Guide To Wireless Broadband - Part 1 of 7

Wireless broadband has established itself as must-have technology for many broadband internet users. In fact, it is estimated that around 6-7 million homes in the UK alone enjoy wireless access, a number that is growing rapidly as more and more users reap its benefits.

However, just what is wireless broadband? How does it work, what are its pros and its cons and what technology do you need? This guide to wireless broadband will give you the information you need to join the wireless revolution.

Quick Links:

• Part One – What is wireless broadband/wireless networking?
• Part Two – What are the pros and cons of wireless broadband?
• Part Three – How do you set up a wireless connection?
• Part Four – What is Wi-Fi and how does it work?
• Part Five – Wireless broadband jargon buster
• Part Six – Top tips for a better wireless experience
• Part Seven – Where can you get wireless broadband?

What is wireless broadband/wireless networking?

Broadly, when someone talks about ‘wireless’, there are two possible meanings – wireless broadband and wireless networking.

Wireless networking refers to having a ‘wire free’ computer in the house or office linked to a broadband connection. It is a method of linking all of the computers in one area (such as your home) to one internet connection through a wireless network. As the name suggests, by going wireless you do not need to have wires attaching each PC so they can share the internet connection – instead you use a wireless router which sends a signal to each computer using radio waves.

Wireless broadband, although often used as a general term to refer to all aspects of wireless technology and wireless internet, is also used to reference the most recent aspects of broadband technology where you have access to the internet outside your home, such as at Wi-Fi hotspots, using a laptop, or with a mobile phone handset.

For the sake of clarity, we shall refer to all aspects of wireless technology by the generic term ‘wireless broadband’ for the remainder of this guide.

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