- What is broadband?
- Are there different types of broadband?
- What's all this about contention ratios?
- What things should I consider when choosing a broadband package?
- What do I need to set up Broadband?
- Is installation of broadband hard?
- What is wireless connection?
1. What is broadband?
Put simply, broadband refers to any fast internet connection. There are also a few other features that make it better than normal dial up connection. Here is a quick breakdown:
Fast connection
Broadband can be anything for 10 to 150 times faster than a normal dial up internet service. Speed is measured in kilobits per second and the provider will always quote the maximum download speed. Speed may be slower at busier times but will always be loads quicker than dial up speeds.
Flat rate and constantly on
Unlike the old "dial up" connection, when you pay for broadband you pay for a flat fee per month. This means that you can stay on the internet as long as you like!
Your phone line is freed up for calls
Broadband doesn't clog up your phone line. This means that youre able to make and receive calls at the same time as using the internet.
New content
Because your connection speed will be that much quicker you will be able do stuff that you previously were unable to do like listen to radio, view videos and loads more.
2. Are there different types of broadband?
Yes there are but they all do the same thing – they provide you with high speed internet. There are 4 types. Here is a brief explanation of them. If you want to find out what type of broadband you can get, providers will be able to tell you as will this site. Or visit www.samknows.com, a not-for-profit website aimed at bringing UK broadband availability information to anyone interested.
ADSL (Asymmetric digital subscriber line)
This is by far the most common form of broadband. It runs over the existing BT landline and is easy to install. If your provider uses ADSL, they will probably send you some ‘filters' that you will need to plug into your existing phone sockets so that you can still use your phone when the internet is on. They'll also give you a modem or a router that connects to the filter and then to your computer and also a CD so that you computer can figure out that it is going to be using broadband. About 85% of the country can get ADSL.
Cable
Cable internet uses the high-capacity pay television infrastructures to deliver fast, two-way internet access to areas covered by the rollout. This means that it does not come via your phone line. Cable operators (like NTL or Telewest) have their own wires. Cable is a great idea if you are thinking of getting a package that will include TV channels as well. About 50% of the country can get cable.
Satellite
Available to most of the UK satellite offers a one way or two way option. One way is cheaper but has limitations sending out information and will rely on your dial up connection for this. Two way is more expensive but has faster links in both directions.
LLU (Local Loop Unbundling)
LLU allows providers to supply broadband via your telephone line but without using the BT exchange. This makes little or no difference to the quality of your broadband connection. LLU may require that service providers does your phones as well as your internet.
3. What's all this about contention ratios?
Put simply, the bandwidth contention ratio tells you how many people you are sharing your bandwidth with. Bandwidth refers to how much information (like email and files etc) can be transferred thorough your internet connection over a given time period. The more people share your bandwidth, the slower your connection speed.
Commonly, you'll be sharing your bandwidth with people who live or work nearby. An average ratio is 1:50 meaning that you will be sharing your bandwidth with 49 other users.
So, if you have a 4MB connection, if everyone is using it at the same time, your speed will be 1/50th of 4MB. However, of course it's highly unlikely that this will happen, but always bear in mind the contention ratio when choosing a connection – a 2MB line with a 1:20 contention ratio may well work out faster than a 4MB line with a 1:50 contention ratio
4. What things should I consider when choosing a broadband package?
What is the general cost?
Broadband alone starts at around £10 per month in some areas and can go up to as much as £50 a month for connections that will have a higher speed. However, often broadband deals come in packages which may include free calls or television channels. Most packages are now below £20 per month.
Availability
You'll need to check who is available in your area. The supplier's website will be able to tell you if they are available in your area by typing in a postcode or telephone number.
What speed do I need?
This consideration is becoming less important as broadband connections get faster. Speeds generally vary between 512Kb (the slowest) and 24 Mb (fastest). Most connections are 1 or 8 Mb which will be fine for the average user. The difference that a faster connection would make would only be noticed if you are downloading lots of large files (like MP3s and videos).
How much download limit should I have?
As with price your download limit varies greatly from package to package. This is important because every time that you download an email, image, music or video file of any kind you will use up what is known as bandwidth which is measured in gigabytyes (referred to as GB).
How long is a contract?
Many ISPs (internet service providers) will insist on a 12 month contract. Some of the smaller ones will offer monthly contracts. You're likely to have to give a 30 day notice. Some providers even offer a pay-as-you-go service now.
What else will be in the package?
More and more providers are now adding other services into the package such as free evening and weekend calls. Some of the cable companies are also able to provide TV packages. It's up to you to decide what you want.
What about help if things go wrong?
After sales service is an important consideration that some people over look. Different companies vary in the quality of service that they supply and we recommend that you look into this yourself. Some have free phone 24 hour service and some just have an email address. Not very good if you can't get on line to write the email!
A good tip is to phone their customer services before you buy and find out how long it takes to be put through to the right person.
Will my email address change?
If you have a web based email address like a hotmail one then it won't be. If your address is provided by your existing package (e.g. yourname@pipex.co.uk) then it will be so you need to inform everyone of your new address.
5. What do I need to set up Broadband?
Set up costs
The cost to connect generally consists of the monthly fee of the contract and a set up cost. This set up cost usually consists of supplying you with some type of modem and maybe a new phone line if you need it which an engineer would have to set up. However, because the broadband market is such a competitive one most providers won't charge for this set up fee.
A computer
A PC or a Mac will do. Most computers nowadays will be compatible with broadband. If your computer is over 7 years there's a small chance it won't. If you are in any doubt your prospective provider would be able to tell you if it's ok.
A Phone Line
This will be fine for about 85% of homes in the UK. If you want to check what types of broadband are available to you go to www.samknows.com/broadband/checker2.php.
A Broadband Modem
You'll need a broadband modem which is different to a dial up one. Usually the provider will supply one to you but if they don't and you need to get one there are three main types:
- PCI ADSL Modem - the cheapest. Needs to be installed into the inside of your computer so requires a little techy know how
- USB ADSL Modem - the easiest and most popular. You will need to plug in via your USB port on your computer and then install via a CD Rom. A lot of providers will give this to you for free.
- Wireless Router. Connected to your phone line the wireless router then transmits a signal which is received by your computer (via an adapter or network card).
If you are buying a router or a modem make sure that it is compatible with the provider that you wish to go with. For example AOL is not compatible with all routers.
An ISP (Internet Service Provider)
You'll have a wide choice particularly if (like most homes) your phone exchange is ADSL enabled. Pick one according to what you want. Many offer packages that include other stuff like TV or free calls. This site is designed to help you make that decision.
6. Is installation of broadband hard?
No. The provider will tend to do all the hard work for you. Just arrange a convenient time for them to pop around. You'll also get a CD with easy instructions. Some providers will also offer an installation service where the engineer will do all this for you. Also bear in mind that you may have to wait a while (this could be several weeks or months even) for your provider to install your connection. Always make sure you check this before you buy.
7. What is a wireless connection?
Wireless broadband refers to a type of installation available that does not need a wire connected between your computer and the modem. This means that if you have a laptop for example, you would be able to move about your house or garden or anywhere within range. Your computer would need to have a wireless card put in it if it did not have one already.
A wireless router also allows you to have more than one computer connected to the same modem. This is very useful if you wanted to start your own home or office network