Beginners guide to broadband
This basic broadband guide is designed to introduce you to the world of high-speed internet.
Why broadband?
There's no doubt that broadband can transform the way you connect to the internet. Today, having a broadband connection is seen as the best way of carrying out online tasks in the quickest and most cost-effective way. Broadband has superseded the older method of accessing the internet using a much slower 'dial-up' connection and the benefits are immediately obvious. The great thing about broadband is that it provides you with faster access and an 'always on' connection to the internet from whatever device you want to use including a Windows-style PC, laptop or netbook, an Apple Mac computer or even a games console like the Xbox 360. Once you've hooked up to an available broadband supply you'll have much more control over the content you can access.
A high-speed connection means that you can quickly and easily view and download digital content like movies and music along with carrying out everyday computing chores such as managing email accounts, surfing the web, social networking and anything else that takes your fancy.
ADSL, Cable, Wireless: What does it all mean?
High-speed internet is now widely available across Australia and comes in four basic variations: ADSL, Cable, Naked DSL and wireless.
You'll find that ADSL (or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is often the most common, particularly in larger conurbations where there is an established phone network. Gaining access to the broadband supply via this route means you'll need to connect your computer to the telephone line, via a device called a modem, and there's a wealth of different companies or ISP's (Internet Service Providers) who offer a variety of assorted packages to suit different needs. Some areas are also able to get ADSL2+ and this is a more efficient and often faster variant of the traditional ADSL service. More often than not you'll find that there are competitive deals available for both and these packages will frequently include a telephone service too.
Cable broadband offers a similar style of internet access although its availability often depends on your geographical location. Again, it's commonly found in more heavily populated areas where the demand has been sufficient enough for the ISP offering it to lay a cable network that the supply is subsequently piped through. Cable has a lot of fans because the network is often newer and better able to carry higher volumes of data through it than the older and less efficient copper phone line network used by the ADSL broadband system.
Meanwhile, the other two common broadband internet access options are Naked DSL and Wireless. Naked DSL allows you to have access to the internet, but doesn't come with an active telephone service (unlike ADSL and its variants). However, this isn't a drawback because high-speed internet access allows you to make telephone (and video) calls using the web. This is known as VOIP (or Voice Operated internet Protocol) and can often provide you with a cheap (sometimes free) alternative to a traditional phone. The fact that you're also able to make video calls can transform the way you stay in touch with family, friends and business colleagues.
If you're the sort who needs much more flexibility from your broadband service then the other popular option could be wireless. This is well worth considering if you need to get onto the internet while you're on the move. Wireless broadband often encompasses other variations on this theme, so you might hear it referred to as mobile broadband or 3G broadband. The basic concept of all of these services is that they allow you to gain access to broadband internet but instead of using a fixed cable to carry out the job, the system uses a mobile phone signal instead. This obviously means that you'll still need to ensure that there is a strong enough mobile signal available where you're going but this can be easily determined using the power of a comparison website like this one.
Again, there's a wealth of different mobile broadband packages available and prices are competitive because it's such a growing area. Getting set up for mobile broadband is quick and easy too. All you'll need is a compatible computer or, ideally, laptop. The mobile broadband supply, or signal, is then sent to your selected device via a small device often referred to as a 'dongle' (although sometimes there's a card component inside the computer itself). This dongle generally plugs into an available USB slot on your machine and you can be up and running in mere minutes. Signing up for a monthly plan can mean you'll have an endlessly plentiful broadband supply, while more occasional users can plump for a prepaid option that means you're not tied into any kind of contract or regular monthly payment.
Compare broadband before you buy
While the benefits of high-speed internet access are undisputed, deciding to sign up for broadband (or simply changing ISP or upgrading an existing account) can prove to be a little bewildering for the uninitiated. A website like Broadband Genie can quickly and easily help you through the obstacle course that is the multitude of different services available if you're a consumer in Australia. Of course, in a country as big as this, one of the main factors for helping you reach a conclusion is the availability of the different services outlined above. If you live in a larger conurbation where the population is higher it's likely you'll be more than catered for by one of the many ISP's. If you're in a more remote location then you may well find that options are rather more limited, although this probably explains why wireless and mobile broadband has exploded in popularity of late, as canny Aussie consumers realize the true potential of 'go anywhere' internet access.
Broadband Genie will not only help identify the best options for any geographical location, there are numerous other benefits to be had from using an online broadband comparison website and the most popular one often revolves around cost.
Price comparison
Price is one of the main key factors in deciding which high-speed internet access package to go for and having all these statistics in one handy place makes the selection process all the more easier. You'll be able to ponder over whether or not you want a monthly package or, for more occasional users, something like prepaid wireless broadband can also be highly beneficial because it doesn't tie you in to any kind of contract and you only pay for what you use. There are often one-off and installation fees to consider during the sign-up process and also remember that many packages have minimum contract lengths and there are occasionally charges for leaving a contract early. Again, a comparison website can help you pick through all of the fine print and clarify anything that isn't immediately obvious.
Plan comparison
You'll also need to be mindful of monthly usage limits, or caps, that might form part of the contract, and these can usually be found in the terms and conditions. If you're planning on downloading huge amounts of data including countless movies and TV shows, this sort of capping can prove to be a significant downside. If you think you're going to fall under the 'heavy user' category then make sure that you use the comparison pages to find a package that allows much more freedom, although this can often be reflected in the higher monthly price you'll probably pay. However, most ISP's will generally throw in the equipment you'll need to get up and running with broadband, such as a modem, or router, plus software and instruction manuals. Spend some time checking out reviews of the ISP's you're interested to ensure that they also promise, and indeed deliver, a reasonable level of technical support just in case you become unstuck during installation and set-up or further down the line.
Once you've considered all of the options and have formed a basic idea about what broadband internet package you're after, you should make a final checklist of these factors based on our broadband comparison tables (including fixed-line services and wireless). Then simply hone it all down into a manageable package that'll not only offer reliable high-speed internet access but value for money too.
