1

Can I use a fax machine over a broadband-enabled line?

Yes. DSL technology splits the line into a data and a voice channel so you can be online and still make and take calls or send and receive faxes. A fax machine plugged into your broadband line must use a micro-filter or splitter.

2

Can I use broadband when I am away from my phone line?

You can use broadband anywhere within range in your home or workplace if you have set up a wireless Local Area Network (LAN). You can also use wireless broadband (Wi-Fi) services outside the home or office at a large number of public hotspots - if you have a notebook PC, PDA or other device with a wireless networking card.

3

Do I need a modem or a router?

A modem is suitable for connecting a single PC to a broadband line. A router is a modem that is capable of switching access between two or more computers. If you want to set up a Local Area Network (LAN) in your home or workplace so that several PCs can share the broadband connection, you will need a router. If you intend to set up a wireless LAN you will need a wireless router.

4

What is bandwidth and what do different broadband speeds mean?

Broadband speeds or 'bandwidth' indicates how much digital information in the form of binary digits, bits can be received over the line. Speed and bandwidth are measured in thousands (kilobits) or millions (megabits) of bits per second and are commonly shown as K, Kbps or Kbit/s and M, Mbps or Mbit/s.

Different speeds suit different purposes. Live action audio and video requires much greater bandwidth to be received as intended than downloading static documents from a website. Broadband is widely offered at peak speeds of 512K ('half a meg', the most common choice for home and small business use), 1024K (1M) and 2048K (2M).

Find out more about broadband technology.

5

What should I do about maintaining my security and privacy?

With an always on connection, it is important to minimise the possibility of any external interference with your computer and systems. You should expect to include a firewall (hardware and/or software-based) and virus protection among the precautions you take. Your service provider will advise you on appropriate levels of security.

6

What is networking and can I share a broadband connection between different computers?

To connect two or more PCs in your home or workplace to share a broadband line you need to create a Local Area Network (LAN). The PCs on a LAN can be plugged together with cables or send information via radio signals within your premises wirelessly. You can network your PCs and share the broadband connection as long as each PC meets the minimum requirements for broadband and you have a set up a LAN using a router.

7

What is wireless networking?

To connect two or more PCs in your home or workplace to share a broadband line you need to create a Local Area Network (LAN). The PCs on a LAN can be plugged together with cables or send information via radio signals within your premises wirelessly. To set up a LAN you will need a router a modem capable of switching access between two or more computers. For a wireless networking solution you will need a special router and to check that it uses the same wireless networking standard as your PCs.

Did you mean What is wireless broadband?

Did you mean What is Wi-Fi broadband?