandwidth. Net congestion and latency can significantly affect your downloads as well as your streaming audio and video. In many cases, you will get better results from downloading music and video files to your computer to watch later.

Resources

• Broadband Internet service providers
• Free Download Manager