Guide to Broadband Hardware - Part 5 of 5

Earlier in this guide to broadband hardware, we examined the essentials of broadband – modems, routers and adaptors. However, there are also a number of additional accessories that can allow you to gain even more from your broadband experience and we’ll take a look at these below.

Broadband accessories and extras

Here are some of the additional accessories that could help you get more from your broadband:

• Bluetooth products – Establishes links between other Bluetooth products such as mobile phones and handsets. It gives you the freedom to move around without wired connections.
• Broadband phones – The device with which you will receive your reduced cost phone calls over the internet.
• Microphones – Used to chat over the internet in association with instant messaging services.
• Security gateways – It is vital to secure your internet connection against external attacks. With a broadband connection you are always online, and without suitable security in place, such as a firewall, you are under constant threat. Most security packages are available as software – anti-virus, spyware/adware protection – however, there are now dedicated firewalls available which will provide a level of security your router simply cannot supply. Popular manufacturers in this area include Cisco.
• Skype phones - One of the original VoIP phones.
• VoIP routers – With a VoIP router you can make calls over the internet at a reduced cost, and very often for free. It works by allowing you to make calls over your high speed internet connection – it converts your phone calls into data which shoots through your connection and comes out at the other end just like a normal phone call. There is no noticeable difference. Consequently, you get reduced charges for both local and long distance calls and there is normally an extensive list of additional features including three-way calling, call waiting, voicemail, etc. Popular VoIP services in the UK include Skype and Vonage.
• Webcams – Used predominantly in line with instant messaging devices to show yourself to the person you are chatting to. With a high speed internet connection your camera should move at a faster speed and most instant messaging services now offer a video calling option where you can see and chat to your buddies online using a webcam and microphone.

Hopefully by reading this broadband hardware guide you now feel well-equipped and know exactly what you need to make your broadband connection work for you. Remember to use our broadband comparison tool to compare broadband packages, and check out our broadband guides section for more information and useful tips.