IPBB stands for Internet Protocol Broadband. It is a hybrid internet service that combines the advantages of fiber-optic and traditional copper wiring to deliver internet access to your home.
The IPBB internet is a term used by AT&T to market high-speed DSL internet. It uses technologies like ADSL2+, VDSL2, and Ethernet, delivered on a hybrid network of fiber and copper cables, to distribute download speeds of up to 500 Mbps to individual homes.
AT&T’s IPBB Internet network is bridging the gap between high-speed and affordable broadband connectivity in the absence of a 100% fiber-rich network across its 23-state footprint.
AT&T IPBB Internet Connection
Before discussing the different internet plans offered by the company in the IPBB umbrella, let’s look at how the wiring for this type of connection works.
AT&T IPBB internet utilizes a high-speed fiber optic network to reach neighborhood nodes closer to your residence. Fiber optic cables transmit data using light pulses, offering exceptional speed and bandwidth.
The final connection from the neighborhood node to your home is delivered via traditional copper phone lines. While not as fast as optical fiber, copper wiring is capable of carrying a decent amount of data. The IPBB connection can provide a download speed of up to 500 Mbps.
Here is a summary of all the IPBB plans offered by AT&T.
| AT&T IPBB Plans | Download speeds in Mbps | Upload speeds in Mbps |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Basic 768 | 0.8 | 0.4 |
| Internet Basic 1.5 | 1.5 | 1 |
| Internet Basic 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Internet Basic 5 | 5 | 1 |
| Internet Basic 6 | 6 | 1 |
| Internet 10 | 10 | 1 |
| Internet 12 | 12 | 1.5 |
| Internet 18 | 18 | 1.5 |
| Internet 24 | 24 | 3 |
| Internet 25 | 25 | 2 |
| Internet 25 | 25 | 5 |
| Internet 45 | 45 | 6 |
| Internet 50 | 50 | 10 |
| Internet 75 | 75 | 8 |
| Internet 75 | 75 | 20 |
| Internet 100 | 100 | 20 |
| Internet 500 | 500 | 100 |
AT&T IPBB vs Fiber Internet
While the AT&T IPBB uses fiber technology, it is not 100% fiber-rich internet. AT&T fiber internet offers the best upload and download speeds, up to 5,000 Mbps.
In contrast, the maximum speed provided by the IPBB internet is just 500 Mbps. Additionally, almost all fiber connections provide symmetric speeds. It means that you get the same speed for downloading and uploading.
On the other hand, IPBB offers a good balance between speed and affordability. While not reaching the same heights as pure fiber, the speeds provided by this technology are often sufficient for most everyday internet activities like browsing, streaming standard-definition content, and casual online gaming.
AT&T IPBB vs DSL
IPBB is a step up from traditional DSL. AT&T markets all its DSL plans as IPBB, which are faster than the traditional speeds provided by the DSL. The fiber component of IPBB results in a more stable and reliable connection. This connection is less susceptible to interference and signal loss over long distances.
IPBB internet is most commonly available in urban areas and big cities, where AT&T has to compete with other cable internet providers. In comparison, DSL is more widespread in rural areas where limited options are available for high-speed internet.
Is IPBB Internet Good for Gaming?
For gaming, the quality of the internet connection is crucial. Gamers need to focus on both download and upload speeds, as well as reliability. IPBB internet, with its faster speeds compared to traditional DSL, can be suitable for gaming. However, fiber internet may offer better value for those seeking ultra-low latency and higher speeds, essential for a smooth gaming experience.
So, if you want to game casually, then IPBB internet should be perfect. However, for extreme gaming and streaming, fiber internet is a much better choice.
