Broadband Questions

What is broadband?
Broadband is the generic name used to describe a high-speed digital internet connection. It has a higher bandwidth (usually between 1Mbps and 24Mbps) than a standard dial-up connection (56Kbps), allowing more information to be transmitted quicker and easier.

What is ADSL?
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is the most common type of broadband and makes use of the standard telephone line supplied via BT to the majority of homes in the UK . By converting your analogue line to a digital line the capacity of your line can be used to make calls and send data at high speed simultaneously.
The reason why two speeds are given by providers (upstream and downstream) is because the line is ‘asymmetric’, which basically means that data is reaching your computer faster than it is leaving it.

What equipment do I need?
Most broadband providers will offer you a modem, micro filters and the installation software to get started. In most cases this is free of charge but some companies may charge for this. If you choose to, you can purchase these items from any good high street retailer but we recommend that you use the YourHomeBills.com broadband calculator to find details about the equipment included in each package available.

What computer specifications do I need?
We recommend that you check with your ISPs requirements but if you have an operating system such as Windows XP or 2000 then setting up should be relatively simple. A standard minimum requirement is:

• CD-ROM drive

• Pentium II 200 Mhz or above

• 64 MB RAM

• 200 MB of available hard disk space

• a spare USB port (for standard USB modems)

• Win 98 and above or Mac OS 8 and above

Are there any specifications differences for MACs and PCs?
Broadband suppliers will have their own specifications and settings when it comes to supporting broadband. We recommend that you view the individual supplier specifications as listed in the table of results.

Do I need a BT phone line to use broadband?
Most broadband providers will make use of ADSL and require a BT line to support it. However, if you choose a cable supplier then you will not require a BT line.

Do I need a second line to use broadband?
You will not need a second BT line to support broadband. The main benefit of ADSL is that is can be used on the same line as your calls.

What is a modem?
A modem provides your computer with its connection to the broadband internet service that runs on your line. There are various types of modem but basically they connect to your computer either via an Ethernet or a USB connection.

What is a router?
A router provides allows several computers to share a connection to the internet simultaneously on the same line. These devices often makes use of an ADSL modem and provide features, such as a firewall, and will connect via your computer’s Ethernet port.

What is a Wireless router?
A wireless internet router is almost identical to a standard router (as above) but it allows you to connect devices to it without the need for wires. You can use devices such as PCs, laptops or PDAs from anywhere within reach of the wireless internet access point. A wireless router often uses ADSL technology and provides features such as a firewall and will connect via your computer’s Ethernet port.

Do I get an email address?
Most suppliers will provide you with a new email address or have a system to allow you to retain your exiting email address.

What is downloading?
When you use the internet your computer is continually receiving information via the internet connection. This could be information related to the web pages you are visiting, any files you are downloading, a link that you have clicked on or an email that you are sending which has an attachment.

Does broadband make downloading faster?
The good news is that broadband increases the rate at which data can be transferred from the internet to your computer, meaning you can download almost anything you want from audio files, video clips, graphics and software. You should always check the copyright law regarding the content you are downloading to ensure you aren't downloading material that is copyrighted or illegal in its nature.

Are there any restrictions on downloading?
Most broadband providers apply a restriction to your broadband connection to 'cap' the amount of data you can download in any given month. They may also restrict the amount of time you spend online each month. Suppliers will usually provide you with a reminder when you are approaching your limit or have exceeded it - if you do this regularly it may be worth upgrading to a package with a higher download limit at a slightly higher cost. It's always best to check the details of the download restrictions for individual packages as these tend to vary from supplier to supplier.

Typical Usage:
surfing the net: 10MB per hour
receiving & downloading emails: 250kB per email
music tracks: 5MB per track
minutes of video clips: 6MB per minute
hours of online gaming: 25MB per hour
hours listening to online radio: 26MB per hour
number of internet phone calls: 45MB per hour
program & security updates: 40MB