What different types of Broadband are there?
If you aren’t already aware of the different types of broadband that are out there, understanding what’s available could help you to improve your connectivity.
If you aren’t already aware of the different types of broadband that are out there, understanding what’s available could help you to improve your connectivity.
Share This Article
There are several types of broadband, the main difference between them being the types of cabling used. Copper wire was originally used but as we transitioned to the digital age, the limitations of copper’s capabilities became clear.
Fibre-optic cabling became a better option, with more capacity, greater speeds, and the ability to work better over longer distances.
The different types of broadband now available give us the following options:
This uses the existing copper phone lines and has been the most common form of broadband. There are two different types of ADSL: ADSL1 is the oldest and slowest; and ADSL2+ offers faster speeds. The speed of both depends on how far you live from your local telephone exchange.
These are fibre-optic cables and can be Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC), offering superfast connection or Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), giving ultrafast speeds. FTTC uses a combination of fibre-optic and copper wire cables which is why it has the slower speeds, whereas FTTP cables are only fibre-optic but it’s not as widely available.
This uses fibre-optic cables and has a device fitted to maximise broadband speeds but is only available to some FTTC broadband users.
This broadband network uses fibre-optic and coaxial cables for superfast broadband speeds. More reliable than ADSL and faster than FTTC broadband, it can deliver fast broadband no matter the distance.
This offers slower speeds than fibre-optic broadband and is more like ADSL but it’s good for remote locations where a cable connection isn’t possible. Line of sight is needed with a satellite, and it is an expensive connection compared to another broadband links.
A different form of broadband that doesn’t rely on cables, it uses a radio link to connect to the provider and is also good for remote locations.
Using the mobile phone network, it allows wireless broadband connection and is ideal when you need to use the internet on the go.
Businesses run so much of their activities online now, that reliable broadband is essential. It drives our connections to the internet and, now that there are so many devices reliant on a good internet connection to work, reliable internet with the necessary bandwidth is essential for a smooth operation.
When we lose connection to the internet, it affects everything that relies on this connection, including communications, access to files, the ability to share documents, back-up facilities and access to online tools such as social media or cloud-based software tools.
We never expect our broadband to “go down” but when it invariably does, it’s a source of frustration and we can’t achieve much without it. If your broadband isn’t reliable and it’s preventing your business from working fully, it costs you money.
Reliable broadband prevents disruption, creates better connections and enables you to do more business.
Superfast broadband also lets you use Cloud computing for storage, giving you added security. It means Cloud-based files, data and a range of software and apps can be used to support productivity across your whole team or the entire business.
Shared files can be accessed by those who need it, documents can be worked on by more than one person and collaboration becomes much easier. Using the Cloud offers greater flexibility as people can work from wherever they are, as if they were sat in the office.
Digital transformation is integral to the development and competitiveness of organisations, and having the right infrastructure to support it is essential.
We sometimes take our broadband for granted, but it’s the foundation on which an effective business runs these days and we need to ensure it’s the best it can be.
If your broadband is letting you down and affecting your productivity, talk to our specialist team at Syn-Star to find out how we can help you get more from your broadband and telecoms.
Anne-Marie Blazdell is a Marketing & Communications Manager with expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and IT solutions. With a strong foundation in graphic design, she trained at Farnborough College of Technology and Southampton Solent University before advancing into marketing and business IT support.
Since joining Syn-Star in 2022, Anne-Marie has specialised in crafting SEO-optimised website content, managing social media, and helping businesses navigate the complexities of IT. Her work bridges the gap between technology and business, making IT more accessible and effective.
Learn more about IT Support
Share this article
Sign up to our newsletter
Partnerships
Today broadband is ubiquitous, but it’s fair to say that not all broadband is equal, because it’s delivered to our homes and businesses in different ways. Here, we look at the different broadbands available and why broadband is so important for our productivity.
Broadband is a means of transmitting information. It’s how we connect to the internet to enable large amounts of data to be sent to and from devices connected to the internet.
There are several types of broadband, the main difference between them being the types of cabling used. Copper wire was originally used but as we transitioned to the digital age, the limitations of copper’s capabilities became clear.
Fibre-optic cabling became a better option, with more capacity, greater speeds, and the ability to work better over longer distances.
The different types of broadband now available give us the following options:
This uses the existing copper phone lines and has been the most common form of broadband. There are two different types of ADSL: ADSL1 is the oldest and slowest; and ADSL2+ offers faster speeds. The speed of both depends on how far you live from your local telephone exchange.
These are fibre-optic cables and can be Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC), offering superfast connection or Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), giving ultrafast speeds. FTTC uses a combination of fibre-optic and copper wire cables which is why it has the slower speeds, whereas FTTP cables are only fibre-optic but it’s not as widely available.
This uses fibre-optic cables and has a device fitted to maximise broadband speeds but is only available to some FTTC broadband users.
This broadband network uses fibre-optic and coaxial cables for superfast broadband speeds. More reliable than ADSL and faster than FTTC broadband, it can deliver fast broadband no matter the distance.
This offers slower speeds than fibre-optic broadband and is more like ADSL but it’s good for remote locations where a cable connection isn’t possible. Line of sight is needed with a satellite, and it is an expensive connection compared to another broadband links.
A different form of broadband that doesn’t rely on cables, it uses a radio link to connect to the provider and is also good for remote locations.
Using the mobile phone network, it allows wireless broadband connection and is ideal when you need to use the internet on the go.
Businesses run so much of their activities online now, that reliable broadband is essential. It drives our connections to the internet and, now that there are so many devices reliant on a good internet connection to work, reliable internet with the necessary bandwidth is essential for a smooth operation.
When we lose connection to the internet, it affects everything that relies on this connection, including communications, access to files, the ability to share documents, back-up facilities and access to online tools such as social media or cloud-based software tools.
We never expect our broadband to “go down” but when it invariably does, it’s a source of frustration and we can’t achieve much without it. If your broadband isn’t reliable and it’s preventing your business from working fully, it costs you money.
Reliable broadband prevents disruption, creates better connections and enables you to do more business.
Superfast broadband also lets you use Cloud computing for storage, giving you added security. It means Cloud-based files, data and a range of software and apps can be used to support productivity across your whole team or the entire business.
Shared files can be accessed by those who need it, documents can be worked on by more than one person and collaboration becomes much easier. Using the Cloud offers greater flexibility as people can work from wherever they are, as if they were sat in the office.
Digital transformation is integral to the development and competitiveness of organisations, and having the right infrastructure to support it is essential.
We sometimes take our broadband for granted, but it’s the foundation on which an effective business runs these days and we need to ensure it’s the best it can be.
If your broadband is letting you down and affecting your productivity, talk to our specialist team at Syn-Star to find out how we can help you get more from your broadband and telecoms.
Share This Article LinkedIn Facebook WhatsApp Email Remote working is now a permanent part of how UK businesses operate. From office staff working from home
Share This Article LinkedIn Facebook WhatsApp Email The manufacturing industry is going through significant transformation due to the developments in automation and robotics. Although automation
Share This Article LinkedIn Facebook WhatsApp Email A data breach can happen to any business large or small and the consequences can be damaging including:
Share This Article LinkedIn Facebook WhatsApp Email Do SMEs Need Data Encryption? UK Business Guide for 2025 In an era where cyber threats are increasing
You’re device is on an Unsupported Windows Operating System for your security, please contact us.
Team Productivity:
You and your team are able to see where they are using their time and how productive they are actually being. Also they are able to clock in and out, so really good for flexi-working.
Team Monitoring:
If you would like to know what your team is doing and how productive they are being, we are able to monitor them and create screenshots of what they are working on. This can be run in normal or stealth mode.
Book a FREE fact finding session to discuss the different options.
We proactively seek opportunities to support good causes for our community.
From sponsoring local community football teams, to engaging with charity fundraiser days, we believe it’s important to continually strive to do good for the better of others.
We have members who volunteer with youth organisations, are engaged with the Round Table, run marathons and volunteer at events where we may be needed. Every charity receives a discounted IT and Telecoms service too.
Protecting your digital data is crucial for every business and this can start with the industry-leading security we offer. The Syn-Star specialists can help with identifying any vulnerabilities within your IT systems and act accordingly to ensure cyber-attacks and data breaches are mitigated.
Your business will never fall behind with its technology when you work with Syn-Star.
We understand IT and Telecoms for your business is an investment, but it’s important to use the best resources available to enable the growth of your business. Our IT Consultancy and Virtual IT Director Services are available to support you with how you use your business technology for years to come.
Syn-Star can conduct quick and easy phishing exercises to identify people within your team who need to improve on their knowledge around fraudulent emails and how they can be alerted to these threats.
At Syn-Star, our experts can proactively work to understand exactly what software you need to support with the business operations. Whether you need a listening ear on what software to choose, or would like to seek some specialist knowledge, we’re here to help where we can.
At Syn-Star, we keep Telecoms simple. There’s so much available to help UK companies with their communications. VoIP systems, fixed landline, cloud phone systems, SIP trunking and more. Contact us for further details.
Desk phones, cordless phones or conference phones, Syn-Star can provide you with whatever you need.
From conference calling facilities to the headsets which work best for your team, we’re able to provide all the equipment you need and complete any telecoms job from start to finish.
There is no need to be in the office to make and receive phone calls from your company’s number. Our market-leading Telecoms platform gives you the flexibility of desk phones, soft phones and mobile apps as standard.
Whether your team works remotely, or perhaps staff are on a business trip anywhere in the world, calls can still be made, and people are reachable via phone wherever they go.
With a range of products, our team can support you by installing exactly what you need for internet connectivity. We work with the very best products to provide speedy bandwidths which play a part in the increased productivity of your team.
