Broadband Communication Systems
Broadband internet and the technologies that it facilitates and powers are big business in the UK, with around 60% of households having access to a high speed broadband connection. That number is set to rise to 100% by 2012 thanks to a Government initiative that plans to ensure every home has at least a 2Mbps connection in time for the Olympic games. The even better news is that this incentive, as part of the `Digital Britain` plan, is considered by some experts to be conservative, and that in fact the speed of the broadband available to all by 2012 should be a lot higher.
There are three main types of broadband available to the general public and the business user, and all facilitate the various broadband communication systems that are in place in the online world. ADSL uses existing land line telephone cables to deliver a service which is usually advertised as capable of `up to` 8Mbps download speed, though this will vary depending on area, and there are 24Mbps services available in a few large urban centres using ADSL. Cable broadband uses fibre optic technology as is available in around 60% of areas in the UK, though this number will be rising over the coming years. Up to 50Mbps is currently available via cable services, though these high end products are currently expensive and only recommended for heavy internet users. Mobile broadband uses 3G mobile telephone networks rather than land lines and can be accessed anywhere in the country in which your operator has adequate network coverage. IP Telephone or VoIP has revolutionised the way in which voice and video communication occurs, providing what is essentially a telephone service that uses broadband connections rather than traditional telephone exchanges. This allows two or more parties anywhere in the world to chat for an unlimited time without incurring any costs provided that they both have broadband connection and VoIP software like Skype. Broadband has also caused the online video revolution with sites like Youtube and Revver allowing user generate videos to be viewed and rated online, creating instant stars and costing the average user nothing. This is all thanks to the speed and capabilities of broadband internet connections.
Broadband Speed Tests
A broadband speed test is a great way for anyone to test the speed of their current internet connection, and is particularly effective if you`re thinking about changing broadband provider or looking to upgrade your current service. They work simply by sending a small file to your PC and then uploading a file back to the speed test servers. This will then give you the upload and download speed that your line is currently capable of. Speeds will be affected by how many other people are using your broadband connection at the same time as well as the time of day, as more people tend to be on the internet between 6pm and 11pm, the `peak` period. A broadband speed test will then help you decide whether you are satisfied with your current service and whether the advertised speed is actually achievable.
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