One thing for sure is that these days the majority of us require access to broadband, often wireless, on a daily basis. What can be less clear is differentiating between the different types of broadband available.
Adverts and marketing material often bombard us with buzz words and jargon like 4G, fibre optic and more, hence why we are taking this opportunity to detail some of the key differences between the multitude of options now available to the consumer when it comes to wireless broadband.
Put as simply as possible, wireless broadband connects a home or business to the internet using a radio link, which is set up between the customer’s location and the Internet Service Provider’s facility.
Wireless internet was originally used in remote or sparsely populated areas, but is now used practically everywhere to connect us to the internet at all times. It is also becoming the product of choice for many households and businesses due to its convenience and flexibility, while speeds – which are constantly improving – are generally comparable to those achieved with a traditional cable modem.
The most common type of wireless internet used among homeowners and employers is a Wireless Local Area Network, regularly shortened to WLAN, which allows us to access the web from a fixed point over a certain space. WLANs are often referred to as a ‘Wi-Fi’ network - which is, in fact, the brand that markets them.
The principal benefit of wireless broadband – as previously touched upon – is the flexible solution it provides. Being able to access the web from anywhere within your home or office is boosted by additional benefits of no wires (obviously!) and less clutter. What’s more, you can hook up multiple devices to a wireless network, allowing you to check your emails on your smartphone while watching your favourite TV show on your laptop.
A problem often encountered by wireless users is a low signal or lack of range. Certain properties/buildings do have ‘deadspots’ and areas with significantly lower coverage. This can be extremely frustrating and the best way to counter it, short of not using said room or area, is by purchasing a signal booster. These can be homemade however, and we have seen plenty of efforts using cardboard and tin foil to maximise internet signal.
Price comparison website moneysupermarket.com claims that 75% of homes in the UK now have access to wireless internet facilities and of these the majority will be connecting to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless, popularly known as Wireless G/N or Wireless N/AC respectively.
You will receive 2.4GHz or 5GHz through a wireless router- the centre of your internet operation – which will either be a single band router or dual band router. You guessed it, single band routers only offers one of the speeds, while a dual band offers both. Phones, tablets and older computers will most commonly work with a 2.4GHz connection, with 5GHz reserved for the latest gadgets and high power computers. A 5GHz connection is faster, but a 2.4GHz connection provides more than enough to satisfy the majority of web users’ needs.
Two of the buzz phrases you may have heard more often are 3G and 4G. Like 2.4GHz and 5GHz, these are connections speeds but for mobile broadband rather than fixed internet access.
At TenTel we provide our customers with a free wireless router. We also offer TenTel internet customers an exclusive guarantee to beat the big four’s pricesover a six month period as well as no contract and just 30 days notice.
For more information on TenTel’s wireless broadband with no contract, please get in touch on: 03330 112 321 or email: hello@tentel.co.uk.
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