Fibre optic cable connections in the home help to provide digital TV and high speed broadband access. Unlike ADSL broadband, Cable broadband allows for faster download and upload speeds and doesn’t suffer slower speeds if you live a distance from your local telephone exchange.

Thanks to it’s delivery over fibre optic lines, Cable broadband is a more efficient and reliable method of data transfer when compared to the more traditional copper wire phone line method. a benefit of using fibre optic line is that the cable connection can span great distances without having any noticeable impact on connection quality or speed.

Because of this, Cable broadband access has the ability to offer virtually unlimited download limits for cable broadband customers, leaving broadband users free to download as much music, photos, software updates, and DVD movies without having to be concerned with download caps and limits.

Whilst cable broadband providers don’t impose a definite download limit, some providers do impose a download restriction during ‘peak time’, in order to maintain quality of service to all customers.

Whereas ADSL broadband uses the standard phone line, cable broadband connections are on a street-by-street basis with all connections based from a single exterior cabinet on the street. From the cabinet, connections are then run underground into each home. Due to the shared nature of the street’s connection, ISP’s often place limits during peak times in order to allow a more level playing field between heavy data users and those who just want to check emails.