Is there a difference between ADSL and broadband

[steamouk]

I might sound really thick here but i'm thinking about getting a broadband modem. The trouble is that there is a big difference in price. Some modems descriptions just state "ADSL modem" and others state "broadband and ADSL Modem" and then others state "Broadband". Will all or any of the modems work with a broadband connection and could somebody just tell me if there is a difference between ADSL and broadband thanks. Easy for some, tough for others..... please help.

[YODA74]

What is the difference between ADSL and broadband?

There is no difference, some people choose one terminlology
over the other.

would ADSL software work with a cable modem.. NO

Cable modems and ADSL modems use entirely different hardware protocols
-- different modulation techniques, network media (for the broadband
links; both often use Ethernet locally), and so on. They're completely
incompatible hardware, although they accomplish similar goals.
Cable modems are TDMA and ADSL is G.DMT.

I'm sure I'm just confusing you so..

There is some good reading here at these sites

http://www.dslreports.com/

http://www.speedguide.net/

[mjc]

Simplest terms:

Broadband is the general category; ADSL, cable, satellite, fiber optic, etc are different types of broadband.

[kfh]

Hi steamouk,

Here's another link to look at, I used it when I was on broadband.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/ukbb

kfh.

[no-mbr]

The term "broadband" is often used in the same way as DSL, ADSL or other network technologies, but purists would laugh.

Very few home cable or DSL connections qualify as broadband unless they are purchased at a higher "business rate" plan usually inconjunction with a non-shared "dedicated" network connection with high "upload" as well as download speeds.