Since the introduction of DSL (digital subscriber line) broadband. Internet access speeds have escalated massively to the point that we are at today where, in some countries, data transfer speeds of over 50 Megabits per second can be achieved. To put that into perspective, these speeds mean it is possible to download a high definition movie within a matter of minutes, compared to 10 years ago, when it would have taken possibly a few weeks! Although broadband connections speeds are always increasing; the limiting factor to the attainable speeds is a countrys telecommunications infrastructure. By using copper cables installed for telephone use, broadband initially was able to offer connection speeds massively increased from dial-up connections, though what is needed now is an optical cable system that can transfer data at rates far higher than any copper connection can achieve. One direction that internet broadband access may be utilizing in the future is via overhead or underground electricity cables. Although it is technically possible as broadband data and electricity flow on different frequencies, recent research has shown that when data is transmitted through overhead, under-insulated cables it can interfere with some radio wave bands. However, if a solution is found to this problem that does not require the replacement of electrical power cables, then people in the future may be able to enjoy broadband access speeds of up to 200 Megabits per second just by plugging into an electrical outlet. Along with the possibility of using BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) is the newest incarnation of mobile broadband, WIMAX. WIMAX, also known as 4G, will be a vast improvement on the previous versions of mobile broadband that have been available for some time now. The speeds that WIMAX could offer could possibly make broadband access through cables a thing of the past. How does 70 Megabits per second at a distance of 30 miles from a transmitter sound? One other route that users may be able to take in the future in order to access broadband at a higher speed is by satellite. There are currently millions of people around the world that utilize satellite technology to watch television programs. These connections could also be used to transmit internet data at speeds of up to 3 Gigabits per second, that is 3000 Megabits per second (around 375 Megabytes per second). There are 2 problems facing the use of this technology, the weather and the cost. As most satellite television viewers know, bad weather can play havoc with signal reception and in some cases disrupt it totally. The cost of the equipment for receiving broadband internet access via satellite could also cost in excess of $2500, and would also be charged on a monthly basis, which is much too expensive for the majority of users even with the huge attainable speeds. To sum up, dont worry if you are still finding that your broadband connection is not quick enough for your needs, the future holds some impressive advances in technology that will mean the end of blank white screens and video buffering.
