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Webspeed Broadband FAQ
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- What is Broadband ADSL?
- Broadband ADSL - How does it work?
- What is "upstream" and "downstream"?
- What do you mean by "contended service" and what is the "contention ratio"?
- What do I need to get online?
- What are the minimum requirements for my PC?
- What are the restriction on my line or telephone number?
- Don’t Throw Away Your Modem!
- How does a microfilter work?
- Where do I need a micro-filters?
- Do I still have to pay BT line rental if I get Broadband ADSL?
- Does Broadband ADSL work with an ISDN line or BT Home/Business Highway?
- Converting from ISDN to ADSL
- Can I order Broadband ADSL if my exchange is not yet enable but has reached its trigger level?
- What Speed do I actually get?
- What speed should I order my Broadband ADSL service?
- What is a Self-Install?
- How does Webspeed Broadband ADSL Self-Installation work?
- If my computer has an "always-on" connection to the Internet, am I vulnerable to hackers or viruses?
- If I install a firewall, am I still vulnerable to attack?
- How many Email addresses do I get?
- Can I network several computers in my house to Webspeed Broadband ADSL Service?
- Home Network Package
- What is the difference between static and dynamic IP addresses?
- Broadband ADSL "No more queuing for your time on-line"
- Reasons to go faster!
- How will I be billed?
- How long is the contract commitment and can I leave within this period?
- Things you should know about comparing Broadband Service!!!
- How do I order/switch to Webspeed Broadband ADSL?
- Testimonial
1. What is Broadband ADSL?
Broadband or ADSL ("Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line") is a type of DSL. It works by splitting your existing telephone line signal into two, one for voice and the other for data. Broadband ADSL technology can work at up to 8Mbps download. The most suitable services for average home in the UK at the moment is the 500 Kb 50:1 service (approx. 10x times faster than a 56k modem), and 2MB for businesses. Upload speeds of 250 Kb is standard, hence this is why it is "asymmetric", because the download speed is different to the upload speed. This makes it particularly suitable for applications where the customer expects to receive more data than they transmit. e.g. Surfing the net, downloading files.
2. Broadband ADSL - How does it work?
Broadband ADSL operates over a standard analogue telephone line. The signal is carried by two DSL modems, one at the user end and one in the local exchange. The modems operate outside the range utilized by the voice calls and can offer much higher data rates than existing voice modems.
A micro-filter, separates the voice signal from the data signal, one at the user end and one at the exchange end. This means that telephone or fax calls can be made at the same time that data is being sent or received.
3. What is "upstream" and "downstream" ?
"Upstream" or "Upload" describes the flow of data from your Computer to the Internet. "Downstream" or "Download" describes the flow of data from the Internet to your Computer. Currently, all Broadband ADSL services have a lower upstream than downstream, regardless of your choice of service, making Broadband ADSL a less suitable choice for customers who wish to serve lots of data to the Internet (such as running an FTP server that other users download large files from externally).
4. What do you mean by "contended service" and what is the "contention ratio"?
Contention means sharing - Broadband ADSL is a contended service provided through BT's network and controlled at the exchange. All Broadband ADSL contended services use shared bandwidth, set by contention ratios. This describes the maximum number of users sharing the bandwidth. A customer with a contention ratio of 50:1 may have to share this bandwidth with up to 49 other users at peak loading. So, if you're the user of a 500 Kb service at a 50:1 contention ratio, you'll at best receive a speed of 500 Kb and at worst a speed of 10 Kb (1/50th of 500 Kb), although this "worst-case" is rare.
The usual Contention Ratio offered by broadband providers is between 50:1 and 20:1. A lower Contention Ratio is likely to give you better performance but it is usually offered at a higher price. Webspeed Business 500-250-20 has a 20:1 Contention Ratio and is ideal for small businesses that use the Internet moderately and require consistent fast download speeds.
5. What do I need to get online?
BT Analogue Telephone Line
Within 3.5km for 1 MB to 2 MB Services or 6 km for 500 Kb Service of a Broadband ADSL enabled exchange (NB This is the length of the line rather than the actual distance from the exchange.) Your line must pass a number of quality tests (Line Length, Line Loss, Capacitance and Whoosh Test) before installation can go ahead.
An Broadband ADSL Modem or Router
USB ADSL Modem - These are currently the most popular modem for connecting a single PC to a Broadband ADSL service. This is largely because they are inexpensive and easy to install. USB modems have a reputation for being slightly heavier on PC resources, and little slower in latency terms (ie a higher ping time - the time it takes for data to reach its destination and return).
PCI Internal Modems - If you don't mind getting the lid off your PC and installing an internal card then a PCI modem could be for you. It will give you the best latency (ping) times of any solution but will require appropriate support for your operating system.
Ethernet/Wireless Routers - Although primarily designed for use with several computers on a local network, modem-routers are finding increasing favour with single computer users as well. This is because a router is independent of your computer(s) and will work with ANY operating system including Windows, NT, MacOS9, MacOSX, Linux, Unix. Modem-routers also offer fast ping times, nearly as good as internal modems and internet access sharing comes as standard, without leaving a PC switched on.
A Microfilter for each Phone Socket
A microfilter is designed to plug into your phone socket (similar to a standard splitter used to connect multiple telephones). Its purpose is to separate voice from data and must be connected to each phone socket that is on the Broadband ADSL enabled line. If you do not have a telephone, fax or any other device which uses the Broadband ADSL enabled phone line, you will not require any additional microfilters. Your Broadband ADSL modem package includes 1 free microfilter.
6. What are the minimum requirements for my PC?
Most computers manufactured in the last two to three years will meet the following specifications. However, it’s important that you check the list below before completing your registration, as we cannot reimburse you if you register and then find out later that your computer is not suitable.
- Pentium 200Mhz
- 64MB RAM
- 16-bit sound card
- Four-speed CD-ROM player
- Video card/display 800 x 600, 256 colours
- 200MB free on hard drive
- Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP
- A spare USB port
Not sure whether your PC meets the minimum requirements?
You can view your PC specifications by following the instructions below:
Pentium 200Mhz/64MB RAM - Right click on the 'My Computer' icon, then left click 'Properties'. Now click on the 'General' tab.
16-bit sound card - Check with your manufacturer or in the documentation supplied with your computer (most recent computers have 16-bit sound).
Video card/display 800 x 600, 256 colours - Left click on your 'Start' menu then highlight 'Settings'. Now click 'Control Panel'. Double click on 'Display' then highlight the 'Settings' tab.
Windows 98, 98SE, ME or 2000 or XP - Right click on the 'My Computer' icon, then left click 'Properties'. Now click on the 'General' tab.
NB - Please ensure you have your original installation CD for your operating system as you may need it to install the broadband modem or router.
200MB free on hard drive - Double click on the 'My Computer' icon, then click on the 'View' menu and click 'Details'. Next to each drive you will now see the amount of free space available.
Four speed CD-ROM player - This comes as standard with most PCs purchased in the last three to four years but please check your manufacturers documents.
USB ports - Most PCs manufactured since 1998 are very likely to have a USB port. USB simply means you can ‘hotswap’ devices using that port without having to re-boot. Have a look at the back of your PC for a rectangular shaped port (this should be labelled ‘USB’) with a symbol like this:
7. What are the restriction on my line or telephone number?
You need a BT analogue PSTN telephone line. However, there are some BT services that may not be compatible with Broadband ADSL Services. You can not activate Broadband ADSL on any line which is running any of the following services:
- Red Care - Installed prior to 31 March 2004
- Subscriber Private Meeting
- 30K loop
- Private circuit - ISDN (incl. Home Highway/Business Highway)
- Copper Wideband Servicing Sections
- CWss 2 or 3 pair
- Featurenet 5000 services
- Private Branch Exchange (PBX) Lines
- DACS - a system that BT uses to split a standard telephone line into two separate lines. This is usually done when there are capacity problems at an exchange. This can be requested to be removed at BT’s discretion. If you have a DACS on your line, if there is spare capacity BT will remove the DACS as part of Broadband ADSL activation process
The connection charge covers the necessary work at your local exchange to connect your analogue PSTN line to the National Broadband ADSL Network.
8. Don’t Throw Away Your Modem!
Broadband devices typically only give you access to the Internet. You will need to keep your analogue modem if you send/receive faxes from your PC. Also if the ADSL network goes down you can still get on line using our backup dialup service.
9. How does a microfilter work?
A microfilter works by taking the combined telephone/ADSL signal and splitting it into two different signals.
The telephone plug on your microfilter is designed to limit the frequencies your phone is able to use. Although you would never normally use the frequencies outside this range, actions such as picking up the receiver can generate frequencies outside normal voice range. Without the filter, you will hear "noise", and voice interference would corrupt data within the ADSL frequency band.
The second socket is the ADSL socket, this is essentially the raw signal, i.e. unfiltered, so an ADSL modem will see the high frequencies, but can just discard the normal voice frequencies.
10. Where do I need a microfilter
You will need to put a microfilter on any telephone socket that a telephone, fax or other device is connected when the line has been activate for Broadband ADSL.
Walk around your house or office and count how phones are plugged into the sockets (on the Broadband ADSL activated line) and order the same number of microfilters. Simply unplug each phone, plug them into the microfilter and reconnect to the phone line.
11. Do I still have to pay BT line rental if I get Broadband ADSL?
Yes. You will still need to pay BT's Line Rental for the supply of the line as well as any voice or fax call charges.
12. Does Broadband ADSL work with an ISDN line or BT Home/Business Highway?
No. BT ADSL enabled exchanges only use a normal analogue PSTN lines. If you wish to convert your ISDN line you will need to contact BT first, to convert your ISDN line back to an analogue PSTN line. When you have an analogue PSTN line you can then order a Broadband ADSL service for that line.
13. Converting from ISDN to ADSL
If you wish to convert from ISDN to ADSL you will first need to contact BT and request that they convert your ISDN line to an analogue PSTN line.
Once you have placed the request for conversion, BT will carry out the necessary line test and advise you of the result. If the line test is okay, they will arrange for an engineer to visit and to carry out the conversion, an engineer’s visit is required for all ISDN to ADSL conversions.
If your line can be successfully upgraded to Broadband ADSL, you will retain just one telephone number for your voice and Broadband ADSL service. All other numbers associated with your current ISDN service will be ceased therefore you will need to advise BT which number you wish to retain. There is a charge imposed by BT of £42.55* plus VAT that applies to business and residential customers. (* Price current at time of publication).
You can place an order for Webspeed Broadband ADSL before converting your ISDN Line but the order will not be processed until we receive confirmation from you of the telephone number and that the conversion is complete.
14. Can I order Broadband ADSL if my exchange is not yet enable but has reached its trigger level?
YES. Webspeed can accept your order but service can only commence once the exchange is activated. You will only be charged once service on the exchange commences.
15. What Speed do I actually get?
Quoted download speeds are based on all technologies working at optimum speed. Bearing in mind contention ratios - A customer with a contention ratio of 50:1 may have to share this bandwidth with up to 49 other users at peak loading. So, if you're the user of a 500 Kb service at a 50:1 contention ratio, you'll at best receive a speed of 500 Kb and at worst a speed of 10 Kb (1/50th of 500 Kb), although this "worst-case" is rare. Other factors may affect the speed including network congestion, the speed a web site can support the amount of traffic accessing it and content caching can cause quoted download times to vary. Comparisons are made to traditional 56Kb dial-up services.
All download Speeds are quoted on this site are rounded down to the nearest 50 eg the 500 Kb Service is 512 Kb and the 2 MB Service is 2048 Kb.
16. What speed should I order my Broadband ADSL service?
The majority of home users order a 500 Kb Broadband ADSL service. Unless you have a specific need for speed, it's unlikely you'll need anything faster at present. If you're not worried about cost, or wish to download large files a little quicker, 1 MB or 2 MB services should be considered.
Many businesses of up to 5 employees operate quite happily on 500 Kb service with an Ethernet router. Most businesses would benefit from a 1 or 2 MB service depending upon the number of users and the nature of their business.
As more users nationally use Broadband ADSL, contention ratios will become more of an issue, so ordering a lower contention ratio service will give a consistently better service.
17. What is a Self-Install?
Self Install - During the activation phase, you'll never see an engineer (unless there is a specific problem with your telephone line). Shortly after placing an order, you will be assigned an activation date, assuming your line passes the required tests (Line Length, Line Loss, Capacitance and Whoosh Test). Once you have been informed that your line has been activated, you should be able to install your ADSL Router/modem software on your computer and connect using the microfilter provided, to the internet using the name and password supplied in your Connection Settings Letter.
18. How does Webspeed Broadband ADSL Self-Installation work?
Webspeed will provide you with the hardware, software and technical support necessary to get online. Once we have confirmation of your Broadband ADSL line activation date, we will send you a Webspeed Installation Kit, which contains the hardware you will need to self-install your Webspeed Broadband ADSL Service. The Installation Kit is accompanied by a QuickStart Instructions and CD which will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to plug micro filters into your phone jack; install your modem; and, operate/run your Broadband ADSL software.
19. If my computer has an "always-on" connection to the Internet, am I vulnerable to hackers or viruses ?
Anytime your computer is connected to the Internet it is vulnerable to hackers. It does not matter if your connection is always-on or dial-up. The main difference in vulnerability is the length of the exposure. Always-on connections provide a conduit to the Internet that is a two-way street, allowing hackers to exploit the connection and potentially access your system if it is not protected by a firewall. The longer your computer has uninterrupted access to the Internet, the longer it is vulnerable to a potential hacker.
Note: If you download anything or receive e-mails, you are also vulnerable to viruses, worms and trojans. Your connection type does not affect this vulnerability.
To keep your computer fully protected against viruses and hackers you will need the following security measures:
- E-mail bourn viruses - Anti-virus software or Anti-Virus & Anti-spam e-mial Filter Service (eg Webspeed Anti-virus & Anti-spam e-mail Filter)
- Hackers - Firewall
- Downloaded Viruses (files / programs downloaded from the web) - Anti-virus software
20. If I install a firewall, am I still vulnerable to attack?
Installing a firewall reduces, but does not eliminate the probability of being successfully attacked.
NB Firewall software: Great care should be taken with the installation of any firewall software as incorrectly configured firewalls can leave your computer vulnerable to attack.
If you do not have any Firewall Software we recommend that you download Zone Alarm a Free Basic Firewall Software.
21. How many E-mail addresses do I get?
You will receive 5 free e-mail addresses as part of your Webspeed Broadband ADSL Service. If you require additional e-mail addresses they are available in blocks of 5. You also receive up to 100 Mb of Personal Web Space.
22. Can I network several computers in my house to Webspeed Broadband ADSL Service?
Yes. Using a Networking Router you can connect up to four computers to Webspeed Broadband ADSL Service.
Webspeed Broadband ADSL Technical Help Desk only supports the installation of equipment supplied by Webspeed, but does not support the setup of a computer networks unless purchased as a package from Webspeed and only supports the setup of one computer per Broadband ADSL Line unless contracted.
23. Home Network Package
Overview
An Ethernet Hub provides a connection between two or more computers, allowing them to exchange information and share printers and internet connections.
The ADSL router allows your home network to share your Broadband ADSL connection, using a technology called NAT - "Network Address Translation" all the computer in your home network can connect to the internet simultaneously. Additionally NAT naturally acts as a rudimentary firewall by masking the true IP address of the computers connected to your home network - thus helping to keep your systems safe from hackers.
Security: Basic NAT is not a real firewall?
Basic NAT devices are not real firewalls, but combined with ZoneAlarm they are usually considered ‘good enough’ for most home networks. By not forwarding requests or probes that originate from the internet to your LAN, a NAT device blocks most mischief. A simple NAT device can not keep hackers from running DOS (Denial Of Service) attacks on you, but individuals rarely get attacked like that. It will keep out people looking for file shares, rogue mail servers and web servers, and most port based exploits. Most also protect against SMURF and WinNuke attacks. With a NAT device and a good anti-virus program, you should be safe from the most common kinds of internet attacks.
24. What is the difference between static and dynamic IP addresses?
Computers use IP addresses to locate and talk to each other on the Internet, much the same way people use phone numbers to locate and talk to one another on the telephone.
When the Internet was first conceived, the developers didn't foresee the need for an unlimited number of IP addresses. Consequently, there are not enough IP numbers to go around.
To get around the problem, Internet Service Providers, temporarily assign you an IP address from a pool of IP addresses. The temporary IP address is called a dynamic IP address. This number will be different each time you connect to the Internet.
A static IP is a number that is assigned to you by Webspeed to be your permanent address on the Internet. This number will not change as long as you are with Webspeed.
Why is a static IP a good idea? Your IP address is always the same allowing you to set up your own server. For example, this means that you could run your own SMTP mail server for your company.
25. Broadband ADSL "No more queuing for your time on-line"
With Broadband ADSL, you can talk on the phone and access the Internet at the same, and with a router, and an Ethernet hub you can network all your home computers using a single Broadband ADSL line so Dad can watch sports clips, Mum can track her portfolio, and the kids can do their homework without waiting for their turn to get online.
26. Reasons to go faster!
With the high-speed capacity of Webspeed Broadband ADSL Service, the Internet will become a powerful resource you can use to save time and increase efficiency in the office or bring you a whole new world of entertainment at home.
- Faster downloads mean more research, more entertainment, and more e-mailing at the touch of a button.
- Send & receive large files
- Video Conferencing
- Learn with on-line interactive training
- Downloading music files with ease
- Faster response time - Get that hot auction item by placing a last-minute bid
- Send videos, and photos to your family and friends
- Check out all the weekend's sports clips in seconds, not minutes
- Watch all the movie trailers you want
- Experience the intensity of the latest online games
27. How will I be billed?
You will be invoiced quarterly in advance from the date when BT activate Broadband ADSL on your line.
The first invoice includes the monthly recurring charge for Webspeed Broadband ADSL Service, Webspeed additional services, the Connection charge and the Cost of any hardware ordered. Future Invoices will only include the monthly recurring charge for your Broadband ADSL Services and Webspeed additional services eg Family Filter Broadband.
Late Payment: An administration charge of £2.00 will be added to any over due accounts.
28. How long is the contract commitment and can I leave within this period?
Webspeed’s standard contract term is 12 months. If you select to terminate your Webspeed service within this period, you will be liable for the full rental value of the remaining contract period. However, if you move to another Webspeed service within the 12 months, a new 12 month contract would be initiated replacing the present one. In so doing, your liability would only be a exit fee of £58.75 (inc VAT) and a reconnection fee.
29. Things you should know about comparing Broadband Service!!!
Some of the tricks to be aware of when comparing services are:
- Download Limites eg 1 GB per month - To give you an idea Yahoo's home page is about 75 Kb, An MP3 song is about 4 MB, the same song in wav format is about 40 MB, a full length movie can be 800 MB to 1000 MB that’s 1 GB
- Usage-based charging if you exceed a certain download limit
- Not so Broad Broadband - is the speed you are paying for consistent!
- Premium rate support lines at anything from 50 ppm
- Blocked Game Ports - you will not be able to play online games
- Does not support VPN - you will not be able to work from home and login to your companies secure network.
- High install rates
- High Contention Ratios as high as 250:1
30. How do I order/switch to Webspeed Broadband ADSL?
Ordering or Switching to Webspeed Broadband ADSL is easy just follow these steps
Step 1. Check Availability
If you don't already have Broadband ADSL you will need to check availability. Enter your BT phone number into our checker:
Availability Checker
Step 2. Sign up
To order Webspeed’s Broadband ADSL Service. Just Click below:
ORDER NOW
NB. Enter a valid current e-mail address. This will be used to keep you up to date with the progress of your order and the proposed activation date. If you have ordered hardware from Webspeed this will be dispatched to reach you before this date. You will also receive an INSTALLATION KIT which includes a self installation guides and all your account details.
Step 3. Activation
Once your Broadband ADSL service is activated follow the easy to use self installation instructions received in your INSTALLATION KIT.
Step 4. Ready to go
Testimonial
Webspeed has supplied me with a reliable, affordable service with total commitment customer care for 7 years.
Webspeed provide me with a stable and reliable BROADBAND service with high quality added features such as - email filtering services to keep out the ever increasing flow of spam and viruses.
They are able to offer technical expertise with flexible business solutions to problems.
Webspeed have been providing me for the last XX months with their excellent email filtering services to keep out the ever increasing flow of spam and viruses, saving my company hours of time and money.
Webspeed Broadband ADSL Technical Help does not support the setup of a computer network and only supports the setup of one computer per Broadband ADSL Line unless contracted.
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