What Is the Difference Between ISDN and Broadband?

ISDN technology, or Integrated Services Digital Network, uses a single optical fiber to transmit a signal, while broadband uses a high-speed digital connection, typically with a digital signal. ISDN has multiple channels, while broadband offers a dedicated, constant connection.

Broadband refers to any type of high-speed connection to the Internet, so this could be either DSL or cable technology. DSL uses existing phone lines while cable is provided by the cable company. ISDN is always a wired connection, with two channels, which separate phone lines to provide one line for a computer or data and one line for a telephone. ISDN was developed in the 1980s and is rarely used in more modern times, as DSL and cable are available to most subscribers.