¿Qué es Internet de banda ancha?

Broadband (short for "broad bandwidth") refers to high-speed internet connections that are "always on." Broadband provides the fastest service today, with popular residential service types includes DSL, fiber, wireless, and 4G/5G LTE.

Broadband was introduced in the late 1990's and mostly replaced older dial-up connections, which used the audible frequency of telephone lines. Dado que banda ancha runs on a different frequency, it's easier to stay online with a faster connection. This allows people to quickly upload, stream and download large files. Let's take a closer look at how broadband technologies work.

¿Cómo funciona Internet de banda ancha?

A diferencia de la conexión por marcado (dial-up), la conexión de banda ancha utiliza una línea especial exclusivamente para la transmisión de datos. The internet service provider (like CenturyLink) uses a network build from computers, cables, routers, switches, and many other specialized equipment to bring the internet to each home or business.

Tipos de Internet de banda ancha

There are a few types of broadband connections available today. La Internet de tipo DSL utiliza cables telefónicos de cobre, la Internet por cable utiliza el mismo cable coaxial que tu televisor, la Internet por fibra óptica usa cables de fibra óptica especiales y existen opciones inalámbricas como la satelital y el 4G/5G LTE.

Internet DSL

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) was one of the earliest forms of broadband internet to be introduced, and it's still common today. DSL uses copper wires in a telephone line to deliver a high-speed data connection. The DSL signal uses different frequencies from the voice lines, making it possible to use internet and landline phone at the same time. CenturyLink DSL speeds can be as high as about 100 Mbps.

Vinculación de pares

Pair bonding is an option for some DSL connections that increases the bandwidth of single line DSL service. With typical DSL service, there is one pair of copper wires are used (two wires). With pair bonding, two pairs are used (four wires), essentially doubling the internet speed. With pair bonding, speeds can reach up to 140 Mpbs. CenturyLink offers pair bonding in select locations.

Internet por fibra óptica

Internet por fibra óptica uses fiber-optic cables that carry data in pulses of light over thousands of tiny fiber strands. Moving as light, fiber-optic internet is incredibly fast, and results in a high-quality and reliable connection. In some areas this kind of service can provide connections of up to 10 Gbps. CenturyLink offers fiber internet in select areas, and is quickly expanding this technology to become more widely avalible.

Internet por cable

La internet por cable es casi tan común con el servicio de DSL. It uses the same coaxial cables that transmit TV service to deliver a high-speed internet connection. Using a special cable modem, you can connect to these cable lines and enjoy a broadband data connection. Cable internet speeds can be up to 940 Mbps for downloading and up to 50 Mbps for uploading, depending on the provider and the location. CenturyLink does not offer cable internet service.

Wireless and satellite internet

La Internet inalámbrica está disponible vía satélite. Es más común en zonas rurales where there's not as much infrastructure for wired internet (DSL, cable or fiber). This type of service is typically provided by (or in partnership with) a wireless phone carrier. CenturyLink ofrece velocidad del servicio de in certain areas.

Satellite internet transmits data from a satellite orbiting the planet, and can be used anywhere in the world. Las velocidades del servicio satelital para descargas en general se encuentran entre 25 Mbps y 100 Mbps, y tienen una velocidad promedio para cargas de 25 Mbps.

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre banda ancha y WiFi?

Broadband is a type of high-speed internet connection, while WiFi refers to an in-home wireless network. Once you have broadband service, it can be converted to a wireless signal in your home by a wireless router (or gateway), allowing you to connect multiple devices to the internet without plugging them in to a modem or router.

¿Cómo obtengo una conexión a Internet de banda ancha?

Shop the CenturyLink site to learn about our high-speed internet service and expanding fiber network. See what speeds are available in your area today.