Broadband connection, in brief - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Broadband connection, in brief," is a classic example of a straightforward definition combined with a common crossword convention. It tests your knowledge of basic technology terms and your ability to spot cues that point to an abbreviation. This type of clue is a welcome sight for solvers, often serving as a solid entry point into a puzzle.

Clue Analysis

The clue can be broken into two parts:

1. "Broadband connection": This is the definition part. It's asking for a specific type of high-speed internet service.
2. ", in brief": This is the qualifier. It's a standard crossword phrase telling the solver that the answer is a shortened form, most likely an acronym or initialism.

So, the task is to identify a common acronym for a type of broadband internet.

Thinking Approaches

When you see a clue like this, a good first step is to brainstorm the core concept. What are the different ways to get broadband internet?

• Cable
• Fiber Optic
• Satellite
• Digital Subscriber Line

Now, apply the "in brief" filter. Which of these are commonly known by an acronym? While you might see "Fios" for fiber, that's a brand name. The most common and universal acronym on that list is the one for Digital Subscriber Line.

If you're stuck, using crossing letters is especially powerful for short answers. A three-letter entry can often be solved with just one or two intersecting letters, which would quickly confirm the answer from your brainstormed list.

Background Context

The answer refers to Digital Subscriber Line, a technology that provides internet access by transmitting digital data over the wires of a local telephone network. For many people, it was the first taste of "always-on" high-speed internet, representing a massive leap forward from the slow, line-tying experience of dial-up modems.

While it has been largely surpassed in speed by cable and fiber optic connections, its historical significance and continued use in many areas make its acronym a staple in general knowledge and, consequently, in crossword puzzles.

Conclusion

This clue is a perfect illustration of how crosswords blend general knowledge with puzzle-specific language. By recognizing that "in brief" signals an abbreviation, you can quickly narrow down the possibilities and arrive at the correct, common technological term. It's a reliable and fair clue that rewards basic tech literacy.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This refers to a type of internet service that was a major step up from dial-up.
2. Hint 2: The technology uses existing telephone lines to transmit data.
3. Hint 3: The answer is a three-letter initialism.
4. Hint 4: The 'S' in this acronym stands for 'Subscriber'.

The answer is DSL.