Now that the word 'broadband' is being heard so often it's time to actually understand what it means. Broadband is defined as a type of data transmission in which a single medium (wire or wireless) can carry several channels of voice, data and video at once.

Webster's defines it as "having, or operating with uniform efficiency over a wide band of frequencies." Accessing high bandwidth through multiple devices is what broadband is all about?

In the years to come there are going to be several competing technologies delivering all kinds of content everywhere. Let's look at some of the wire line options. Fibre-to-the�Premises pushing fibre all the way to the residence and business.

In the passive optical network world, speed varies depending on the type of technology employed. It can deliver video over RF (radio frequency) and IP (Internet protocol). There is also another version, which uses active FTTP technology, with service capabilities of upwards of 100 mbps.

The last mile in these deployment uses ethernet cables. As cable's answer to FTTP, DOCSIS 3.0 leverages the power of the hybrid fibre coax network by bonding several 6 mHz or 8 mHz channels.

Early 3.0 implementations can combine four channels and a downstream of 160 mbps. Some pre-3.0 'wideband' implementations can deliver up to 16 channels and create a pipe capable of speeds greater than 600 mbps.

ADSL+ takes several leaps beyond the 'garden variety' ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), the "2+" version essentially doubles the use of the spectrum on the copper pair to 2.2 mHz.

Under ideal conditions, ADSL2+ can pump 24-25 mbps downstream upto 100 metres from the local loop. Wireless broadband is also in the fray. For CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) users this is in the form of Evolution Data Optimised or Evolution Data Only, which is a high-speed next gen cellular.

It overlays existing 1XRTT cellular networks like Reliance [Get Quote] and Tata. A claimed rate of 1.5 mbps, with burst capabilities in the neighborhood of 2 mbps. Average speeds will be 400 kbps to 700 kbps.

In the US for example Verizon and Sprint have already launched this
service. In the GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) space the equivalent would be High Speed Downlink Packet Access, which is an advanced cellular technology that enhances the 3 G GSM UMTS-based networks.

UMTS/HSDPA (Universal Mobile Telecommunications [Get Quote] System/ High Speed Downlink Packet Access) networks will support data speeds of up to 3.6 mbps, and average between 550 kbps and 1.1 mbps. Cellular operators will leverage on speeds to provide video applications, interactive gaming and music services and enterprise applications.

Then there is the much-awaited WIMAX (802.16 standards). It is a fixed wireless technology based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing.

The latest version of WiMAX ((Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), still under development, will support mobile devices such as laptops or personal digital assistants. WiMAX should be commercially available in a couple of years. There are other nascent methods of delivering broadband including use of Power lines, Ultra wide Band and Ku/Ka Band satellites.

An always-on broadband will unveil a whole new series of services and applications like personalised TV and video-on demand. With a broadband connection the Internet goes beyond just being a tool for gathering information, it becomes fun.

Broadband users will have access to rich full motion video, amazing graphics, educational applications and traditional TV programming. Instead of viewing flat pictures, users will be able to virtually pick up objects and manoeuvre virtual worlds.

Instead of waiting for hours to download, users will be able to view streaming media much faster. Businesses will be able to use video conferencing with clean and smooth motion. So get ready for video-on-demand, time-shifted TV and massive multi player gaming!