If you're thinking of installing a new broadband internet connection, or upgrading your existing connection, finding out about the different types of broadband connections currently available could be useful for identifying your needs. Each type of connection can be preferable in different circumstances, and there can sometimes be considerable differences in price too.

If this is your first time installing broadband in your home, you can look forward to a very different experience than you may have had with older dial-up internet connections. Not only is broadband internet much faster, but your connection can also be active without interrupting telephone use. Broadband internet is typically charged at a basic monthly rate too, meaning you won't have to worry about receiving expensive phone bills or limiting your use.

Understand that 'broadband' is more of a collective term than a description of one particular service, and encompasses a range of connection methods that can be used to supply your home with internet access, wherever you live. The most common types of broadband connections are ASDL and SDSL lines, the primary difference being that ADSL broadband makes use of existing phone lines while SDSL requires the installation of a separate line for broadband use.

If you're only planning on using your broadband connection for home use, ADSL is a simpler and cheaper option, with SDSL being more suitable for business users that require a larger number of uploads.

Another emerging type of broadband in the UK is fibre optic broadband, which is supplied through dedicated high-speed cabling either to a nearby street hub (FTTC), or directly to your home (FTTH). By using fibre optic technology to transmit data nearer to your house, it means you get a faster, uninterrupted broadband signal.

Some locations may be unsuitable for these types of broadband, due to their remoteness and lack of cable infrastructure. In this case, the best option may be to investigate satellite broadband, which can be received by installing a customised satellite dish. Although satellite broadband can be a more expensive option, for some people it represents the only practical way to enjoy internet access in their homes.

You may not have to pay for any installations when you make use of wireless broadband though, especially in public locations such as cafes and libraries. Wireless connections can be either public or protected by passwords, and you should only use public Wi-Fi connections if you are sure they are secure.

Timothy Jones writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.