What is broadband?
In general, broadband refers to telecommunication in which a wide band of frequencies is available to transmit information. Because a wide band of frequencies is available, information can be multiplexed and sent on many different frequencies or channels within the band concurrently, allowing more information to be transmitted in a given amount of time (much as more lanes on a highway allow more cars to travel on it at the same time). The term "broadband" can be used in a variety of ways and most often represents a communication line or medium that has greater bandwidth than a typical phone line or voice. Coaxial -cable used with a television is an example of a copper broadband medium. Did you know that the entire contents of the Library of Congress can be transmitted over one fiber across the country in 4 seconds? Fiber is the fastest most reliable broadband medium.
How does broadband work?
The light is easily transmitted through fibers or thin rods of glass. The use of fiber in telecommunications is growing because it is durable, reliable, and provides more bandwidth (information-carrying capacity) than traditional metallic-based cable. The use of fiber optics in telecommunications ranges from global networks to local telephone exchanges to Internet subscribers' homes. All involve the transmission of voice, data, or video over distances from less than a mile to hundreds of miles.
Who could benefit from broadband?
Everyone. Large businesses need high-speed point-to-point network connections for daily commercial traffic (payroll, bills of lading, purchase orders, automated library systems, medical information) and Internet access. Fiber optics will advance health care providers' ability to share diagnostic and non-diagnostic images and confidential information with other physicians across the town, state, and nation. For instance, hospitals need fast, reliable, secure digital network connectivity to other medical providers. This allows the secure confidential transmission of large amounts of information such as x-rays, MRI, CT scans, medical and insurance records, which translates to better health care services. Schools need interconnection to provide educational tools, research sharing, and distance learning opportunities. Agri-businesses can use broadband to monitor field conditions, water and electric usage and access market information.