Broadband Internet: Definition and How it Works

4:00 Minute Read

Multiple Ethernet cables plugged into a router.

Broadband Internet is a high-speed, always-on connection that transmits data using multiple channels simultaneously. One of broadband’s greatest benefits is that it enables multiple users and devices to connect to the Internet at the same time through a WiFi router.

Broadband Definition

The word “broadband” is short for “broad bandwidth” and refers to high-volume, high-speed data transmissions over long distances.

Think of broadband as a multi-lane superhighway, where data and information move like car traffic in both directions. While the phrase, “information superhighway” was coined when dial-up Internet was in its prime, it’s certainly a fitting description for modern broadband Internet.

The FCC currently defines broadband as an Internet connection with minimum speeds of 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads.

Are All Broadband Internet Services the Same?

In short, no. While all broadband services provide Internet access, the type of network, stability of the connection and available speeds vary by provider.

There are several types of broadband Internet service: cable, fiber, DSL, satellite and cell phone Internet.

Broadband networks fall into two categories: wired and wireless.

Wired Broadband Internet

Wired broadband Internet relies on physical cables for Internet access. There are three types of wired broadband Internet networks: DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable and fiber.

Type	How it works
DSL	DSL uses landline phone wires. Phone lines are limited by data capacity and distance, resulting in limited speeds and data caps.
Cable	Uses coaxial cables, the same network as cable TV, offering faster speeds and better reliability than DSL.
Fiber-optic	Uses fiber-optic cables to transmit data as pulses of light, providing the fastest speeds.

Spectrum Internet is powered by a fiber-rich broadband network, which is a hybrid of fiber and coaxial cable, and it can deliver download speeds up to 1 Gbps. That’s 10 times faster than the minimum speed for broadband Internet! Plus, Spectrum Internet has no data caps and Advanced WiFi – including antivirus software and Security Shield, a built-in feature that monitors the network and blocks potential threats.

Wireless Broadband Internet

Wireless broadband Internet transmits data through radio frequencies. There are two main types of wireless broadband Internet: satellite and cell phone Internet

Type	How it works
Satellite	Uses an orbiting satellite to transmit data. While widely available, it is prone to high latency (delay), slower speeds and weather interference. Many providers cap data.
Cell phone	Uses cellular networks to provide Internet access. Your devices use a data connection to access the Internet. Speeds can fluctuate depending on time of day, network traffic, your location and signal strength. Many providers cap data.

Broadband vs. WiFi: What's the Difference?

The terms “Internet” and “WiFi” are often used interchangeably; however, they are not the same. Broadband refers to your Internet connection type (DSL, cable, cell phone Internet, etc.), while WiFi is the technology that wirelessly distributes your broadband connection to devices.

Broadband works without WiFi, so long as your devices are connected to your modem via an Ethernet cable. That’s problematic for many modern devices such as cell phones and tablets that lack Ethernet ports. A WiFi router offers a solution by enabling multiple devices to access the Internet without physical connections.

With Spectrum Internet you can add the Spectrum Advanced WiFi router to your Spectrum broadband Internet service, which offers many advanced features like:

Optimized performance to support speeds up to 1 Gbps
Easy management from anywhere via the My Spectrum App
Enhanced security and privacy with Security Shield
Simple device controls let you pause WiFi access anytime or based on a schedule
Support for up to 200 connected devices

What Broadband Internet Speed Do You Need?

Choosing the right Internet speed for your needs depends on your Internet usage, number of devices, and types of online activities your household engages in.

Streaming TV, online gaming and video conferencing will require greater speeds than simple tasks like email and browsing the web. You’ll also want to note how many smart home devices you have, such as wireless security cameras, smart thermostat, smart appliances and voice assistants.

Below, you’ll see common activities and which Spectrum Internet plan best supports each activity. When choosing a broadband Internet provider, you should also consider factors like network reliability, consistent speeds and data caps. Spectrum Internet customers enjoy fast and reliable speeds with no data caps.

Spectrum Internet Advantage – Up to 100 Mbps

High-speed Internet at a budget-friendly price
Reliable speed for small households
Stream and share content quickly
Remote work and online learning
No contracts or data caps

Spectrum Internet Premier – Up to 500 Mbps

More speed to stream and support additional devices
Stream HD video seamlessly
Upload and download large files
Connect smart home devices and voice assistants
Remote work and online learning

Spectrum Internet Gig – Up to 1 Gig

Our fastest speed for simultaneous streaming
Stream in 4K & 8K
Upload and download huge files
Supports smart home technology
Pro-level online game streams and VR

When choosing a broadband Internet provider, you should also consider factors like network reliability, consistent speeds and data caps. Spectrum Internet customers enjoy fast and reliable speeds with no data caps.

Internet Speed Test

If you’d like to know the speed of your current Internet connection, try Spectrum's Internet Speed Test. It only takes a few seconds to see the upload and download speeds of your Internet connection.