Broadband is a high-speed, always-on internet connection. This means you will have a permanent connection to the internet, without needing to dial up, or log off once you're finished. The speed of broadband is a many more times faster than dial up, and it takes significantly less time to download emails, images, video and audio files to your computer. Webpages load much faster, and you can access a host of services on the internet, from television to radio stations across the world.
Benefits of Broadband
- You save time not having to dial up and log on, and you never have to redial due to lost signals.
- You can contact friends, relatives or colleagues via email or instant messaging... anyone you like, anywhere in the world, whenever you choose.
- No longer will the internet experience be slow and frustrating. Enjoy the internet as it was meant to be, with even image-rich and complex websites loading virtually instantly. You'll find surfing a pleasure, rather than a chore.
- Tranferring files is fast and efficient (no lost connections making this a painless experience).
- Video clips download in minutes, rather than hours.
- Plug in your internet-enabled games console (e.g. Microsoft XBox 360, Playstation 3 or Wii) to play anyone in the world, over the internet.
- Listen to radio stations from around the world (or around the corner), or watch specially created television for the internet.
- Work from home with high-speed access to your business network (requires access to be granted from your business network. Talk to your IT Department for further information).
What is Wireless Broadband?
Wireless broadband is the same as standard broadband in terms of performance, but works without your PC or laptop being connected to the router. Instead, the signal is sent wirelessly to the computer, allowing you to use the internet anywhere in your home. This also means than more than one computer can use the same internet connection.
How does it work?
The internet signal comes in from your phone line to the router (also known as a modem), which then sends the signal wirelessly to any computer within range (usually up to 100m, although factors such as the thickness of your walls will affect this).
I need additional hardware to run broadband wirelessly?
Firstly you will need a wireless router or modem. These are inexpensive, and can be purchased from any computer hardware shop. Alternatively, of course, you could order one from Perlico! Additionally, in order for a PC or laptop to pick up this signal, it will need either a built-in wireless receiver (which nearly all modern computers have), or you can plug a USB key into any spare USB slot on your computer, which will perform the same job. These can be purchased from any computer hardware shop, including Perlico (just add it to your broadband order!)
Is wireless broadband more expensive?
Not at all, in fact wireless broadband costs exactly the same as wired broadband. And when you buy a wireless modem when ordering Perlico broadband, we don't even charge you a broadband connection fee!
How secure is wireless broadband?
All wireless routers come with the facility to set up a WEP key, which is a string of letters and numbers which your PC or laptop must enter upon first connection (the information is then stored, so you will not need to enter it again on that computer), without which no computer can access your wireless signal. This key uses 128bit encryption, and is very secure. For further information about how to set this up, please consult the wireless router manual
Can I access my email with wireless broadband?
You can! With wireless broadband you can do everything you can do with traditional wired broadband, but with the freedom to access the internet from multiple computers, anywhere in the house.