What is Broadband?

September 5th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment

Definition

Broadband is connection to the internet along a standard telephone line, satellite or cable connection, at high speed.  While accessing the internet, the “broad bandwidth” also allows the connection to be shared with the telephone.

How Fast?

The popularity of broadband is due to the speed that is possible to send and receive information.  Previously, connection to the internet was through a dial-up modem which has a maximum speed of 56Kbps.  Broadband offers connection speeds of between 512Kbps and 50Mbps.  The connection speed is affected by the distance to the nearest BT exchange and the number of other users sharing the bandwidth.

Always On

Broadband is always there, up and running, and waiting for information to be sent along the connection from a computer.

Wireless

Connection to the telephone line, satellite or cable is by means of a router that can handle cable connections from telephones and computers, or may allow wireless connections. Several devices can be connected at the same time, which means that the telephone can be in-use while the internet is being surfed from one computer, and online games also played at the same time.

Cost

Broadband providers charge a monthly subscription, and usually set an upper limit that the user is allowed to download each month.  The limit is linked to the subscription – usually the higher the download limit, the higher the subscription.  In the days of dial-up, charging was made per minute of connection.  Providers include other services in the packages offered: telephone calls, digital TV and broadband.

Add a Comment

An Introduction to Broadband

August 28th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment, Broadband Providers

Broadband is now the normal type of connection for anyone using the internet, from big business users to home surfers, because it is far faster than the old dial-up and the enhanced download speed enables much more functionality in terms of applications that can be run, from online poker games to movies and social networking.

When you compare broadband providers there are a few things you should bear in mind. Although there is plenty of choice, from Tiscali Broadband and Orange Home Broadband to BT Total Broadband, Sky Broadband and various providers of Business Broadband, once you’ve made your choice you’ll tend to be stuck with it.

First off, consider the actual speed of the connection provided. Speeds of from 2Mb to 8Mb are fairly usual, but you should decide on a speed commensurate with your requirements because prices obviously rise with the speed of the connection.

Also, check whether the usage is capped. Broadband providers often set a limit on the amount of monthly usage, and if you exceed this you’ll be charged for it. Often also, you may be unable to exceed it and find yourself offline unexpectedly, so again it’s important to decide what you want the connection for.

Getting a number of services bundled in with the broadband connection is often a good idea, with some broadband providers for example offering free national phone calls if you bundle your telephone, TV and broadband in with them. These 3-in-1 deals were pioneered by the likes of Virgin Media Broadband and Sky Broadband.

Add a Comment

Talk Talk Broadband Packages

August 22nd, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers

Talk Talk offer two broadband packages; firstly, there is the ‘essentials’ option.  At only £6.99 a month and £12.30 line rental, it offers great value for money.  This package includes unlimited evening and weekend calls to UK landlines.  It also features free customer service, so you have someone to turn to if you ever run into difficulty with your new package.  There is a 40Gb download allowance per month and you have access to the fastest broadband Talk Talk can provide.  The deal comes with a 30-day guarantee, so if you are not entirely happy you can cancel the contract within the first month, without incurring any additional charges.

Talk Talk also offer a ‘Plus’ package, which at £14.99 a month, plus a £12.30 line rental, includes free customer service, the fastest broadband that can be supplied to your area and a 30-day guarantee.  However, with this package you get much more.  Firstly, you will receive anytime UK landline calls, which is ideal for the busy home.  Also, as with the ‘essentials’ package, you will not have to pay a connection fee, as long as you sign up for the deal on the Talk Talk website.  With this package you receive an unlimited download allowance, so it is perfect for gamers or for those who use the internet frequently.  Talk Talk have every confidence in their broadband packages and are dedicated to providing you with broadband that is fast.

Add a Comment

Universal Broadband

August 15th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment, Broadband Providers

The most important thing to consider when choosing between the staggering numbers of broadband providers is the sort of thing you want to use the internet for, as it is connection speed and level of usage that will largely determine the price you’ll pay.

Not having a landline is not a problem, as companies such as Virgin Media Broadband will provide a fibre optic cable as part of their package, although where you live will play a role in whether they can access you.  You may have to go for BT Total Broadband, which uses the older copper cable, but either way there is no problem with getting a broadband connection per se, it may simply limit your choice of broadband providers.

Mobile broadband is another option, and many people are going for this and dispensing with a land line altogether.  Again it largely depends on your circumstances and requirements.  Business broadband usually comes with various higher levels of support than normal domestic broadband, for example.

Whether you opt for Orange Home Broadband, Tiscali Broadband, TalkTalk Broadband, Sky Broadband, Tesco Broadband or one of the scores of other broadband providers out there, it’s as well to be aware of potential hidden charges.  These can include such things as a cap on monthly usage, where if you overstep it you’ll be charged, or it may simply not be available beyond a certain point, which will entail its own problems.

Length of contract is also something to consider, as you may end up paying for the full term if you terminate it prematurely.

Add a Comment

Broadband Equipment

August 7th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment

When you have broadband installed in your home, there a few pieces of equipment you must have; these are typically sent to you by your broadband provider, though you can purchase some of the equipment yourself.  It is important to understand the function of each piece of equipment, especially for troubleshooting purposes and ensuring you do not disconnect the wrong cables.

Modem

The most well-known piece of broadband equipment is the modem.  The modem is what allows your computer to receive the service from your broadband provider.  It also translates communications between your computer and the internet.  The modem is the only piece of equipment that hooks directly to your computer.  Modems are supplied by your broadband provider, but you can also purchase one separately.

Filter

A filter allows your telephone socket to provide internet connectivity to your modem.  The filter connects both the modem and your telephone to a single telephone socket, providing broadband service to your computer and phones.

Router

If you have multiple devices on your network that share a broadband connection, you must have a router. Routers can be wired or wireless.  In this scenario, the modem connects to the router; all devices connected to the internet are also connected to the router, either with wires or wirelessly.

Ethernet Cable

If you choose to use a wired router, you will need an Ethernet cable to connect your computer to the router. Some modems also use an Ethernet cable, though most use a USB cable.

Add a Comment

What Is Mobile Broadband?

July 30th, 2011 | Broadband, Mobile Broadband

Mobile broadband is different from normal broadband.  Mobile broadband is provided by a cellular provider, though some normal broadband providers have agreements with cell providers to offer the service as well. Mobile broadband is meant for on the go use, instead of just in your home.

Benefits

The biggest benefit to mobile broadband is the ability to use it anywhere your provider offers service.  All mobile broadband providers have a coverage map to help you determine where service is available.  You can use the service indoors and out.  Depending on the type of service you have, you can even connect multiple devices at one time.

Cost

Mobile broadband plans are usually higher than normal broadband.  Mobile broadband providers do not have the same equipment as other types of providers, causing congested networks.  A higher rate discourages users who do not need the service.  Convenience is also a major factor as to why plans are higher. It is necessary to compare broadband providers before purchasing a plan.

Speed

On average mobile broadband speeds at their maximum are around a third less than maximum broadband speeds.  However, streaming, gaming and downloading are all possible with mobile broadband.  To keep network congestion down for cell phone users, speeds are slower.

Restrictions

Almost all mobile broadband plans are heavily restricted in terms of data usage.  Cell phone providers do not have the equipment to handle heavy usage without bogging down the entire network.  Usage levels are usually restricted to between 1 GB and 10 GB.  If you go over your limit, service may stop temporarily, speeds may slow or you may be charged extra for overages.

Add a Comment

Broadband Speed Explained

July 23rd, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment

How Fast?

Broadband providers advertise download speeds as “up to” a quoted speed.  This is because you are unlikely to ever achieve the speed quoted because of the various factors that can affect the passage of the information to your computer.  The distance to the local telephone exchange from your router can slow down the connection.  As with a telephone, which is distant from the exchange and where noises and crackling interfere with the sound quality, this interference affects the speed of broadband connection.  Broadband is able to work up to 5.5km from the exchange, but considerable deterioration in speed is noted in distances greater than about 2km from the exchange.

Other Factors

Once the signal reaches the router in your home, the speed the connection achieves in transferring the information to your PC can be compromised further.  If you are using a wireless router, any obstacles between the router and the PC will slow the signal.  It is always preferable to have a line of sight between the router and the PC.  A tinfoil or metal barrier on the opposite side of your router will focus the signal in the direction of your PC, making the signal more efficient.

If the link from the router is by cable, always ensure that the cable is undamaged and rated for high speed.  Your PC may also be responsible for slowing the download speed if your hardware is not up-to-date, or if you are not using the latest internet browser software.

Unwanted Users

With wireless internet, it is possible that other PCs in the area can make use of a person’s broadband service without that person being aware.  This additional usage will slow the connection speed.  It is always worthwhile to ensure that security measures are in place.

Add a Comment

Orange Broadband – a great deal better!

July 15th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Providers, Mobile Broadband

About Orange

The mobile telephone network aims to bring fast speeds at reasonable prices to its broadband packages.  Orange Broadband provides download speeds of up to 20Mb, and unlimited downloads linked to one of their mobile telephone plans in a price-saving package.

Packages

Entry-level Simply Broadband provides a download speed of up to 20Mb, unlimited downloads with a fair usage policy, a top-of-the-range ‘n’ class wireless router, no connection fee and an 18-month tie-in.  The cost for Orange customers is £10.00 a month with non-customers having to pay £15.00 a month, plus BT line rental.

The Broadband and Calls package provides all the same benefits as the Simply Broadband package, with the addition of unlimited evening and weekend calls to UK landlines and free caller display and voicemail.  All this costs £7.50 a month for Orange customers, plus £11.50 a month line rental.

For the Broadband and Anytime Calls package, the speed of up to 20Mb, unlimited downloads, ‘n’ class router, no connection fee and an 18-month contract are included. Additionally, all calls to UK landlines are free, as is caller display and voicemail.  The cost of all this is a monthly fee of £10.00 for Orange customers, plus £11.50 for line rental.

Telephone Line

With the Simply Broadband package you use your existing telephone line, so you continue to pay rental to your current provider.  With the other plans, a line rental of £11.50 a month is payable to Orange, meaning you will receive one bill for both your landline and broadband.

Add a Comment

Broadband UK Types

July 6th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment, Mobile Broadband

Although many assume broadband is simply broadband, there are several different types of broadband available in the UK.  Four main types exist: ADSL, cable, satellite and mobile.  All four offer high-speed internet, but cost and availability are the largest differences.

ADSL

ADSL stands for Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line.  ADSL utilizes your existing telephone line for broadband access.  It uses frequencies that are rarely used by your telephone.  A single connection supports both a phone and broadband connection at once.  Currently, almost 80% of UK users have access to this type of connection. The biggest problem with ASDL is download speed is much faster than upload speed.

Cable

Cable utilizes existing cable lines, which are used to provide cable television and phone services.  If you live in an area where cable is available, you can also receive broadband internet through the same provider.  Cable broadband providers usually offer bundle deals with television and phone service.  Typically, this type of connection is only available in large cities.

Satellite

For those who have no other options, such as those in rural areas, satellite provides broadband access via a satellite.  This option is the most expensive option available and requires satellite dish installation.  The biggest benefit is that service is usually available anywhere the broadband provider can find a clear signal.  Heavily wooded areas may be excluded.

Mobile

For users on the go, many cellular providers also offer mobile broadband.  Mobile broadband allows you to connect at a slower speed than regular broadband, but the service is available wherever the cell provider offers coverage.  This allows you to take your internet with you.

Add a Comment

Sky Broadband deals and packages

June 30th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers

About Sky

Sky Broadband aims to offer good value and download speeds up to 20Mb.  There are various broadband options with combinations of TV packages, Sky+ and Sky HD packages, Sky Talk options, and Sky TV customers can obtain discounts.

Packages

The entry-level Sky Broadband Everyday provides a download speed of 20Mb and a monthly limit of 2GB.  The monthly cost is £5.00, but a Sky TV subscription is required.  Setup costs £30.00 for new Sky TV customers joining with a Sky+ box, or £60.00 with a standard Sky box.

The mid-range Sky Broadband Connect offers savings on telephone calls when you also subscribe to Sky Talk.  Customers will enjoy a download speed of 8Mb with a download limit of 40GB for a monthly cost of £19.00.

Sky Broadband Unlimited is for those who want to download large music or video files.  It has a 20Mb download speed and unlimited monthly download allowance.  The setup fee depends on the type of Sky TV option you choose, but the wireless router is free.  Sky Broadband Unlimited offers a very impressive 1.3Mb upload speed.  Monthly cost is £15.00 if you take only broadband, but this is reduced to £10.00 if you take Sky Talk as well.  The minimum tie-in is 12 months.  Line rental is an additional £11.00 a month.

Offers

By ordering your package online, Sky will add enhancements for a limited time.  Among the goodies you might find offered are M&S vouchers, free broadband for Sky TV customers, and free evening and weekend UK landline calls.

Add a Comment

Page 3 of 2612345...1020...Last »