High Speed ISP

High Speed ISP

High Speed ISP was created to help consumers make informed decisions when choosing a broadband provider.

Broadband Basics

Internet service can be classified as either dial up or broadband. Dial up uses the analog signal of your phone line to make a connection, much like a phone call. Broadband is a digital connection that utilizes multiple signals and may be DSL, cable, satellite, ethernet or several other technologies. The connection speed must exceed 256 kb in order to be considered 'broadband'.

Since many providers use the same network backbone that services your area, it is important to compare prices, equipment, customer service and contract length. The advertised bandwidth is not consistantly achieved as providers have limits to their backbone capacity.

Emerging Technologies

Several exiting, newer network technologies are emerging. WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), also known as wireless broadband, is the latest broadband technology. Some cities are installing high speed wireless networks. VDSL (Very High Speed DSL) is a new, high speed improvement over standard DSL.