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What is the difference between broadband and bandwidth?

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It is increasingly important to be mindful of why you are using broadband instead of just assuming that it's a term that describes 'the internet'. A common question asked is: What is the difference between bandwidth and broadband? If you have ever asked yourself this question, you have made a significant first step towards understanding those differences. Also, what they mean to your internet experience. 


In reality, the term refers to different things depending on what you're doing. Broadband is simply a way of physically transmitting an internet connection. So, it isn't always synonymous with 'bandwidth', which is the amount of data sent. So, let's clear your misunderstanding by differentiating both terms. 


Content to explore 


  1. Briefly introduction to broadband and bandwidth
  2. Meaning of both 
  3. Technology
  4. Measure


Briefly introduction to broadband and bandwidth 


Broadband: Broadband is fast, always-on Internet access. As the world shifts to digital, broadband is no longer just cable TV. So, broadband now refers to any high-speed internet connection. Further, that runs on cable instead of narrowband or dial-up. 


The ITU was initially tasked with defining moving broadband as transmission capacity faster than primary rate ISDN. But now, it exclusively defines transmission capacity and speed.


Bandwidth: One way to understand bandwidth is by thinking of it as the maximum amount of data transmitted during a particular period. So, bandwidth is the performance metric of the capacity of network communications. 


Bandwidth dictates the amount of information. So,  that can transfer across a given path during a specific unit of time. This does not reflect the speed but rather the maximum capacity. High-speed internet is impossible; other vital aspects are latency and throughput. It's measured in bits per second (bps).


Meaning of both 


High-speed Internet access can be confusing. Broadband just a term using to describe high-speed internet. But bandwidth refers to the network's speed. And more specifically, how much data are transferring  from one point to another in a grid over some time.


Technology


Broadband is a high-speed Internet connection with higher bandwidth. Further, different from a dial-up link. Broadband technology, the medium of transmission can be twisted-pair copper wires, optical fibres, or coaxial cables. The bandwidth refers to the capacity of an Internet connection. So, which determines the amount of information that can be transmitted in a specific period across a given path. The signal can be wireless, mobile, fixed, or satellite broadband. Broadband technology is an always-on connection to the internet. 


Moving broadband refers to the medium of transmission. Further, that twist-pair copper wires, optical fibres, or coaxial cables. Broadband technology is crucial for transmitting data over long distances. Bandwidth is the capacity of an internet connection. Therefore, it determines the amount of information that is used for forwarding in a short period of time across a given path.


Measure


Just as important as your internet connection speed is how quickly you can upload or download data. The difference between bandwidth and broadband speed is that the latter measures in megabits or gigabits per second. So, whereas bandwidth measures in bits per second. The term "broadband" in the U.S. refers to a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. 


However, that's just one definition in many countries OECD defines it as at least 256 kbps. In practice, broadband measurements offer more than just access speed. It's the rate at which someone can upload or download data over their internet connection. So, the speed may vary depending on the wireline or wireless internet access.


Conclusion 


A high-speed, always-on internet connection is broadband. Broadband comes in four forms: DSL, fibre-optic, cable, or satellite. Bandwidth is the primary performance metric governing underapplication delay. It is confusing to use bandwidth and broadband interchangeably. 


Broadband is a fast internet connection. And bandwidth is the performance metric governing the delay of an application. Previously, kbps (kilobits per second) speeds were considered high-speed. But because of the need for faster access. Furhter, the rate has increased to Mbps (megabytes per second) and even Gbps (gigabytes per second).



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