..:: What is Broadband?

Broadband is the common term for a high-speed Internet connection. With Broadband, your connection will generally be about ten times faster than with a standard dial-up modem connection.

Broadband can be delivered via several different technologies:

Leased Lines - These are very expensive forms of Broadband and are only really of interest to larger businesses with a lot of network traffic.

Cable - Broadband cable connections are made via companies such as NTL or Telewest. The Broadband connection often comes bundled along with land-line and cable TV. Unfortantely there are no cable connections available in Lhanbryde, and it is very unlikely that there ever will be any.

Satellite - Satellite Broadband has several disadvantages. It is very expensive to install and use (compared to DSL), it is adversely affected by weather conditions, and will require a dish on your property, which will probably mean you have to get planning permission. Cheaper solutions tend to be one way (download only). Requiring a secondary dial-up connection for transferring data.

Powerline - This Broadband technology is only available in certain areas of the UK (not in Lhanbryde). The connection to the Internet is made using your powerlines. Sounds dangerous, but it's perfectly safe and can deliver Broadband at speed much higher than current DSL. more...

DSL - this is the Broadband technology that is affordable for home users and small businesses. DSL Broadband runs over the existing copper cables at a different frequency to normal telephone conversations, which means that you can use the phone and the Internet at the same time. DSL Broadband is what we want in Lhanbryde! more...

The only real drawback with DSL is that you need to be fairly close to the exchange, within 5.5 km (Tests are currently being carried out across the UK to increase this range to 6km.) The Lhanbryde exchange doesn't span further than about 5km anyway so you have nothing to worry about.

Some telephone exchanges which can be upgraded to DSL have had trigger levels set. This is the number of registrations of interest at which BT will install the necessary equipment. Many telephone exchanges, including Lhanbryde, do not have trigger levels set. However, if we reach 200 registrations, BT will review the exchange. They may decide to upgrade straight away, set a trigger level at something more than 200, or say that the exchange is not viable. If that happens, all is not lost, we'll just have to try harder BT will have a target somewhere!!

Advantages of Broadband >>