What is broadband
and how does it work

Are you looking to see what home broadband options are available? There are several things to consider, including broadband type, plans and cost, so it can be hard to know where to start. And that’s before answering the most obvious question: what exactly is broadband, how does it work, and is it different from Wi-Fi?

What is broadband?

Broadband is a high-speed internet connection, which gives users access to the internet. Back in the day we had dial-up internet but, with the advancements in technology, broadband is now the standard way to get online. 

There are several types of broadband to choose from, including fixed wireless broadband, mobile broadband, fibre broadband, satellite broadband and cable broadband.

How does it work?

For most of us broadband is a huge part of day-to-day life. Whether we use it to browse the internet, keep up to date with social media, stream our favourite shows or work from home, it has become essential. 

But do any of us know how it actually works?  

Simply put, broadband providers, share an internet connection with their customers either through a physical connection with a modem, or wirelessly with a router. 

Once the signal is received, it’s then converted and broadcast throughout your home, allowing Wi-Fi-enabled devices to access the internet. 

Broadband vs. Wi-Fi  

Broadband and Wi-Fi work hand in hand, but they’re not the same thing. 

Broadband is the internet service provided by your provider. Wi‑Fi is the wireless network created by your modem or router that allows devices such as smartphones, laptops and smart TVs to connect to that broadband service. 

For example, Three provides its customers with a broadband connection. That broadband connection is shared around the home via Wi-Fi so that customers can connect their smartphones, smart TVs, laptops and other devices and access the internet. 

4G vs. 5G broadband 

When considering wireless broadband services, deciding between 4G and 5G. But what is the difference and is one better than the other?  

4G broadband provides a dependable internet connection for day-to-day browsing, streaming and social media use. However, it can slow down as the number of connected devices increases. 

5G broadband builds on the capabilities of 4G, offering faster speeds, lower latency and better network capacity. What this really means is 5G is faster and better able to handle more connected devices, without it affecting performance, making it more suitable for people who working from home, gamers and larger households. 

What are the different types of broadband? 

It’s impossible to make an informed decision about which broadband service is best for you, without knowing what types of broadband are out there. Below is a brief description of the main types of home broadband services available.  

Wireless 

Wireless broadband, sometimes called fixed wireless access or FWA, gives users access to the internet by radio signal. The radio signal comes from nearby masts and is received by an external modem which converts it into data. The data is then received by an internal router where it is converted into Wi-Fi. 

Mobile 

Mobile broadband is a way to access the internet using 4G or 5G. This type of broadband service is an easy way to access broadband as all that is needed is a SIM card and router. Mobile broadband is portable, making it a good choice for renters, students or for use in holiday homes.  

Fibre optic 

Fibre optic broadband, often just called fibre, is a home broadband service that uses a fibre optic cable running directly to your home. This is generally one of the faster and most reliable broadband services available.  

Cable 

Cable broadband, or part-fibre, is a reliable option, especially in areas where full fibre is not available. While this is a reliable option, it is heavily reliant on infrastructure. If the needed infrastructure it is not already in place, it will take time to install. 

Satellite 

Satellite broadband works by receiving a signal from satellites orbiting Earth through a satellite dish installed at your home. This type of service doesn’t require cables, fibre or mobile coverage, meaning it’s a good option for those in very remote areas. 

How fast should your broadband be? 

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It all depends on what you are looking to do online. For example, gaming and 4K streaming typically requires faster and more stable connections than casual browsing. Similarly, larger households with many connected devices would need higher speeds than smaller households. You can test your internet speed to see where you’re currently at and see if an upgrade would be beneficial.  

What broadband can I get? 

Three offers several broadband options, including 4G and 5G plans, with either technician or self-installation included. There are also 30-day SIM-only and prepay broadband plans. To find out which broadband services are available at your address, use our coverage checker.

You can also explore our broadband deals, how to switch to Three broadband or how to get broadband without a landline.