Wi-Fi (wireless) broadband

Wi-Fi technology is simply the means of allowing several computers to share one common internet connection and do so without the use of additional cabling or expensive equipment.

Wi-Fi can be used both in your home, when you are traveling by using hot spots and by subscribing to a wireless broadband provider.

At home
Wi-Fi can help you share broadband connections in your home. All you need to do is purchase wireless equipment for your computer and to connect to it. Once set up you will be able to connect to the internet from anywhere in your home, so you are not tied to the location of your phone point.

Hotspots for Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi hotspots are designed to help you connect to the internet while you are on the move. Hotspots are available on many trains, coffee bars, pubs, restaurants and shops. To connect just take a laptop or any wireless device and connect to the internet from within these locations.

Wireless broadband providers
Wireless providers have set up transmitters in public areas so all a customer does is set up a receiver in their home and then they can actually browse the web freely and without the need of any other cables or equipment.

Broadband packages are able to support wireless technology; you just need to ensure you have the correct equipment, as you need more than a standard broadband modem. You will need:

1. A wireless network card for your PC (usually costing around £15 upwards, and available from your local high street)
2. A wireless modem/router, this will plug into the phone line that has the broadband activated upon it (usually costing about £35 upwards, and available from either the high street or your broadband provider)
3. A broadband connection with a service provider

Please note although a provider does not offer wireless equipment with a broadband package, does not mean it cannot be used with wireless. It just means you will need to buy the necessary equipment yourself.

Wi-Fi hotspots allow you to connect your laptop wirelessly and browse on the net. Such ‘hotspots’ are provided by companies such as T-Mobile and a company known as ‘The Cloud’. You usually pay a subscription fee to the wireless provider and you can then browse the net at hotspots. It is important to know that this method bypasses your existing internet connection and you use the hotspot provider as your internet service provider.