Instead of using a conventional modem and analogue phone line which can only connect at 56Kb (often is slower than this) a digital Subscribers line is used (DSL )with a special new type modem which can usually be plugged into your USB Port , Network Port or available PCI slot.
No need for traditional modem and fee's up your old phone line for voice calls.
No dial up connection problems as you are permanently connected to internet and no busy signals
Most of all the increased speed allows faster download speeds for files or web pages .(up to 20 times faster than a dial up connection)
For example data can travel downstream to your computer at up to 1mbit/s and upstream from your pc at up to 256kbit/s
Most internet service providers will provide the service for a fixed fee each month; so no unexpected high phone bills.
The cable TV companies use your existing Digital TV line to your TV and just add special modem connected into the line and add a network card if needed to your pc and therefore installation is simple . Some are even utilising wireless technology i.e. to connect to downstairs cable broadband connection to a upstairs pc.
Some Broadband ISP's allow you to use a router on your broadband connection , this allows a wireless or wired connection to all the pc's in your home and everyone can have access to broadband internet even when only one pc is turned on !.
A good website for more in depth broadband info and performance tweaks is SpeedGuide.net - The Broadband Guide
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Revised: February 07, 2010