FAQ - Broadband

What is broadband Internet?
Broadband Internet access, often shortened to "broadband Internet" or just "broadband" is a high data-transmission rate Internet connection. DSL and Cable Modem, are typically capable of transmitting 512 kilobits per second (kbit/s) or more, approximately nine times the speed of a modem using a standard digital telephone line.

Is there a difference between Internet and Broadband?
Yes, broadband is a type of service that gets you to the internet. It is generally faster then the other alternatives. And it allows phone calls to be made and received while connected to the internet. Other types of internet service are DSL and dial-up.

How do you hook up a DSL connection to your computer?
It all depends on the system you are running and your ISP. Some ISPs require the installation of their software while others do not if you are running Windows XP. With XP, usually it will detect the DSL modem and connect automatically.

There are usually a couple ways to connect dsl. Some DSL modems have dual USB and Ethernet ports in which case either way will work. Some only have ethernet ports available. In this case you would need to have a Network card installed.

How much does broadband service cost per month and what does it include?
Broadband service can cost anywhere from $15.00 to $300.00 per month. For typical home use, it runs between $15.00 - $50.00.

There are many different flavors of 'broadband', Cable, which comes through your Television cable, and you have DSL, which has many flavors, depending on how close, or far, you are from the Phone Company's Central Office. Basically, the further you are away, the more expensive it will be. Some are not expensive but some are. Try AT&T Yahoo High Speed. It is only $14.00 or $12.00.

Will using broadband add to your phone bill or does the cost include the phone charges?
I think you are referring to DSL which runs through your phone line. There are other broadband services, like through your tv cable. You will have to call up your phone company to activate your DSL. It is usually around $24.95-$39.95 each month. It will be added to your phone bill each month. Some phone companies will give you a discount if you have a telephone and DSL package using the same line.

Your telephone charges will in no way be affected. You will just have to pay another $30 or $40 a month.

Why does unplugging and then reconnecting your LAN to your DSL modem make the internet respond?
This happens because it clears the Line, Reboots the lan connection and give you a good IP address.

Can a single cable modem that has one outlet for USB and one for Ethernet be connected to two computers?
No you will have to use one or the other. In order to use more devices you will have to install a router to your modem.

Is cable faster than DSL?
ADSL is theoretically capable of providing up to 8 Mbps, however, distance from central office and line quality affect actual speed that can be obtained.

Is it possible to hook up a broadband connection to a regular lap top?
Usually broadband internet connections are either cable (RG6) or Digital Service Line from the phone company. To interface with their networks, you need a modem. Your laptop will connect to the modem in one of two ways; a Ethernet/LAN cable (Cat 5), or a Universal Serial Bus cable. Many computers of even a few years ago did not come standard with a network (Ethernet/LAN) card, and installing one in a laptop could be spendy. Almost all computers after about 1995 have a USB port, so that can be used to connect to the modem.