Connecting Rural Communities - Broadband Technology

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Broadband Technology

There are many different types of broadband technologies, such as cable, DSL, powerline, satellite, and wireless. Each of these implementations can provide similar services to consumers and businesses.

Generally speaking broadband service delivery can be separated into two main categories: wired and wireless. Wired broadband delivers services over some type of wire connected to your home or office. Wireless broadband uses the electromagnetic spectrum and does not require a wire running to your home or office.

Wired Broadband

Dial-up
Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL)
Cable
Leased lines (T1)
Broadband over Powerline (BPL)
Fiber optic cable

Wireless Broadband

Fixed wireless
Wi-Fi
Satellite
Wi-Max

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These materials were developed as part of the Southern Rural Development Center’s National e-Commerce Extension Initiative. They are based upon work supported by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Award No. 2005-45064-03212

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Southern Rural Development Center.