Fixed Broadband
Fixed Broadband is an ultra fast business internet connection that beams through radio signals. Fixed Broadband can give an internet speed of up to 1Gbps.
Understanding the different types of internet connections is imperative for any business looking for the best solution for their needs. But with so many terms flying around, it’s not surprising people are often confused by what’s available. In this article, we’ll be looking at fixed broadband.
Fixed broadband encompasses any high-speed data transmission to a residence or a business – i.e. a fixed location – using a variety of technologies, including cable, DSL, fibre optics, and wireless. Essentially, it refers to high-speed internet connections that are “always on” in fixed locations.
This particular term does not include mobile connections, i.e. the transmission of data via cellular networks to mobile devices.
Types of Fixed Broadband Connections
The type of fixed broadband connection you opt for will depend on various factors, including your location, the various packages available, and prices. The most common are as follows:
- Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
- Cable modem
- Fibre optic
- Fixed wireless
- Satellite
- Broadband over power lines (BPL)
Let’s take a quick look at each.
Digital Subscriber Line or DSL
This technology transmits data using traditional copper phone lines that most businesses and homes already have installed. It is a tech that allows for much faster data transfer than the original phone line technology that used to be used for dial-up.
DSL speeds range from 128 Kbps to 3 Mbps. Compared to dial-up, the speed is impressive. However, comparing it to cable, fixed wireless broadband and other connections, it seems incredibly slow. It should be noted that DSL speeds continue to improve as technology advances.
Cable Internet (HFC -Hybrid Fibre Coaxial)
With cable internet, cable providers can use the coaxial infrastructure that delivers TV services (Foxtel for example) already in place to also provide broadband services. Transmission speeds are up to 100Mbps download and 1.5Mbps upload.
Fibre Optics
Fibre optic technology converts electrical data signals into light and uses incredibly thin transparent glass fibres to transmit the data. Thus, speeds far exceed what DSL or cable internet connections can provide. For example, with a fibre optic connection, you can get speeds of up to 1Gbps.
Though providers often advertise high speeds, the real speed you will get depends on a wide range of variables, including the distance between you and the fibre optic cable and how the service is configured.
Fixed Wireless Broadband
Fixed wireless broadband connects your office to the internet via a wireless radio connection. This involves installing a unit similar to a satellite dish on your property, which will communicate with a similar unit placed on a tower or building that has direct line-of-sight.
This type of connection is often used to service areas that are sparsely populated or in remote areas, which would make installing a cable infrastructure prohibitively expensive. It’s also preferred over satellite connections due to better speeds and reliability.
Satellite Connections
Satellite connections take advantage of satellites to connect to the internet. It’s a form of wireless broadband and is often used to service remote areas as well. However, it has quite a few limitations, including low speeds – the average download is 500 Kbps and the average upload is approximately 80 Kbps – reliability issues as weather can affect the quality of the service, and expense mainly owed to data caps.
Broadband over Power Lines (BPL)
Broadband over Power Lines uses the electricity distribution network to deliver an internet connection. Speeds tend to be on par with DSL and cable modem connections, though technology is advancing in this area as well and we are likely to soon see much better speeds.
BPL has a lot of potential because power lines are practically everywhere, meaning that more customers would be able to access the internet. After all, with BPL, as long as you have electricity, you’ll be able to access the internet.