Types of Broadband - ADSL, ADSL2+, Naked DSL, and More

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, broadband is an "always on" Internet connection with speeds of 256Kbps or greater. Broadband offers increased speeds over dial-up and saves the costs of making a local call. There are many types, including ADSL, ADSL2/2+, naked DSL, cable, mobile, and satellite.

ADSL

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) operates via telephone lines and is available throughout provincial and metropolitan areas. It has speeds from 256Kbps up to 12Mbps. Users can get online and make calls at the same time via a digital splitter that separates voice and digital communications.

ADSL 2/2+

There are updated versions of ADSL, known as ADSL 2/2+. Users get higher internet speeds - up to 24Mbps - and services are offered by more companies. With more competition for customers, prices tend to be lower. These services are available only in certain areas, though new networks are being brought online. Their connection speeds are quite variable based on the user's distance from the exchange; the further one is, the lower the connection speed.

Naked DSL

Naked DSL uses the technology of ADSL 2+, but doesn't require that users pay for a phone line. Customers get the internet speeds of ADSL 2+ for less money, but they won't have a home phone line. For this reason, naked DSL plans typically incorporate a Voice over IP (VoIP) line so that people can have a home phone if they so desire. Unfortunately, if the Internet goes down, so does the phone.

Cable

Cable broadband offers Internet access via fibre-optic cable. It's generally available in metropolitan areas, but it continues to extend its reach. Cable has increased bandwidth, resulting in increased speeds and greater capacity - up to 100Mbps. Because fewer companies provide cable, there is less price competition, so it can be expensive.

Mobile

Mobile broadband, also known as wireless, delivers Internet access across the 3G mobile network. These networks can even reach outlying areas, covering about 98% of the population. People connect to the Internet using a wireless adaptor, mobile card, or modem, making it eminently portable and convenient. But just like one's mobile, signal strength can vary quite a lot. It also gets quite expensive, especially when people exceed their data limits.

Satellite

Satellite broadband lets people get online via satellite relay. It's available almost everywhere, ideal for those in rural or marine areas who cannot otherwise connect. Unfortunately it can be quite expensive and quite slow. But it may be the only option in remote areas.

The choice of plan depends on the necessary download capacity - whether they're a light, medium, or heavy user. From this, they can tailor a plan that best fits their budget. Regardless, everyone should read the small print where companies place important details like data caps, upload restrictions, and "fair usage" policies.