<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)
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