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.

Cable defines a network that uses robust fibre (optic or coaxial) cabling to connect its network with consumers, which can carry significantly larger amounts of data than a standard copper telephone line (POTS). This enables operators to deliver Internet access, television and phone services over a single connection. In addition, cable broadband services can theoretically be pushed far faster than POTS based DSL (e.g. ADSL) technologies, reaching 100Mbps or higher in the future.

Most cable networks install fibre to a node (cable’s equivalent of a telephone exchange) and then deliver their connection to homes via a short run of copper / coaxial wire. These networks usually make use of the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), which is an international standard for defining the communications and operation support interface requirements of a data over cable system. DOCSIS3 is capable of reaching speeds of over 400Mbps using 8 channel bonding.

Future Fibre To The Home/Premises (FTTH/P) style services, such as the one BT has planned, will deliver the cable directly to your doorstep using pure fibre optic lines, which handle pulses of light that are later converted into data. Cable coverage is often limited to towns and cities due to the costly nature of digging up roads for its installation, yet the service itself is usually well priced and comparable to DSL alternatives.

BT is in the process of developing and deploying Fibre To The Cabinet (FTTC), which delivers a fibre optic line to your street cabinet and then deploys the "last mile" broadband service out to homes via the use of VDSL2 technology (see the 'Broadband DSL' section) for speeds of up to 60Mbps. BT will also deploy limited FTTH/P to new build homes for speeds of up to 100Mbps and possibly even 1000Mbps (1Gbps) in the future. Related ISPreview Sections:
    Land-Line Cable Broadband ISP Listings
    Land-Line Broadband Reader ISP Reviews
    Land-Line Broadband ISP Discussion Forum
    Broadband Coverage Checker
    Examining BT's 100Mbps FTTP Fibre Optic UK Broadband