Broadband is a faster and always-on type of Internet access, in comparison to the more traditional dial-up internet access. Always-on means that you don't have to dial up every time you want to use the Internet, you are permanently connected to the Internet. A real advantage of broadband is that you can use your phone-line to make and receive calls while downloading music, sending and receiving emails or just browsing the Internet.

How does it work?

Broadband is simply a faster method of internet connection for your computer, in comparison to the more conventional dial-up method. The two main forms of Broadband connection are ADSL and Cable.

What type of broadband connections are available to me?

Most broadband connections provide pretty much the same benefits, however the two most common ways of accessing a broadband service are as follows:

ADSL - ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a technology for transmitting digital information at a high bandwidth on existing phone lines to homes and businesses. Unlike regular dialup phone service, ADSL provides continuously-available, "always on" connection. ADSL is asymmetric in that it uses most of the channel to transmit downstream to the user and only a small part to receive information from the user. ADSL simultaneously accommodates analogue (voice) information on the same line.

Cable – Another form of connection, using telephone lines. Cable works in the same way as a cable TV connection, by using set top boxes. A cable modem can be added or used in conjunction with a tv set top box, so that you can access Internet channels via your TV. In most cases the cable service is purchased and installed directly by the service provider

What sort of things can I do with my broadband connection?

Anything you can do when using a previous standard dial up connection, you can now do with broadband, but now much faster, such as downloading music, browsing the internet, sending and receiving emails, online gaming, chat, web-chat or video conferencing. As well as the above, companies are developing new services and products specifically geared up for broadband users. Examples of this include online gaming (PS2, Xbox Live), real time casino games, digital Interactive TV via the web, and the ability to download and watch movies on your pc/laptop