- High-speed Internet connections are also referred to as broadband Internet. These connections allow a user to connect to the Internet at speeds much higher than what can be achieved through a dial-up connection. The speeds available for a customer are contingent on the type of product purchased and the level of service agreed upon. Speeds can vary between downstream data (what the customer receives) and upstream data (what the customer sends). Typically, residential use sees far faster downstream speeds than they do upstream speeds. Check the service agreements to find out what the provider has agreed to supply.
- A user accesses the Internet through transmission technologies designed for high speeds. This transmission is digital and needs to happen through a service that has the infrastructure to provide these types of transmissions. Transmission happens digitally, meaning that the information, whether text, sound or images, is broken into bits and sent in packets. These packets are received and opened on the other end and reassembled through the transmission technology or protocols. Once the correct broadband connection is established, devices like computers can be attached via coaxial cables, telephone lines or wireless technology to the Internet.
- Although price, service availability and product packaging have much to do with the final broadband connection chosen, there are quite a few broadband connections to choose from. Connections include a digital subscriber line (DSL) that can be run through a telephone line (different from a dial-up service), cable modems that require service through a cable company (such as Comcast, Cox or Time Warner) and satellite broadband (which is generally used to service remote areas and is dependent on many factors, including weather, purchase of a satellite dish and line of sight to the satellite as it orbits). A recent addition to broadband is BPL or Broadband over Power Lines. This technology utilizes existing electrical outlets and power lines and has the potential to change broadband services across the board.
- Dial-up Internet service happens through the phone line and is a cheaper, slower version of what DSL and BPL provide. Fiber optic cables allow broadband to be transmitted much faster than existing telephone lines and so broadband providers spend large sums to put fiber optic cable in the ground often replacing older, copper cables in doing so. Sending signals via wireless communication is also possible but requires a clear and unobstructed view of the tower communicating these signals.
- Broadband services are regulated through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Service issues should always be solved through the provider, but issues that are not solved can be taken to the FCC. Filing a complaint can happen online through the FCC government site. There is no charge for filing a broadband service complaint. In addition, every state has a Public Service Commission that can be contacted.
