There are certain terms related to internet connection that you need to understand…

Dial up connection:-
In simple terms, dial up connection is a technique to get your computer access to a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) via a telephone line using modem. Types of dialup include dial up connection using various types of modem like V.34 and V.90 or Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). Dialup uses special-purpose network protocols like Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP).

Modem: -
Modem is an acronym for "Modulator Demodulator." Technically, a modem converts data for the purpose of computer to computer communication. The modem converts analog form used on telephone lines into the digital form used on computers and vice versa. Standard 56K modems can transmit data at a maximum rate of 56,000 bits per second (bps) or 56kbps. However, limitations of the phone system translate to modem speeds much lower in practice.

In recent times, modems for cable and DSL service have come into picture. They are also known as digital modems. The terminology is misleading as modems all involve analog data transmission. However, these modems have been designed to gain improved digital support from the access provider's location. Cable and DSL modems use broadband signaling techniques to achieve dramatically higher network speeds than traditional modems.

Network performance measurement units:-
Network performance is measured in bits per second or Bytes per second. There are various symbols used for them. When measured in bits per second following units are used.

kbps :- one kilobit per second and equals to 1000 bits per second (bps).
mbps :- one megabit per second and equals 1000 kbps.
gbps :- one gigabits per second and equals 1000 mbps.

Sometimes the measurement is given in bytes per second (Bps). In that case…

Kbps :- one kilobytes per second and equals to 1000 bytes per second (bps).
Mbps :- one megabytes per second and equals 1000 Kbps.
Gbps :- one gigabytes per second and equals 1000 Mbps.

Examples:

1. Analog modems support data rates up to 56 Kbps i.e. 56 kilobytes per second. 2. Traditional broadband connections provide data transfer rate from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps.

There are certain other representations used such as: Kb/sec, Kb/s, Mb/sec, Mb/s, Gb/sec, Gb/s

Broadband connection:-
The broadband connection is next step in evolution after analog modems. The broadband connection is a type of transmission technique that carries several data channels over a common wire. For example, DSL service combines separate voice and data channels over a single telephone line. In this technique, voice fills the low end of the frequency spectrum and data fills the high end.

For a home internet user the term, "broadband" usually refers to high speed Internet access using this transmission technique. A broadband connection is usually connected through DSL line or Ethernet line which is common broadband Internet technologies. Cable modem, broadband routers are network devices that support both DSL and cable internet connection.

More Useful Information on Free Dialup Connections, Internet, Broadband, Modems..

1. ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) FAQ's
2. What is ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)?
3. Choosing Correct ISP.
4. Data Transfer in Dialup Modem.
5. Dialup Connection Modem Issues.
6. Dialup Connection Speed and Throughput.
7. Dialup Connection and your Telephone Line..
8. Dialup Connection with V.92 Modem.
9. Effect of Additional Phone Equipment on Dialup.
10. Effect of Electromagnetic Interference on Dialup Connection.
11. Evolution of Dialup Connection Speed.
12. The Evolution of Dialup Modems.
13. Features of Dialup Internet Access.
14. What is ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)?
15. Introduction to Dialup Connection.
16. Minor Issues Causing Dialup Connection Failure.
17. Main Features of a Good ISP?
18. Main Types of Hardware Modems.
19. Modem and Dialup Connection Speed.
20. Non Dialup Connections.
21. Premium Rate Dialup Connection Fraud.
22. Remote Access Numbers Dialup Scam.
23. Speed up the Initial Connection Process.
24. Steps To Check if your Modem does not Dial.
25. Steps to Troubleshoot Slow Dialup Connection Speed.
26. Types of Modem.
27. Understanding the High Speed Dialup Connection.
28. Understanding Internet Connection Terminology.
29. Understanding the Working of a Modem.
30. V.92 Modem Technology FAQ.