What is the difference between broadband and dial-up?

The primary difference between broadband and dial-up connections is how the Internet is accessed by the user. Dial-up service uses a phone line to connect with the Internet service provider and connects to the Internet via the ISP's server modem. Broadband services access the Internet through the user's ISP-provided modem.

Broadband connections operate continuously as long as the modem is powered and functioning properly. Broadband speeds are much higher than dial-up speeds. Dial-up speeds cap at 56,000 bytes per second, and broadband speeds offer millions of bytes per second, depending on the ISP. Examples of broadband connections are DSL, cable and dedicated T-1 lines.