Broadband Setup

Broadband setup is normally a simple "plug-and-play" operation. As per the diagram below showing an example of broadband setup, there is not much to get your PC connected and ready for high speed broadband internet. All Broadband providers now supply guides on how to get started however here is an overview of what you do.

First, each phone point in your house will need to attach a broadband microfilter. Most Broadband providers will supply 2 microfilters. If you require additional microfilters you can normally order them from the broadband provider. Most computer shops and many places online also supply the filters.

It is important to note that you should put a filter into phone points that are not in use as this can reduce phone interference and prevent loss of connection.

Warning about plug in telephone extension cables

A very common problem arises when you have plug in extension telephone cable running from your master telephone socket to where your laptop or PC is. Commonly people do not connect the filter correctly and put a filter each end of the cable. In this instance you normally filter at the end of the extension near the laptop or PC and leave off a filter on the main telephone socket.

Once your filters are in the next thing to do is to connect your modem or router. You will need to connect the phone lead that is supplied to the filter which is nearest your laptop or PC and the other end will connect to the modem or router.

USB Modem Setup

If your Broadband provider has supplied a USB modem normally you will need to install the modem driver before you physically plug the modem in. Failure to do so may cause failure to connect and for the modem to appear as a device in your device manager which has an exclamation mark next to it. If this happens delete the device and restart you laptop or PC. Then install the provided software and only plug in the modem when prompted.

Once the modem is installed when you connect via the icon which is created by the Broadband providers setup software you will need to input your username and password that has been supplied by the Broadband provider. Your username is normally your new email address.

If no icon appears you can normally get online by just clicking the internet explorer icon which should also prompt you to input a username and password.

If both of the above fail you can setup a manual connection via the network connections option in your Windows control panel. Choose the option "Create a new connection" and follow that through.

If after trying all these things if you are still not online then contact your Broadband suppliers technical support line for further help.

Wireless Heb or Wireless Router Setup

If you have a router then normally you do not need to install any software. When you plug the router into your laptop or PC your internet connection should already be established after the router initialises. Most routers have an auto setup now that will run though a setup process the first time you plug up that will ask you:

1. Country

2. Username and password

3. Whether you want to enable wireless (if included)

4. Put in a Wireless Network Security Key (WEP)

Here are more details on setting up a Wireless Router

Setting up your PCs and Laptops on a Wireless internet connection

To connect to your wireless internet connection on your PCS and Laptops you use around your home or office you will need to do the following:

1. Ensure all PCs and Laptop have wifi enabled. Although most computer today have wifi built in some may not. In this case the easiest thing to do is to buy a usb wifi adaptor. You can pick these up now for about £10.
   
2. You will then need to connect to your wireless internet connection which you can see via the wireless networks in your control panel. You PC or loaptop should list the wireless connections in range and you select your internet connection and click connect. You will normally need to enter the Network Security Key (WEP) in order to establish connection. You only need to do this the first time you connect)