Key Differences between ADSL, Fibre Optic and Cable Broadband

The terms ADSL, Fibre Optic and Cable Broadband have a number of key differences between them. All three options use a high-speed Internet connection known as Broadband. However, the technology that they each option uses to deliver this high-speed Internet connection will be explained. Understanding the differences between them should help you make an informed decision as to which Broadband would suit you. It is important to note that the area that you live in the UK will also affect the type of Broadband you could choose.

ADSL Broadband

ADSL Broadband is the most widely available Broadband in the UK and can be accessed in almost every area. The reason that it is so widely available being that it uses the oldest technology to transmit and deliver data to your house via copper cables. This essentially means that Broadband speeds are very slow as copper is not the most efficient medium for transmitting and delivering data. This type of Broadband would only be chosen if Fibre Optic or Cable Broadband were not available in your area. However, business class ADSL’s are much faster and reliable Broadband options.

Find out more about Business class ADSL’s for businesses and homeworkers

Fibre Optic

It is important to note that there are two types of Fibre Optic Broadband.

The normal Fibre Optic option is available in most areas of the UK and is known as “Superfast” Broadband. This type of Broadband is also known as FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet). This means that fibre optic cables are connected to the Cabinet (the big green box at the end of each street). Hence, Fibre Optic Broadband speeds are many times faster as fibre cables are a much more efficient medium for transmitting data. From the green cabinet box copper cables transmit the data to your house. This slows data transmission rates and will bring Broadband speeds down a bit but it is still superfast.

The other option is known as Full Fibre Optic but it is not widely available in the UK. Data is transmitted via fibre optic cables to the green cabinet and then to your house. No copper cables are used to transmit data at any point. This type of Broadband is known as FTTP/FTTH (Fibre to the Premises or Fibre to the Home). Broadband speeds are very high and data transmission happens very quickly with Full Fibre Optic.

Find out more about Fibre Optic (FTTC) Broadband connections

Cable Broadband

Cable Broadband is the middle ground between ADSL and Fibre Optic Broadband. It transmits data to the green cabinet via fibre optic cables and then coaxial cables transmit data to your house instead of copper cables. These coaxial cables have very low data loss over long distances and they are very durable and reliable hence allowing data transmission for Internet and TV use. Cable Broadband speeds are very fast but not as fast as the full fibre optic option. Cable Broadband can be used if a service provider using this technology is available in your area.

To discuss which Broadband connection would suit your business please feel free to contact us.