- \n
- What is Broadband Internet?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Types of Broadband Connections<\/a>\n\n\n
- \nDigital Subscriber Line (DSL)<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Cable Modem<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Fiber Optic<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Wireless Broadband<\/a>\n\n\n
- \nMobile wireless Broadband<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Fixed wireless Broadband<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Satellite Broadband<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Broadband over Powerline (BPL)<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- US Emergency Broadband Benefit Program<\/a>\n\n\n
- \nEligibility Requirements<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- What is the difference between broadband and Wi-Fi?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- What broadband speed do I need?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Summary<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul>\n\n
What is Broadband Internet?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-75.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA man uses the internet near a router.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The definition of broadband internet is high-speed internet capable of sending a large volume of data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These internet forms primarily feature high download speeds of about 25 Mbps<\/a> and an upload speed of at least 3 Mbps.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thus, it’s the ideal internet service option for high-speed internet access applications like online gaming and video conferencing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notably, broadband internet refers to many internet types with the above speeds.\u00a0 Hence, it is available for wireless and wired connections.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s explore the key types of broadband intent below. <\/p>\n\n\n
Types of Broadband Connections<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-75.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAn internet cable. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Broadband access is available in various forms, as we highlighted above. They include the following: <\/p>\n\n\n
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3-73.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA DSL Modem.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is an affordable broadband option that transmits data via modern-day telephone lines. It is faster than the former copper telephone lines we used in data transmission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
DSL broadband availability depends on the user’s proximity to telephone service. It also comes in two main forms, namely;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL)- <\/strong>It’s the ideal DSL internet for businesses with internet-intensive activities such as video calls. <\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)- <\/strong>Consider general household internet uses such as basic video stream services like Amazon Prime Video<\/a>. For such applications, you don’t need a strong connection to send back data, so ADSL is the best option. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
In addition, there are other DSL services for internet-intensive business operations: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- High data rate Digital Subscriber Line (HDSL)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Very High data rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
Cable Modem<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Connecting](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-67.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nConnecting a Coaxial Cable to a Cable Modem.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re subscribed to cable TV, you can access this internet form as it’s available via conventional coaxial cables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, the cable modem service allows access from the cable TV to your connected device, like a computer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cable modem<\/a> speeds average approximately 1.5 Mbps. The internet allows you to watch TV while streaming content from your computer. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
Fiber Optic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Fiber](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-50.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFiber Optics Cable.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s one of the fastest broadband internet access services that transmit data in the form of light. Fiber Infrastructure is quite capital-intensive since it relies on a wired connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the transmission speed of this mode is way above that of cable modems and DSL. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The speed can still be slow sometimes, especially if the service provider limits the bandwidth limit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, you can still use the fiber infrastructure to receive other video services and voice (VoIP).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
Wireless Broadband<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/6-28.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA woman uses the Internet.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It relays the internet service via a radio link and thus requires an external antenna to receive the signal. The service comes in two main forms: <\/p>\n\n\n
Mobile wireless Broadband<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
It is an internet service by mobile providers to users on the move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s not strong but provides enough speed for basic video services via unlicensed devices on the phone, such as streaming songs and movies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
Fixed wireless Broadband<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
This mode relays the internet to a stationary user. It works best in scenarios where the wireless receiver and transmitter have a great direct line of sight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, it is available on unlicensed devices and is a low-speed internet option, albeit faster than the mobile access mode.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The primary advantage of wireless broadband is that it allows connection to places where it’d be expensive to deliver other internet forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also noteworthy is that this internet is ideal for hotspots in a school or city parks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
Satellite Broadband<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/7-24.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Satellite Dish. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This internet transmission relies on the same principle as TV services that rely on satellites orbiting space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The wireless broadband internet<\/a> access service is also ideal for providing data without infrastructure for fast internet modes like DSL and fiber.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So what determines the internet speed for satellite broadband? Well, this relies on several factors, as we’ll highlight below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- First, the speed depends on the prevailing weather<\/a>. As with TV, the internet signal will be weak in inclement weather. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Also, if there’s an obstruction in the receiver’s line of sight with the satellite, its speed will be slow. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lastly, its speed is dependent on the package you choose. Hence, choose a premium package for a fast speed. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
Broadband over Powerline (BPL)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Electricians](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/8-17.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nElectricians on Power Lines.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As its name suggests, this internet option uses the existing powerlines infrastructure to provide consumer service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its speed is similar to that of DSL and cable modem, making it an ideal option for underserved places such as marginal areas with access to grid power.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hence, although it’s less popular than the other options, it will likely increase in the future thanks to its cheap capital outlay. <\/p>\n\n\n
US Emergency Broadband Benefit Program<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/9-12.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Laptop illustrating the Broadband concept.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is a program by the US Federal Communications Commission that primarily aimed to alleviate the strain imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic on US citizens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It aims to facilitate access to a broadband connection for all, including the marginalized.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The program targets households that meet the eligibility criteria and even institutions like schools and healthcare facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It also grants special discounts to marginalized households, such as people living in Tribal Lands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further, the program features a provision to shift from one service provider to the other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It just requires you to contact the new provider, and they’ll manage the transfer process.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
Eligibility Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
A household can receive the benefits of this program under the following conditions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- If it receives an income below 135% of the Fed Poverty Guidelines. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Also, a former Federal Pell Grant recipient qualifies for the program. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Any household that had a significant income loss resulting from the Covid-19 furlough. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lastly, any household under the free and reduced-price school lunch program qualifies for this subsidy. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
What is the difference between broadband and Wi-Fi?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Using](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/10-7.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUsing Wi-Fi<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
A broadband connection (wired or wireless) supplies internet from the provider to the user.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, Wi-Fi relays the internet wirelessly from a router to a range of devices such as smartphones, laptops, or Smart TVs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notably, you can still connect to your Wi-Fi router<\/a> via an ethernet cable, especially if you’re looking for a stable and fast connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This connection form is faster than WiFi, although you can connect a few devices as a router has limited connection ports.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
What broadband speed do I need?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/starlinkhow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/11-6.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
- Very High data rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)- <\/strong>Consider general household internet uses such as basic video stream services like Amazon Prime Video<\/a>. For such applications, you don’t need a strong connection to send back data, so ADSL is the best option. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- What is the difference between broadband and Wi-Fi?<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Fixed wireless Broadband<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Cable Modem<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n
- Types of Broadband Connections<\/a>\n\n\n