Broadband Internet is rapidly taking the lead as the most popular type of Internet access due to its speed and is offered in the form of cable, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), and satellite. Although dial-up service is cheaper, more than half the world's population is opting for the speed and convenience of a broadband Internet connection.

With all of the options that are available today for obtaining a broadband Internet connection, what is the difference between the connections and which one is best?

The answer depends upon your geographical area and the connection options that are available in your location. If you live in a metropolitan area, most likely you will have more options for a broadband connection than if you are located in a rural area.

There are basically four ways to obtain a broadband Internet connection which include cable, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), fiber-optic, and satellite.

A broadband cable connection is obtained from your local cable television provider. The speed of this connection will vary depending upon how many users are accessing the service at any given time. The speed estimates that are claimed by the cable companies are often calculated under the assumption that you are the only person connected to the service. In a given geographical area, the users of a broadband cable Internet service share the bandwidth of the connection which will slow the speed of the connection especially during peak times.

A DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connection utilizes unused telephone wires and does not interfere with your telephone service. The speed of the Internet connection provided by DSL will vary according to your location. For instance, if you are located within long distance to a switching station, your Internet connection will be somewhat slower. If you are trying to choose between a cable connection and a DSL line, this is one factor you will want to consider before making your decision.

Fiber-optic Internet service is the newest and fastest type of connection. Due to the fact that it is a new form of broadband Internet, the service areas are still somewhat limited because it requires laying down fiber-optic cable. If it is available in your area, the cost is competitive with cable and DSL and the connection is much faster.

A satellite Internet connection runs slower than the other broadband options. However, it offers a nice alternative to dial-up for people seeking a faster connection in a rural area. The costs for set up can be pricey, but the monthly cost after installation is competitive with cable and DSL.

When exploring your options for a broadband Internet connection in your area, it is a good idea to ask other people that are close by and use the service that you are considering. Although broadband offers the promise of a speedy connection, this will not matter if your connection is unreliable. Also the speed of your connection will depend upon the environmental variables in your geographical location, so you will want to do your homework before making a choice.