Broadband - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ'S)
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With many UK households upgrading to broadband or switching broadband providers, we've listed below the most frequently asked questions we've received from our readers, together with our answers.
What Is Broadband?
Broadband is the term used to describe a connection to the Internet via a phone line, cable, wireless or satellite that works at high speeds because of its greater bandwidth. The amount of data that can be transferred over a connection at any one time is known as its bandwidth and is measured in kilobytes or megabytes per second.How Does Broadband Work?
Broadband connects you to the internet at a higher bandwidth speed meaning most websites appear at least 40 times faster than via a traditional ‘dial-up’ modem. For a standard dial up connection through a phone line the bandwidth can be up to 56 kilobits per second (56kbps), for a broadband connection it is normally at least 2Mb and can be up to 24Mb. With broadband you do not need to worry about dialling up or disconnecting after set periods of time as it is always on. Unlike dial-up internet, you are also able to make normal telephone calls whilst using broadband. As the connection is always open, it only uses a certain part of the signal that then leaves space for voice calls.How Do I Get Broadband?
All broadband services require you to choose an internet service provider (known as an ISP) that offers a broadband service in your area and a new high speed modem or wireless router for your computer.What Is ADSL Broadband?
ADSL stands for asymmetric digital subscriber line and is the most popular type of broadband in the UK as it covers nearly 99% of the population. Using a high speed modem or router supplied by your ISP, ADSL broadband is sent through your existing BT telephone line. It uses newly developed technology which packs more information into the signal and thus enables you to make and receive telephone calls whilst surfing the web.There are many internet service providers that offer ADSL broadband via your BT telephone line including TalkTalk, BT, AOL and Pipex. You can read our review of their latest packages by clicking the respective link.
Its worth noting that when you receive your starter pack from your chosen ADSL supplier, it will include a set of microfilters. These help prevent the ADSL signal from causing interference with your normal telephone calls. Simply fit them to all your telephone sockets as per your ISP's instructions.
What Is Cable Broadband?
If you have access to cable television in your area through a cable operator like Virgin Media, then you can probably connect to high speed internet using the same line as your digital TV and telephone. The cable itself is made up of a bundle of optical fibres which can carry many times more information than a telephone line and over longer distances, without the signal quality decreasing. Cable is currently available to nearly 55% of the UK's population.A special cable modem is usually required for cable internet access. This is connected, along with your cable TV box, to a cable coming into your home. This is usually installed for free by a cable ISP engineer, though sometimes there is a nominal charge of say £25.
You can read our review on Virgin Media cable broadband by clicking the respective link.
What Is Wireless Broadband?
Wireless means that with your laptop you can access your broadband internet connection around the house. Using your ADSL or cable broadband connection, together with a wireless router, you can surf the web using your laptop around the house or even in the garden.What Is Mobile Broadband?
Mobile broadband gives you fast access to the internet using your laptop from everywhere you have 3G mobile phone coverage - you'll also need a USB modem supplied by your mobile ISP. This means you can use your broadband wherever you want it as opposed to fixed line home broadband or wireless hotspots. There are many suppliers that offer mobile broadband services including 3, T-Mobile, and Vodafone. You can read our review of their latest packages by clicking the respective link.Like this page? Email it to a friend
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