What is an ISP?

An ISP is an INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER. These are the people that provide you with your internet connect. There are many different ISP's that offer different types of internet plans and types so before singing up with anyone its important to know what type of internet is best for you.

Dial Up Internet

Dial up internet is very slow and out dated. You can accsess the internet by dialing up you isp. You require a dial up modem and can not be on the phone at the same time. Most areas in Australia have accsess to DLS or Broadband internet these days so you are better off with a faster connection for realativly the same price.

Broadband or ADLS

Most of the ISP's in Australia offer broadband now so its just a matter of finding the right plan. ADSL is a lot faster then dial up internet and you can use your land line at the same time. You do need a land line in order to connect to Broadband and will need to purchase a router or modem and a filter in order to use your phone while on the internet. Most ISP's can help you acquire the appropriate hardware needed. In fact it is better to buy the hardware needed from the ISP you choose as technical support is sometimes only offered on their recommended hardware

There are to types of broadband in Australia at the moment, Broadband 1 and Broadband 2.

Broadband 1

Broadband 1 is slower then broadband 2. The speeds range from 256kb per second to 1500kb per second. You can use a ADSL 1 or ADSL 2 modem or router with Broadband 1. Most ISP's offer broadband 1 and it generally takes 3 to 8 days to get connected.

Broadband 2

Broadband 2 is a lot faster then broadband 1 but is not available in all regional areas at the moment. You can only use a broadband 2 modem or router but still need a filter on your telephone line in order to be on the phone at the same time.

Broadband 2 speeds range from 1500kb per second to 8 MB per second.

Cable Internet

Cable internet is generally as fast as ADLS 1 and 2. You do not need a modem or router with cable internet but the set up cost is usually quite expensive and you generally have to sign quit a long contract when signing up.

Wireless Vrs LAN

Wireless

If you live in or close to a city and use a laptop then wireless internet may be the right choice for you. The signal in or close to cities is usually very good and it means that you can access the internet from a number of locations on a number of systems without cables.

Wireless signals does not travel very well through concrete so when setting up your wireless modem it is important to make sure the wireless range reaches all areas of your home where you wish to use the internet.

LAN

LAN stands for LOCAL AREA NETWORK. You can assess the internet by running a network cable from your computer to the router. You can usually connect 4 different systems to a router, depending on the amount of port available on that router.

when using cabling you generally get a more consistent connection and better download speeds but are always limited to where the cable reaches.

If you are going to set up a LAN then you should first consider were you will most likely be using your computer. If you feel you would like to run more then 1 computer or use your laptop in different rooms then it is possible to install network points around your home. These points look like phone outlets and will need to be run to your router.