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Wireless Broadband

What is wireless broadband?


Wireless broadband lets you access the internet without wires, provided that you are within a certain radius of your wireless router. It is used mainly for decluttering homes and offices by removing the need for cables, rather than allowing on-the-go access to broadband.


What do I need to go wireless?

All you need is a wireless 'router' - a little box that sits near your phone socket - which you can get from good electrical shops. Alternatively, you might be able to get a free wireless broadband modem from your broadband ISP. There are no wireless broadband providers as such, since any home broadband connection can be made wireless, but certain broadband providers - including AOL and BT Broadband - offer free wireless modems to customers who sign up to their services.


What can it be used for?

Wireless broadband is not just a way of reducing the number of wires you have, it gives you the freedom and comfort to use broadband wherever you want around your home - even in your garden - without being tied to one PC.

PCs, games consoles and handheld devices can all use wireless broadband simultaneously, making it ideal if there are several internet users in your house, because everyone can connect to broadband at the same time via the wireless broadband modem.


Are there any disadvantages?

The downside to having a wireless network that anyone can access is just that - anyone can access it. To prevent criminals or neighbours hacking into your network - or using your wireless broadband for free - you will need to enable the proper security measures to prevent it. This usually involves using a WEP key - a sort of electronic password - to keep your router secure.



15/08/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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