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More and more people are opting for the freedom of wireless broadband, but what does going wireless actually mean?
There are two basic types of wireless connection to the internet, the first being through a wireless router, modem or gateway that is plugged into a fixed phone line or cable, and the second being a direct wireless connection with your ISP network, which works a little bit like your mobile phone.
The first option offers you the freedom to connect to your broadband from anywhere in the vicinity of your wireless router without running cables all over your house or office, and you can have several different users accessing the same broadband connection at the same time.
This is a great option for families and small businesses, as it saves those family arguments over whose turn it is to be online, and allows everyone in the office open lines of communication via the net.
The greatest setback of this kind of wireless system is the limited speed and bandwidth, 56Mbps is about as good as it gets.
This is fine for general surfing and chatting, sending and receiving emails and even playing some internet based games, but not so good for any sizable uploads or downloads, or games that require larger bandwidth.
The closer you are to your wireless router the better and faster your connection, but it will always be limited compared to a direct cable connection.
There are some gateways that allow both wireless and cable connections, and this gives you the option of greater speed and bandwidth for at least one computer if required.
A direct wireless connection to your ISP network allows you more freedom again, with wireless signal available across about ninety percent of Australia.
Again your proximity to the tower plays a large role in the quality of your signal and the speed of your connection. The closer you are the better and faster your connection will be.
This system is the obvious choice for anyone who travels throughout Australia, ideally wherever you lay your hat, you can connect to your wireless broadband.
The biggest disadvantages to using this system would have to be those dead pockets that make up the ten percent or so of Australia where you cannot get wireless signal, and those places where the signal is somewhat unreliable.
If you have problems with maintaining a good connection on your mobile phone in any particular place, chances are that your wireless broadband will also waver or drop out on you there.
The odds are in favour of you getting a good connection though, and it’s usually more than enough for general surfing, chatting and emailing usage.
New desktop PCs, laptops and notebooks are being made with internal wireless cards, but if you have an older model that you wish to convert there are many wireless cards and even USB wireless adapters available.
Have a chat with your local Computer Tech, or even your ISP about the best options for your system.
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