ONE Blog

Welcome to the ONE Blog, where we bring you regular news and articles about the web, mobile devices, mobile phones and more.

This week we’re discussing Wireless Internet.

Of the many ways to connect to the internet, wireless is certainly the most convenient, but often one of the most confusing things for many people to understand, because there are so many different forms of “wireless” access.

We’ve listed some of the current wireless technologies available, and discuss them below.

• Mobile Broadband
• Wireless Access Points
• Wireless Internet using WiMax
• Satellite Internet Access

Mobile Broadband

Mobile Broadband is fast becoming one of the most popular forms of Internet access in the world, and for a good reason:

Mobile Broadband runs over the mobile phone network, and is available in most places you can pick up a mobile signal. As it uses the mobile network, you can take your internet with you wherever you go (provided there is coverage from your provider).

You may see people tweeting away on their mobiles or reading news on the bus on their Blackberry, iPhone , iPad or Netbook PC, but this technology is not exclusively for mobile devices, and many people use mobile broadband on their laptop or desktop computer at home because it is generally cheaper and more convenient than fixed line technologies.

Mobile Broadband Services offered by ONE cover up to 95% of the Australian Population on the Optus Mobile Network, and speeds can reach up to 3.6 Megabits per second.

Benefits:

• You can take the internet with you and use it in most places.
• Mobile Broadband can be cheaper than fixed broadband.

Disadvantages:

• Often the usage limits on a mobile service are much lower than a fixed line connection, and the mobile service is not as fast as ADSL2+.
• The service isn’t available in all areas, and can be degraded if there are a lot of other users on the network, or if you don’t have good signal strength (just like a mobile phone).

ONE has Mobile Broadband Services starting at $10.00 per month. See our website for more details.

Wireless Access Points

Wireless access points are wireless networks made available from a wireless router. A wireless, or “WiFi” enabled router is a device that lets you connect multiple computers wirelessly to your fixed line cable or ADSL broadband connection.

You may be most familiar with this type of technology that is offered in Cafes for customers to use whilst enjoying their morning breakfast for example.

Having a wireless router or access point in the home has many benefits, especially if you have a laptop in the house, as you have the convenience of picking up your laptop, and browsing the web whilst enjoying a cup of coffee on the patio.

Similarly, if you were working in an office with wireless, you can pick up your laptop and run to that meeting without trying to find a port or struggle with cables.

Connecting your Smartphone or WiFi-enabled mobile device to your Wireless router also adds the benefit of browsing the web without using up your mobile data charges.

Benefits:

• Fast access to the internet using your fixed line service
• Use your laptop or wireless enabled device anywhere in your home
• The hardware is usually quite cheap, and access to fixed-line broadband is often cheaper than mobile broadband.

Disadvantages:

• The service can’t be used when you’re away from your access point
• There is a risk of unauthorised access to your home/office network by intruders if you don’t have your wireless router properly secured.

ONE can supply ADSL modems with built in wireless routers to new and existing customers at very competitive prices. Call us on 1800 222 256, and enquire about purchasing an ADSL Modem with built in wireless, and we’ll pre-configure it, so you can just plug it in and enjoy.

Wireless Broadband using WiMax

WiMax works by the access provider positioning microwave towers in densely populated areas, and the subscriber using a “wireless modem” to connect to the towers.

Given the cost and complexity of deployment, such WiMax services are generally only available in capital cities, and are generally fixed to a single location, meaning you can only use the service in your home or office, as opposed to the roaming nature of a Mobile Broadband Service.

Benefits:

• Doesn’t require a fixed phone line, thus eliminating line rental costs
• Provides you an alternative if you live in a metro area, but cannot get ADSL broadband

Disadvantages:

• Service can be expensive, often with lower download quotas
• Service is fixed rather than mobile
• Coverage can be poor, particularly on hillsides or in valleys
• The modem is usually provider-specific, so if you want to change providers at the end of your contract, you’re stuck with a useless modem.

ONE does not currently supply any WiMax products.

Satellite Broadband

Satellite Broadband is a technology that is most prominent in rural areas of Australia.

The service works by affixing a satellite dish to your roof, and it receives signal from satellites in orbit above the earth. Download speeds can range from 256K to 1024K depending on the provider.

Benefits:

• Provide fast downloads when no other form of broadband access is available.

Disadvantages:

• Expensive to install, and requires a satellite dish to be attached to your house

ONE does not provide Satellite Broadband services, however we have a variety of Mobile Broadband services available to up-to 95% of the population. See our Broadband Coverage Checker to see if you can receive Mobile Broadband from ONE.

Should you have any queries regarding broadband or wireless access, call today and speak to a ONE consultant. Phone: 1800 222 256