How does broadband work?
Digital and fibre-optic technologies are key elements in powering the broadband concept. Digital applications compress vast amounts of voice, video and data information that are broken down into what are called "bits." A broadband pipeline, in turn, can ferry a lot more bits -- they become words, pictures and other components on our computer screens -- than regular cable, telephone or wireless connections. Think of the difference between broadband and dial-up service -- often referred to as "narrowband" -- as the difference between a fire hose and a garden hose.

Why do I need broadband?
Broadband's blazing speed eliminates the so-called "world wide wait" that users encounter with dial-up services. Cable modem, DSL, wireless and satellite connections to the Internet are at least 10 times faster than a dial-up connection made through a 56-kilobits-per-second or 28.8-kbps link.

That speedy connection can open up a new world of audio, video and games, among other applications, that can be tedious going using a slow dial-up connection. Web pages that take minutes to summon up with a dial-up connection pop up instantly with a broadband connection. A broadband link also can make such work-oriented chores as accessing databases less frustrating, because you can move from Web site to Web site in a click of the PC's keyboard.

How fast is broadband?
From 10 to 120 times faster than your conventional 56kbps service depending on the bandwidth package you select.

What is Asymmetric?
Most homes and small business users are connected to an asymmetric DSL (ADSL) line. ADSL divides up the available frequencies in a line on the assumption that most Internet users look at, or download, much more information than they send, or upload. Under this assumption, if the connection speed from the Internet to the user is three to four times faster than the connection from the user back to the Internet, then the user will see the most benefit (most of the time).

Why is it better than a standard modem and telephone line?
Modems were designed to allow computers to communicate over the standard PSTN - a system designed for voice communications only. This limits the speed that computers can talk over the system as it is not sufficiently high quality - every digital signal has to be converted into an audible tone and then 'heard' by the remote computer. This process is called modulation demodulation. The fastest possible speed over a PSTN line is 56kbps. Broadband ADSL upgrades your line to one designed for digital communication, capable of up to 4mbps.

What is the benefits of broadband and what can I use it for?
ADSL Broadband is great for the home or small office/business. Broadband improves the speeds and performance. With Broadband you experience high speed Internet access that can be up to ten times faster than a normal dial up connection. Simply click on the browser and you're on the Internet. You also have the flexibility to

Make and receive phone calls and surf the Internet at the same time on the same line while experiencing no Internet call charges.

Fast always 'on connection'. The Broadband connection is never turned off as long as your PC is turned on lets you "snack" on information whenever you like, means there is no waiting to 'log on' and unlimited access to the Internet with no time restrictions.

With broadband you are able to download files and videos much faster than the conventional dial-up.

Broadband gives you access to rich media such as, music, movies and games effortlessly and quickly.

Broadband technology is also fostering a new class of consumer- and business-related services such as IP-based telephone and videoconferencing services; viewer-customised TV feeds; e-mail with audio and video components; and home-networking capabilities. You're also beginning to see more sophisticated online games and distance-learning applications.

Do I need a new BT line or numbers?
No. You should be able to keep your existing number. ADSL is provided through your standard BT analogue line. If you have an ISDN line, you will have to either cancel this and go back to a standard BT PSTN line or arrange for a separate analogue line to be installed.

What is the difference between broadband delivered by a DSL or cable provider?
DSL: Digital Subscriber Line is delivered down the same copper telephone line that provides you telephone service. However, with DSL you are able to use the Internet and the phone at the same time. For the service to run, a modem is required. The one condition with DSL is that you must be within 12 miles of the telephone exchange in order to enjoy the benefits. You can check for yourself through the Availability Checker on the providers site of your choice.

Cable: Use of cable modems requires users to be within a cable operator's franchise. Users will also need a cable modem. The disadvantage of cable is that internet access may get slower depending on how many other households in your area sign up for the cable service and on how much capacity the cable operator has chosen to provide to your area.

The 2 main cable providers used to be NTL and Telewest, these have now merged under one brand of Virgin Media

What's the difference between upstream and downstream speeds?
Information passes between your computer and the Internet in two directions: upstream and downstream. Info that flows upstream is sent by your computer to the Internet. An example: using a search engine to find directions to a restaurant. After the search engine finds what it's looking for, it sends the results downstream to your computer. Generally, more information is passed downstream. So, for the average user, a fast downstream speed is more critical than a fast upstream speed. (ADSL broadband is based on this principle).