While this guide will only focus on the three most common broadband connections in the UK, they’re not the only types on the market.
There are six main types of broadband networks in total. These include:
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). This wireline transmission technology transmits data over traditional copper telephone lines that have already been installed into homes and businesses up and down the country. Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) connections are used primarily by residential customers, while Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) networks are typically relied on by businesses for services that require significant upstream and downstream bandwidth.
Cable. Cable services allow cable operators to provide broadband using the same coaxial cables that are used to supply TV channels. With comparable speeds to DSL connections, cable modem services connect a wall outlet to a computer.
Fibre Optics. Internet service providers only offer fibre broadband in limited areas in the UK. Fibre broadband is most often delivered through clusters of fibre optic cables at high-speeds.
Wireless. Wireless broadband connects your home to the Internet using a radio-based frequency between the end-users’ location and the service provider’s facility. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) provide broadband access over short distances, with similar speeds to DSL and cable connections.
Satellite. In exactly the same way that satellites orbit the Earth and transmit phone or TV signals, they can also provide homes and businesses with broadband connectivity. As one of the more expensive broadband options, satellite broadband is useful for providing remote locations or sparsely populated areas with a quick internet signal.
Broadband over Powerline (BPL). BPL is an emerging technology that’s only available in a very limited number of locations. Typically, BPL is provided to homes using existing electrical connections and outlets, delivering speeds that are comparable to DSL and cable.