Broadband Guide

So what is broadband and what's all the fuss about?

Broadband is a term given to higher-than-usual bandwidth telecoms connections. The term usually excludes ISDN which, whilst being able to attain high connection speeds, does this through the use of multiple 'channels' (at a significant cost!). Broadband applies to a connection through a single cable or media. Cable modems, ADSL, SDSL, Satellite and some wireless technologies can be included in this. The most common of these now becoming available throughout much of the country is ADSL and this comes in various price bands.

The key features of ADSL are:-

Always connected.
Faster Internet connection.
Fixed price.
Usually a static IP address. (caution here as some providers use 'dynamic' IP addresses which can be a problem if you want incomming VPN connections!)
Faster data transfer in one direction (i.e. asynchronous)

A typical home user or small business network (typically of up to 5 users) can usually be adequately serviced by a 512K connection. This is up to ten times faster than an ordinary modem at downloading data from the internet but only half this speed uploading (256K).

Business users can opt for higher bandwidth (1MB, 2MB etc) but costs rise accordingly and this will be dependant on the abilities of the local exchange and distances involved.

So What's Required?

ADSL uses an ordinary (analogue) telephone line and will not work with ISDN so those users of ISDN or BT's Highway will need to revert to an analogue line (check cost!). Telephone (and fax/modem) services are provided within the same connection and the two signals are separated by use of a 'Microfilter' which must be used on each extension (including those Sky Digital equipment if you're a home user!). These filters typically cost under £10 but are essential to prevent interference and an audible squeal on the telephone. The monthly charge will exclude any calls made through the line other than the permanent Internet connection (i.e. all dialled calls will be chargeable).

A special ADSL modem is required to connect computer equipment and these cost anything from £20. For installations where more than two computers are to use the connection it is necessary to network the computers and use an ADSL router (or for larger installations a Proxy Server). For home and small office use where not more than three PC's are used you can use Internet Connection Sharing but we don't generally recommend this - it can be troublesome and the 'host' PC must always be on.

As with all connections to the Internet a Firewall should be used - either software or hardware (or both!). We recommend a software package called Zone Alarm and a link is provided from the 'Firewall' guide (click link above for this guide). Combination units providing the ADSL Modem, Router, Firewall and Network switch are available for well under £100. For users with a laptop, a wireless version can be a compact and tidy option.

For small businesses that are Internet enabled and use email on a regular basis (particularly if you send/receive large files) ADSL is often the most cost-effective solution.

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