If you were among the first users of an internet connection in the 90s, you'll definitely remember the dial up modem. The sound of a modem trying to connect to a phone probably rings in your ears at the very thought of it. The very act of connecting to the Internet used to be such a difficult task.

You would probably try at least five to ten times before successfully connecting to the Internet. Even after logging in, you could go and make a cup of tea before a Web page could open. And if by chance the connection speed was good, a simple phone call could cause it to disconnect immediately.

But who would have thought then that connecting to the internet would become as simple as just turning on the computer or hand held device! With the introduction of Broadband internet, it has become so simple to connect to the internet.

Broadband internet access, which can be shortened to just 'broadband' is a high rate data connection to the internet. Typical dial-up modems were limited to a bit rate of less that 56kbit/sec and required the dedicated use of a telephone line. Broadband technologies in comparison supply double the rate of dial-ups and have no connection to telephone lines.

In terms of telecommunications, broadband refers to a signalling method that includes or handles a relatively wide range of frequencies. These frequencies can be divided into channels or frequency ranges. The term is always relative, and in general a function of context. The ability of a broadband channel to transmit information depends on the width of the bandwidth.

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and cable Internet are the standard technology used for broadband. There are new technologies that include VDSL (Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line) and pushing optical fiber connections to subscribers in cable systems and telephone.

Fiber optic communication is a key player in broadband Internet access. It makes transferring information over long distances more cost effective than copper wire technology.

In areas where broadband cable or DSL is not in use, Wi-Fi is installed for community purposes. Several municipalities have established municipal Wi-Fi networks to provide internet to the entire city. Wi-Fi is used on a smaller scale to facilitate Internet access in offices and even for personal use at home.

As the number of Smartphones in the market is growing, the use of mobile broadband is becoming very popular. Since most of these smartphones are Wi-Fi enabled even shopping complexes allow customers to integrate with their Wi-Fi network. Cafes and restaurants also offer Wi-Fi at a certain price or for free to their customers.

There are many service providers that offer very good plans packages to broadband. These include plans for business and home use.