| Broadband Internet is rapidly taking the lead as the | | | | your telephone service. The speed of the broadband |
| most popular type of Internet access due to its | | | | Internet connection provided by DSL will vary |
| speed and is offered in the form of cable, DSL | | | | according to your location. For instance, if you are |
| (Digital Subscriber Line), and satellite. Although dial-up | | | | located within long distance to a switching station, |
| service is cheaper, more than half the world's | | | | your Internet connection will be somewhat slower. If |
| population is opting for the speed and convenience of | | | | you are trying to choose between a cable connection |
| a broadband Internet connection. | | | | and a DSL line, this is one factor you will want to |
| With all of the options that are available today for | | | | consider before making your decision. |
| obtaining a broadband Internet connection, what is | | | | Fiber-optic broadband Internet service is the newest |
| the difference between the connections and which | | | | and fastest type of connection. Due to the fact that |
| one is best? | | | | it is a new form of broadband Internet, the service |
| The answer depends upon your geographical area | | | | areas are still somewhat limited because it requires |
| and the connection options that are available in your | | | | laying down fiber-optic cable. If it is available in your |
| location. If you live in a metropolitan area, most likely | | | | area, the cost is competitive with cable and DSL and |
| you will have more options for a broadband Internet | | | | the connection is much faster. |
| connection than if you are located in a rural area. | | | | A satellite broadband Internet connection runs slower |
| There are basically four ways to obtain a broadband | | | | than the other broadband options. However, it offers |
| Internet connection which include cable, DSL (Digital | | | | a nice alternative to dial-up for people seeking a |
| Subscriber Line), fiber-optic, and satellite. | | | | faster connection in a rural area. The costs for set up |
| A broadband cable Internet connection is obtained | | | | can be pricey, but the monthly cost after installation |
| from your local cable television provider. The speed | | | | is competitive with cable and DSL. |
| of this connection will vary depending upon how | | | | When exploring your options for a broadband |
| many users are accessing the service at any given | | | | Internet connection in your area, it is a good idea to |
| time. The speed estimates that are claimed by the | | | | ask other people that are close by and use the |
| cable companies are often calculated under the | | | | service that you are considering. Although broadband |
| assumption that you are the only person connected | | | | offers the promise of a speedy connection, this will |
| to the service. In a given geographical area, the users | | | | not matter if your connection is unreliable. Also the |
| of a broadband cable Internet service share the | | | | speed of your connection will depend upon the |
| bandwidth of the connection which will slow the | | | | environmental variables in your geographical location, |
| speed of the connection especially during peak times. | | | | so you will want to do your homework before |
| A DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection utilizes | | | | making a choice. |
| unused telephone wires and does not interfere with | | | | |