A Broadband ADSL connection provides one of the most superior ways of accessing the Internet. What's it all about?

Broadband is more than just a high-speed connection to the internet. It can improve business productivity and communication, help cut costs, and enable online transactions to be conducted reliably and efficiently.

A growing number of businesses are upgrading to broadband from dial-up internet services - with the number of UK firms using high-speed access doubling in the past year.

While there are still some issues restricting the take-up of broadband by firms, those that have already adopted the new technology are citing noticeable improvements across their business. According to an Intellect survey, nine in ten small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) using broadband would recommend it to other businesses.

This review outlines the basics of broadband, its business benefits, and how to get connected. ANDOR Information Technology will provide all the expertise and services you require.

What is broadband and how do I get it?
At its most simplistic, broadband can be described as a “big pipe” which can carry and transfer information and data from ten to 40 times faster than a dial-up “narrowband” internet connection.

Broadband also provides a permanent connection to the internet, which means there is no need to dial-up via a modem each time you want to go online.

There is a wide range of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that offer broadband services in the UK. The prices and packages vary from each provider and some contracts tie you in for 12 months so it’s worth shopping around for the right deal. ANDOR will advise on the best approach.

Types of broadband connections
The most popular way to connect to the internet using broadband is Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). This technology converts an existing British Telecom telephone line by splitting it into two – one half carries voice and the other data – which means that you can still make telephone calls while using the internet. ADSL uses most of its bandwidth to send data “downstream” (from the internet to the user) while the rest of the bandwidth is used to send “upstream” data back to the internet, hence Asymmetric.

Other broadband connections include cable - where the cable that is used to carry television signals can also provide bandwidth for the internet - and fixed wireless links, where information is carried via an aerial or towers located in central areas. Broadband is also available through a satellite and leased telephone line which has a permanent high-speed connection to the internet.

What will I need?
For an ADSL connection you will need to install some equipment on your own premises. Most ISPs give you some devices for free, but you can always buy them separately if you’d prefer.

• Micro filter: You will need either a wall filter or a plug-in micro filter which splits the telephone line in two, allowing you to make voice calls and use the internet simultaneously. Filters (also known as splitters) are used where there are two or more computers accessing the internet. The filters are plugged into each phone point and the telephone lines are then plugged into the filters.
• Modem or router: If you are connecting just one computer, you will need an ADSL modem which plugs into the existing telephone line. A router is similar to a modem, but is used when you are connecting more than one computer within a network. There are a number of ADSL routers specifically designed for business networks.