Internet access terminology can be very confusing, especially if you’re trying to choose a new ISP. Each technology has its differences and some may be better at certain tasks than others, consequently it is important for consumers to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each prior to choosing a provider. This page seeks to explain the methods using simple language and is best used in conjunction with our 'Jargon Buster' section.

Broadband is a telecommunications term referring to a signalling method that includes or handles a relatively wide range (or band) of frequencies. By contrast Narrowband generally refers to older and slower technologies, such as dialup modems and ISDN, which carry voice or data information in a narrow band of frequencies

To put it another way, broadband technologies can carry a lot of data over telephone lines or wireless communication methods. In the UK broadband is most typically used as a general description of high-speed Internet access technologies, such as those listed here. Please click the links below for a full/simple description of each and reader comments. Broadband DSL and Cable technologies are the ones used by most UK ISPs.

1. Narrowband Dialup
    CLICK HERE TO READ

2. Narrowband ISDN
    CLICK HERE TO READ

3. Broadband DSL ( ADSL , VDSL )
    CLICK HERE TO READ

4. Broadband Cable and Fibre Optic ( DOCSIS, FTTH , FTTC )
    CLICK HERE TO READ

5. Broadband Wireless ( Wi-Fi , WiMAX )
    CLICK HERE TO READ

6. Broadband Satellite
    CLICK HERE TO READ

7. Broadband Powerline Communications
    CLICK HERE TO READ

8. Mobile Broadband ( 3G UTMS , 3.5G HSPA , 4G LTE )
    CLICK HERE TO READ