February 12, 2009 9:39 AM
What Is Broadband? In 100 Words Or Less...
As part of an effort to demystify broadband-related issues, I'm starting a series of 100-word explanations of what broadband is, how it works, and other related topics.
To start with: What is broadband?
The Internet is a series of interconnected fiber networks.
Broadband is the service that provides access to the Internet at speeds faster than dialup.
It can be delivered by copper, wireless, or fiber technologies.
Copper networks are DSL, cable, or BPL, all of which have clear limitations in capacity and reliability.
Wireless networks include 3G/4G, WiFi/WiMax, and satellite. While key to enabling universal availability, they are also limited in capacity and reliability.
Fiber networks offer unlimited capacity and unmatched reliability.
The future of the Internet demands broadband that's capacious, reliable, and available everywhere.
