8Mb Broadband

8Mbps Broadband is the standard top speed theoretically achievable on the majority of ADSL-based domestic broadband products, but is also common to see ADSL2+ products advertising 8Mbps Broadband as well. Most of the broadband packages currently available to consumers in the UK will offer maximum speeds of 8Mbps - 8 Megabits per second. In real terms, speeds of 8Mbps or higher allow you to watch DVD quality compressed video streamed 'live' over a broadband connection at speeds of 8Mbps or higher. Video quality comparable to standard definition VHS is possible on speeds of 2Mbps or higher - this is the connection speed required to stream video content from the BBC iPlayer.

8Mbps Broadband

8Mbps is the top theoretical speed available on an ADSL Broadband connection, and therefore is the top speed most commonly seen advertised by UK broadband providers. Due to the technical limitations of ADSL mostly exacerbated by the distance between the exchange and the premises, the top 8Mbps download speed is rarely achieved unless customers are in close proximity of their exchange, and have optimised their broadband connection at home to isolate any electronic interference by installing an interstitial plate into their telephone master socket.

That said, services advertised as providing 8Mbps Broadband will suffice for general web browsing, social networking, online shopping and watching streamed video online - remember that a connection of just 2Mbps is all that is required to watch on-demand programmes on the BBC iPlayer, 4oD and clips on video sharing sites such as YouTube, and so 8Mbps broadband services are more than ideal for casual and general internet use.

As investments in ADSL infrastructure improve, 8Mbps Broadband products will gradually become replaced with upgraded ADSL2+ connections, allowing for top download speeds of 24Mbps, and prioritised connections, allowing customers to customise their connection settings allowing for a more streamlined broadband service.