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What Is
Broadband?
Broadband is high speed
Internet access. It enables you to use the phone and the Internet at the
same time - without the need for an additional phone line. Broadband is a
faster way of connecting your computer to the Internet – at up to ten
times faster than a normal connection.
It allows you to view web pages more quickly, download large amounts of
information more easily (e.g. film trailers, music) and use services that
require streaming content (e.g. Internet radio).
Broadband services are 'always-on', which means there's no need to dial-up
to the Internet or log off once you've finished surfing. So your e-mails
appear immediately without having to log on first. Most broadband services
are unmetered so you pay a flat fee each month with no additional charges
for the amount of time you spend online.
What is DSL - ADSL?
ADSL, meaning (Asymmetric
Digital Subscriber Line), works by utilising the full frequency spectrum
of the copper wire currently in use for your telephone line. The signal is
carried by two DSL - (Digital Subscriber Line) modems, one at the user
end and one in the local exchange. This enables you to transfer data using
frequencies that are otherwise unused. For this reason you are able to use
both your telephone system (voice or fax) and Internet access services at
the same time.
The Asymmetric part of the name describes the way in which data transfer
is split. (Symmetric Digital Subscriber Lines), SDSL, offer a symmetric
amount of data transfer for both uploading (upstream) and downloading
(downstream). ADSL differs in that for most home or normal business users,
people tend to be more of a consumer of data rather than a producer thus a
slower upstream (upload) can be traded off against a faster downstream
(download) speed.
How do I get
UK Broadband?
You need a personal computer.
A personal computer (PC) should give access to the whole of the Internet
and the majority of web sites are designed for access using PCs.
You need a broadband modem. A modem is a device that enables computers to
transmit data across the Internet. New PC's generally come with modems,
which are adequate for standard dial-up Internet access at 56k. Broadband
requires a modem capable of higher speeds. Most broadband service
providers include a broadband modem in their initial set-up package.
You need to be connected to the Internet e.g. by telephone or cable. There
are different types of broadband connection. The majority of broadband
users in the UK use a connection that involves upgrading their existing
phone line or cable modem connection.
You need an Internet service provider (ISP). An ISP is a company that
supplies you with access to the Internet. ISPs offer a variety of
broadband packages that can include services like e-mail and web space, as
well as high-speed Internet access. If you are in a broadband-enabled
exchange area and have a BT phone line, you will have a wide choice of
ISPs and may be able to use a cable company too. However if you choose to
connect via cable, your choice of ISP may be limited.
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