Wireless broadband

Wireless broadband

Let's be honest, no one likes a big mess of wires running along their walls. And with the possible exception of your hi-fi system, it's likely that your PC - and the area where your cable connections come into the house - are the worst of all.

But your internet doesn't have to add to those problems. People used to dial-up or early fixed-line internet connections may be surprised to find out how cheap and easy it can be to upgrade to a wireless broadband set-up.

It has other advantages too, one of the main ones being multi-connectivity. Many people now have several internet-ready devices, such as laptops and game consoles, as well as a PC, dotted around the house. With a wireless broadband connection, you can connect them all at once.

Is wireless broadband like mobile broadband?

The simple answer is no, but there are similarities. Mobile broadband uses a mobile network to connect to the internet - the same as your mobile phone. Wireless broadband uses your fixed-line home broadband signal, but instead of the cable from the wall going straight into your computer, it instead goes into a wireless modem router.

The router then sends the signal around your home or office, so that all machines within its range (that have a wireless adaptor) can pick up the same signal. The range tends to be about 150-300ft (46-92m), but they are password protected so you don't have to worry about your nieghbours using your connection!

How do I make my broadband wireless?

Making your broadband wireless should be a relatively painless process: generally it is as simply as first upgrading your router with a wireless modem router. Then, you need to make sure your computer is set-up and ready to receive a wireless signal. This may mean buying a small piece of computer hardware, called either a wireless card (internal) or adaptor (external, connecting via a USB port). Most laptops already have this technology built in, but it is advisable to check your manual.

Going wireless for free

As wireless broadband technology has become more common, the price of the hardware has dropped dramatically. This has led to some broadband providers giving away wireless modems or routers to new customers to help sweeten the deal.

If you've already been with your provider for the full length of your initial contract it is worth looking into a possible switch anyway. Prices are continuing to drop, speeds are rising and data allowances are improving - you may find you are paying the same as new customers elsewhere but getting a lot less for your money. And you could get a free wireless modem or router into the bargain!

To see what deals are available in your area, simply go to Broadband Genie's home page and enter your postcode (and your phone number for a more accurate result) - don't worry, we won't pass on your information to anyone. This will give you a list of broadband deals available for your home.

Now, look across to the 'extras' column towards the right of the table. This is where you will find goodies such as free calls and free hardware.

What are the disadvantages of wireless broadband?

The biggest cause of complaint with wireless broadband is a weak signal. This can be caused by many things, but the most common is 'noise' between the wireless modem and the computer that is trying to receive the signal. This can often be overcome by keeping the wireless router as far from other electrical devices as possible, especially other wireless ones. Changing the channel the router is transmitting on can also solve this problem.

Difficulties can also arise because of the adaptor you choose. As is so often the case, you tend to get what you pay for: if you pay for a cheap adaptor, and then put your PC a long way from your router, it might not be able to do the job. It is best to seek advise from the store you are buying the adaptor from, or an internet forum, informing them of your personal circumstances and asking whether the adaptor you are planning to buy is fit for purpose.

Finally, it is worth remembering you still have the one wire leaving your home: if you connect multiple devices simultaneously, you may see a serious hit on performance as the devices fight for connection bandwidth, or connection speed.

Is wireless broadband for me?

For multiple connections, as well as general tidiness and flexibility, wireless would seem to be the way to go. If you only have machines near your incoming broadband cables, then it may not be worthwhile. However, it will future-proof your home if you are upgrading your internet package anyway. And it is worth noting the vast majority of wireless broadband modem routers allow for a number of cable connections to run through them too, so you get the best of both worlds. Many wireless routers will take four broadband cables as standard, while the latest models will also take mobile broadband dongles. This means if you have mobile broadband dongle, you can ensure your home set up will stay connected even if your fixed-line connection goes down.

Also, for some internet usage such as gaming and downloading, those cluttered wires will continue to be the method of choice. Where a steady connection is required, a good old fashioned wire is still more likely to keep you hooked up without interruption.

Broadband questions?

Ask the Genie!

Have your say