What is "broadband"?
Fast Internet access. There is no formal definition of broadband but it is used to describe speeds faster than using a telephone line with a modem. DSL and cable are the most common forms of broadband for homes and small offices. High bandwidth is the same as high speed.

What is DSL?
DSL is short for "Digital Subscriber Line" and it is a way to use a telephone phone line to provide a broadband connection.

What are the benefits of DSL?
First, it is a fast Internet connection. The speed you will enjoy depends on the service package you buy; typical DSL offerings are between 384 kilobits/second and 1.5 megabits/second.

A second benefit is that it is an "always on" connection to the Internet. You don't need to wait for a phone call to be made, the way you do with a dial-up modem connection. Also, your DSL line should have consistent performance without noticeable slowdowns; see "what are the drawbacks of cable access" for comparison.

Finally, a DSL line can be used for telephone calls without disrupting your Internet connection.

What are the drawbacks of DSL?
Not everyone can get it. The telephone lines serving some areas are not yet capable of offering DSL service. In some cases, the problem is that your house is too far from the phone company's switching office. In other cases, the phone company needs to replace equipment along the line before it can offer DSL.

What is cable access?
Cable access is an Internet connection provided over the same lines used to deliver cable TV.

What are the benefits of cable access?
Like DSL, it is fast. The speed you enjoy depends on how the cable company has provisioned your line. Some cable companies offer 1 megabit/second or more; others offer as little as 256 kilobits/second. Cable Internet access will not interfere with your home telephone line.

What are the drawbacks of cable access?
No matter what your maximum bandwidth is, cable access may slow down at times. That is because the cable line to your house is shared among other homes in your immediate area. When others are using their connections for high-bandwidth activities at the same time, your performance will suffer. Cable access requires that a cable line is running to your location.

Do I need special equipment for broadband?
A special modem is required for either cable or DSL. Usually, the broadband provider will offer to either rent or sell you the equipment. Some providers will allow you to use your own equipment and others restrict you to the use of only equipment that they provide.

Can I install broadband access myself?
DSL usually requires a professional installation the first time that it is installed at a new location. Once the DSL line is installed, a homeowner should be able to change services providers or equipment, if needed, without the assistance of a technician. Cable access can usually be installed by anyone who is comfortable working with computers; professional installation is usually offered as an option for those who don't want to take the time.