broadband
<communications> A class of communication channel capable of supporting a
wide range of frequencies, typically from audio up to video frequencies. A
broadband channel can carry multiple signals by dividing the total capacity into
multiple, independent bandwidth channels, where each channel operates only on a
specific range of frequencies.
The term has come to be used for any kind of Internet connection with a download
speed of more than 56 kbps, usually some kind of Digital Subscriber Line, e.g.
ADSL. A broadband connection is typically always connected, in contrast to a
dial-up connection, and a fixed monthly rate is charged, often with a cap on the
total amount of data that can be transferred. Domestic broadband connections
typically share a telephone line with normal voice calls and the two uses can
occur simultaneously without interference.
See also baseband, narrowband.
(2006-03-30)
Nearby terms:
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