What is Broadband?
From audio to video, broadband is a method of transmitting different types of frequencies at the same time to enable multiple signals that operate on separate channels or bands using a single physical cable. The word "broadband' is derived from "broad" + "bandwidth"; Its usage is primarily for high-speed data transmission, including those greater than with telephone networks (600 *bps) or high-grade voice communications.
As compared to "base band" or "narrow band" where only one signal is allowed at a time, broadband carries bandwidths in excess of 20kHz (or 2 *Mbps or 56 *Kbps) and transmits multiple frequencies through one medium. The higher the bit rate (the number of bits per second - or "bps"), the faster the data can be transmitted.
The two most common types of broadband are Cable Internet and DSL
Benefits of Broadband
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High capacity for simultaneously carrying large numbers of moving images along with vast quantities of data, video, or voice signals without sacrificing quality |
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Bandwidths higher than 2 Mbps |
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Utilizes satellite, fiber optic, or coaxial cable |
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Flexible capacity allows for increase in bandwidth carrying capability |
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Commonly Confused Terminology
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DSL - (Digital Subscriber Line): Broadband transmission lines incorporating a single pair of wires. One wire (or channel) carries the digital information while the other wire (or channel) carries the voice signals |
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T1 - High-speed transmission rates of 1.544 Mbps or higher |
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ISDN - (Integrated Services Digital Network): The primary rate for data transmission for telephone network systems, ISDN allows digital transmission of voice and data over copper telephone wires |
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bps - Bits per second transmitted |
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Mbps - Megabytes per second |
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Kbps - Kilobytes per second |
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