Frequently Asked Questions
A wireless LAN transceiver or "base station" that can connect a wired LAN to one or many wireless devices. Access points can also bridge to each other.
There are various types of access points, also referred to as base stations, used in both wireless and wired networks. These include bridges, hubs, switches, routers and gateways.
The differences between them are not always precise, because certain capabilities associated with one can also be added to another. For example, a router can do bridging, and a hub may also be a switch. But they are all involved in making sure data is transferred from one location to another.
A bridge connects devices that all use the same kind of protocol. A router can connect networks that use differing protocols. It also reads the addresses included in the packets and routes them to the appropriate computer station, working with any other routers in the network to choose the best path to send the packets on.
A wireless hub or access point adds a few capabilities such as roaming and provides a network connection to a variety of clients, but it does not allocate bandwidth.
A switch is a hub that has extra intelligence: It can read the address of a packet and send it to the appropriate computer station. A wireless gateway is an access point that provides additional capabilities such as NAT routing, DHCP, firewalls, security, etc.
Back to top
A client setting that provides independent peer-to-peer connectivity in a wireless LAN. An alternative set-up is one where PCs communicate with each other through an AP. See access point and Infrastructure mode
Back to top
A symmetric 128-bit block data encryption technique developed by Belgian cryptographers Joan Daemen and Vincent Rijmen. The U.S government adopted the algorithm as its encryption technique in October 2000, replacing the DES encryption it used. AES works at multiple network layers simultaneously.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the U.S. Department of Commerce selected the algorithm, called Rijndael (pronounced Rhine Dahl or Rain Doll), out of a group of five algorithms under consideration, including one called MARS from a large research team at IBM.
AES replaced WEP as a WLAN encryption method in 2003
Back to top
The amount of transmission capacity that is available on a network at any point in time. Available bandwidth depends on several variables such as the rate of data transmission speed between networked devices, network overhead, number of users, and the type of device used to connect PCs to a network.
It is similar to a pipeline in that capacity is determined by size: the wider the pipe, the more water can flow through it; the more bandwidth a network provides, the more data can flow through it. Standard 802.11b provides a bandwidth of 11 Mbps; 802.11a and 802.11g provide a bandwidth of 54 Mbps.
Back to top
A measure of data transmission speed over communication lines based on the number of bits that can be sent or received per second.
Bits per second—bps—is often confused with bytes per second—Bps. While "bits" is a measure of transmission speed, "bytes" is a measure of storage capability.
8 bits make a byte, so if a wireless network is operating at a bandwidth of 11 megabits per second (11 Mbps or 11 Mbits/sec), it is sending data at 1.375 megabytes per second (1.375 Mbps).
Back to top
A technology specification for linking portable computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and mobile phones for short-range transmission of voice and data across a global radio frequency band without the need for cables or wires.
Bluetooth is a frequency-hopping technology in the 2.4 GHz frequency spectrum, with a range of 30 feet and up to 11Mbps raw data throughput.
Back to top
A product that connects a local area network (LAN) to another local area network that uses the same protocol (for example, wireless, Ethernet or token ring). Wireless bridges are commonly used to link buildings in campuses.
Back to top
Any computer connected to a network that requests services (files, print capability) from another member of the network. Clients are end users.
Wi-Fi client devices include PC Cards that slide into laptop computers, mini-PCI modules embedded in laptop computers and mobile computing devices, as well as USB and PCI/ISA bus Wi-Fi radios.
Client devices usually communicate with hub devices like access points and gateways.
Back to top
A network node characteristic for proactively detecting that it can transmit a signal without risking a collision, thereby ensuring a more reliable connection.
Back to top
A special cable used for networking two computers without the use of a hub. Crossover cables may also be required for connecting a cable or DSL modem to a wireless gateway or access point.
Instead of the signals transferring in parallel paths from one set of plugs to another, the signals "crossover." If an eight-wire cable was being used, for instance, the signal would start on pin one at one end of the cable and end up on pin eight at the other end. They "cross-over" from one side to the other.
Back to top
CSMA/CA is the principle medium access method employed by IEEE 802.11 WLANs. It is a "listen before talk": method of minimizing (but not eliminating) collisions caused by simultaneous transmission by multiple radios.
IEEE 802.11 states collision avoidance method rather than collision detection must be used, because the standard employs half duplex radios—radios capable of transmission or reception—but not both simultaneously.
Unlike conventional wired Ethernet nodes, a WLAN station cannot detect a collision while transmitting. If a collision occurs, the transmitting station will not receive an ACKnowledge packet from the intended receive station. For this reason, ACK packets have a higher priority than all other network traffic.
After completion of a data transmission, the receive station will begin transmission of the ACK packet before any other node can begin transmitting a new data packet. All other stations must wait a longer pseudo randomized period of time before transmitting.
If an ACK packet is not received, the transmitting station will wait for a subsequent opportunity to retry transmission
Back to top
A method of managing traffic and reducing noise on an Ethernet network. A network device transmits data after detecting that a channel is available.
However, if two devices transmit data simultaneously, the sending devices detect a collision and retransmit after a random time delay.
Back to top
A utility that enables a server to dynamically assign IP addresses from a predefined list and limit their time of use so that they can be reassigned.
Without DHCP, an IT Manager would have to manually enter in all the IP addresses of all the computers on the network. When DHCP is used, whenever a computer logs onto the network, it automatically gets an IP address assigned to it.
Back to top
A type of antenna system that uses two antennas to maximize reception and transmission quality and reduce interference
Back to top
A program that translates URLs to IP addresses by accessing a database maintained on a collection of Internet servers. The program works behind the scenes to facilitate surfing the Web with alpha versus numeric addresses.
A DNS server converts a name like mywebsite.com to a series of numbers like 101.20.01.88. Every website has its own specific IP address on the Internet
Back to top
An alphanumeric (letters and/or numbers) series that enables data to be encrypted and then decrypted so it can be safely shared among members of a network. WEP uses an encryption key that automatically encrypts outgoing wireless data.
On the receiving side, the same encryption key enables the computer to automatically decrypt the information so it can be read.
Back to top
To improve data encryption, Wi-Fi Protected Access utilizes its Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP).
TKIP provides important data encryption enhancements including a per-packet key mixing function, a message integrity check (MIC) named Michael, an extended initialization vector (IV) with sequencing rules, and a re-keying mechanism.
Through these enhancements, TKIP addresses all WEP known vulnerabilities.
Back to top
The identifying name of an 802.11 wireless network. When you specify your correct ESSID in your client setup you ensure that you connect to your wireless network rather than another network in range. (See SSID.)
The ESSID can be called by different terms, such as Network Name, Preferred Network, SSID or Wireless LAN Service Area.
Back to top
International standard networking technology for wired implementations. Basic 10BaseT networks offer a bandwidth of about 10 Mbps. Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) are becoming popular.
Back to top
A system that secures a network and prevents access by unauthorized users. Firewalls can be software, hardware or a combination of both. Firewalls can prevent unrestricted access into a network, as well as restrict data from flowing out of a network
Back to top
In the wireless world, a gateway is an access point with additional software capabilities such as providing NAT and DHCP. Gateways may also provide VPN support, roaming, firewalls, various levels of security, etc.
Back to top
A place where you can access Wi-Fi service. This can be for free or for a fee. HotSpots can be inside a coffeeshop, airport lounge, train station, convention centre, hotel or any other public meeting area.
Back to top
A multiport device used to connect PCs to a network via Ethernet cabling or via Wi-Fi. Wired hubs can have numerous ports and can transmit data at speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to multigigabyte speeds per second.
A hub transmits packets it receives to all the connected ports. A small wired hub may only connect 4 computers; a large hub can connect 48 or more. Wireless hubs can connect hundreds.
Back to top
The international unit for measuring frequency, equivalent to the older unit of cycles per second. One megahertz (MHz) is one million hertz. One gigahertz (GHz) is one billion hertz.
Back to top
A membership business (www.ieee.org) that includes engineers, scientists and students in electronics and allied fields.
It has more than 300,000 members and is involved with setting standards for computers and communications.
Back to top
A set of specifications for LANs from The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Most wired networks conform to 802.3, the specification for CSMA/CD based Ethernet networks or 802.5, the specification for token ring networks.
802.11 defines the standard for wireless LANs encompassing three incompatible technologies: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) and Infrared.
WECA’s (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance – now Wi-Fi Alliance) focus is on 802.11b, an 11 Mbps high-rate DSSS standard for wireless networks.
Back to top
A client setting providing connectivity to an access point (AP). As compared to Ad-Hoc mode, whereby PCs communicate directly with each other, clients set in Infrastructure Mode all pass data through a central AP.
The AP not only mediates wireless network traffic in the immediate neighbourhood, but also provides communication with the wired network. See Ad-Hoc and AP.
Back to top
A 32-bit number that identifies each sender or receiver of information that is sent across the Internet.
An IP address has two parts: an identifier of a particular network on the Internet and an identifier of the particular device (which can be a server or a workstation) within that network.
Back to top
A network model developed by the International Standards Business (ISO) that consists of seven different levels, or layers.
By standardizing these layers, and the interfaces in between, different portions of a given protocol can be modified or changed as technologies advance or systems requirements are altered. The seven layers are:
- Physical
- Data Link
- Network
- Transport
- Session
- Presentation
- Application
The IEEE 802.11 Standard encompasses the physical layer (PHY) and the lower portion of the data link layer. The lower portion of the data link layer is often referred to as the Medium Access Controller (MAC) sublayer.
Back to top
Every wireless 802.11 device has its own specific MAC address hard-coded into it. This unique identifier can be used to provide security for wireless networks.
When a network uses a MAC table, only the 802.11 radios that have had their MAC addresses added to that network's MAC table will be able to get onto the network.
Back to top
Also called mesh topology, mesh is a network topology in which devices are connected with many redundant interconnections between network nodes. In a full mesh topology every node has a connection to every other node in the network. Mesh networks may be wired or wireless.
In a wireless mesh example, each of the spheres below represent a mesh router. Corporate servers and printers may be shared by attaching to each mesh router. For wireless access to the mesh, an access point must be attached to any one of the mesh routers.
Back to top
A network capability that enables a houseful of computers to dynamically share a single incoming IP address from a dial-up, cable or xDSL connection. NAT takes the single incoming IP address and creates new IP address for each client computer on the network.
Back to top
Identifies the wireless network for all the shared components. During the installation process for most wireless networks, you need to enter the network name or SSID. Different network names are used when setting up your individual computer, wired network or workgroup.
Back to top
A type of PC adapter card that either works without wires (Wi-Fi) or attaches to a network cable to provide twoway communication between the computer and network devices such as a hub or switch.
Most office wired NICs operate at 10 Mbps (Ethernet), 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) or 10/100 Mbps dual speed. High-speed Gigabit and 10 Gigabit NIC cards are also available. See PC Card
Back to top
A type of PC adapter card that either works without wires (Wi-Fi) or attaches to a network cable to provide twoway communication between the computer and network devices such as a hub or switch.
Most office wired NICs operate at 10 Mbps (Ethernet), 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) or 10/100 Mbps dual speed. High-speed Gigabit and 10 Gigabit NIC cards are also available. See PC Card.
Back to top
A removable, credit-card-sized memory or I/O (input/output) device that fits into a Type 2 PCMCIA standard slot, PC Cards are used primarily in PCs, portable computers, PDAs and laptops.
PC Card peripherals include Wi-Fi cards, memory cards, modems, NICs, hard drives, etc.
Back to top
A high-performance I/O computer bus used internally on most computers. Other bus types include ISA and AGP.
PCIs and other computer buses enable the addition of internal cards that provide services and features not supported by the motherboard or other connectors.
Back to top
A wireless or wired computer network that has no server or central hub or router.
All the networked PCs are equally able to act as a network server or client, and each client computer can talk to all the other wireless computers without having to go through an access point or hub.
However, since there is no central base station to monitor traffic or provide Internet access, the various signals can collide with each other, reducing overall performance.
Back to top
The lowest layer within the OSI Network Model. It deals primarily with transmission of the raw bit stream over the PHYsical transport medium. In the case of wireless LANs, the transport medium is free space.
The PHY defines parameters such as data rates, modulation method, signalling parameters, transmitter/receiver synchronization, etc. Within an actual radio implementation, the PHY corresponds to the radio front end and baseband signal processing sections.
Back to top
A computer system feature that provides for automatic configuration of add-ons and peripheral devices such as wireless PC Cards, printers, scanners and multimedia devices.
Back to top
Used in larger companies and business to improve network operations and security, a proxy server is able to prevent direct communication between two or more networks.
The proxy server forwards allowable data requests to remote servers and/or responds to data requests directly from stored remote server data
Back to top
The distance away from your access point that your wireless network can reach. Most Wi-Fi systems will provide a range of a hundred feet or more. Depending on the environment and the type of antenna used, Wi-Fi signals can have a range of up to mile
Back to top
A wireless device that connects multiple PCs, peripherals and the Internet on a home network. Most Wi-Fi residential gateways provide DHCP and NAT as well
Back to top
Standard connectors used in Ethernet networks. Even though they look very similar to standard RJ-11 telephone connectors, RJ-45 connectors can have up to eight wires, whereas telephone connectors have only four.
Back to top
Moving seamlessly from one AP coverage area to another with your laptop or desktop with no loss in connectivity.
Back to top
"Rogue AP" is a term used to describe an unauthorized access point that is connected on the main home or business network or operating in a stand-alone mode (in a parking lot or in a neighbour’s building).
Rogue APs, by definition, are not under the management of network administrators and do not conform to network security policies and may present a severe security risk. Ideally, it is best to have some type of WLAN system that does not allow rogue access points to easily be added to an existing WLAN.
Back to top
A device that forwards data packets from one local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) to another. Based on routing tables and routing protocols, routers can read the network address in each transmitted frame and make a decision on how to send it via the most efficient route based on traffic load, line costs, speed, bad
connections, etc.
Back to top
A wireless high-speed Internet connection provided by satellites. Some satellite broadband connections are two way— up and down. Others are one-way, with the satellite providing a high-speed downlink and then using a dialup telephone connection or other land-based system for the uplink to the Internet.
Back to top
A computer that provides its resources to other computers and devices on a network. These include print servers, Internet servers and data servers. A server can also be combined with a hub or router.
Back to top
The process whereby a wireless network installer inspects a location prior to putting in a wireless network. Site surveys are used to identify the radio- and client-use properties of a facility so that access points can be optimally placed.
Back to top
A 32-character unique identifier attached to the header of packets sent over a WLAN that acts as a password when a mobile device tries to connect to the BSS. (Also called ESSID.)
The SSID differentiates one WLAN from another, so all access points and all devices attempting to connect to a specific WLAN must use the same SSID.
A device will not be permitted to join the BSS unless it can provide the unique SSID. Because an SSID can be sniffed in plain text from a packet, it does not supply any security to the network. An SSID is also referred to as a Network Name because essentially it is a name that identifies a wireless network.
Back to top
Commonly used encryption scheme used by many online retail and banking sites to protect the financial integrity of transactions.
When an SSL session begins, the server sends its public key to the browser.
The browser then sends a randomly generated secret key back to the server in order to have a secret key exchange for that session.
Back to top
Found in larger networks, these smaller networks are used to simplify addressing between numerous computers. Subnets connect to the central network through a router, hub or gateway. Each individual wireless LAN will probably use the same subnet for all the local computers it talks to.
Back to top
A type of hub that efficiently controls the way multiple devices use the same network so that each can operate at optimal performance. A switch acts as a networks traffic cop: rather than transmitting all the packets it receives to all ports as a hub does, a switch transmits packets to only the receiving port.
Back to top
A protocol used along with the Internet Protocol (IP) to send data in the form of individual units (called packets) between computers over the Internet.
While IP takes care of handling the actual delivery of the data, TCP takes care of keeping track of the packets that a message is divided into for efficient routing through the Internet.
For example, when a web page is downloaded from a web server, the TCP program layer in that server divides the file into packets, numbers the packets, and then forwards them individually to the IP program layer.
Although each packet has the same destination IP address, it may get routed differently through the network. At the other end, TCP reassembles the individual packets and waits until they have all arrived to forward them as a single file.
Back to top
The underlying technology behind the Internet and communications between computers in a network. The first part, TCP, is the transport part, which matches the size of the messages on either end and guarantees that the correct message has been received.
The IP part is the user's computer address on a network. Every computer in a TCP/IP network has its own IP address that is either dynamically assigned at start up or permanently assigned.
All TCP/IP messages contain the address of the destination network as well as the address of the destination station. This enables TCP/IP messages to be transmitted to multiple networks (subnets) within an business or worldwide
Back to top
A security feature that is a WEP enhancement: Temporal Key Integrity Protocol and Message Integrity Check (MIC) is a modification of WEP to defend against known attacks (WEP+ four patches for key mixing, message integrity, rekeying, initialization vector protection)
Back to top
A high-speed serial connection between a PC and a peripheral that transmits data at the rate of 12 megabits per second.
The new USB 2.0 specification provides a data rate of up to 480 Mbps, compared to standard USB at only 12 Mbps. 1394, FireWire and iLink all provide a bandwidth of up to 400 Mbps.
Back to top
WEP has almost no user authentication mechanism. To strengthen user authentication, Wi-Fi Protected Access implements 802.1x and the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). Together, these implementations provide a framework for strong user authentication.
This framework utilizes a central authentication server, such as RADIUS, to authenticate each user on the network before they join it, and also employs "mutual authentication" so that the wireless user doesn’t accidentally join a rogue network that might steal its network credentials.
Back to top
Voice transmission using Internet Protocol to create digital packets distributed over the Internet. VoIP can be less expensive than voice transmission using standard analog packets over POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service). This has taken off massively since the start of 2004.
Back to top
A type of technology designed to increase the security of information transferred over the Internet. VPN can work with either wired or wireless networks, as well as with dial-up connections over POTS.
VPN creates a private encrypted tunnel from the end user's computer, through the local wireless network, through the Internet, all the way to the corporate servers and database.
Back to top
The act of making chalk marks on outdoor surfaces (walls, sidewalks, buildings, sign posts, trees) to indicate the existence of an open wireless network connection, usually offering an Internet connection so that others can benefit from the free wireless access.
The open connections typically come from the access points of wireless networks located within buildings to serve enterprises. The chalk symbols indicate the type of access point that is available at that specific spot.
There are three basic designs that are currently used: a pair of back-to-back semicircles, which denotes an open node; a closed circle, which denotes a closed node; a closed circle with a “W” inside, which denotes a node equipped with WEP.
Warchalkers also draw identifiers above the symbols to indicate the password that can be used to access the node, which can easily be obtained with sniffer software
Back to top
War driving is the act of locating and possibly exploiting connections to wireless local area networks while driving around a city or elsewhere. To do war driving, you need a vehicle, a computer (which can be a laptop), a wireless Ethernet card set to work in promiscuous mode, and some kind of an antenna which can be mounted on top of or positioned inside the car.
Because a wireless LAN may have a range that extends beyond an office building, an outside user may be able to intrude into the network, obtain a free Internet connection, and possibly gain access to company records and other resources.
Some people have made a sport out of war driving, in part to demonstrate the ease with which wireless LANs can be compromised. With an omnidirectional antenna and a geophysical positioning system (GPS), the war driver can systematically map the locations of 802.11b wireless access points.
Back to top
Basic wireless security provided by Wi-Fi. In some instances, WEP may be all a home or small-business user needs to protect wireless data.
WEP is available in 40-bit (also called 64-bit), or in 108-bit (also called 128-bit) encryption modes.
As 108-bit encryption provides a longer algorithm that takes longer to decode, it can provide better security than basic 40-bit (64-bit) encryption.
Back to top
This is the name of the IEEE Task Group dedicated to standardizing WLAN security. The 802.11i Security has a frame work based on RSN (Robust Security Mechanism). RSN consists of two parts: 1) The Data Privacy Mechanism and 2) Security Association Management.
The Data Privacy Mechanism supports two proposed schemes: TKIP and AES. TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity) is a short-term solution that defines software patches to WEP to provide a minimally adequate level of data privacy. AES or AES-OCB (Advanced Encryption Standard and Offset Codebook) is a robust data privacy scheme and is a longer-term solution.
Security Association Management is addressed by a) RSN Negotiation Procedures, b) IEEE 802.1x Authentication and c) IEEE 802.1x Key management.
The standards are being defined to naturally co-exist with pre-RSN networks that are currently deployed.
Back to top
Formed in Oct 2003 IEEE official task group referred to as: 802.11n or "TGn" for the 100 Mbps wireless physical layer standard protocol. Current published ratification date is December 2005.It is expected to use both the 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies.
Back to top
The Wi-Fi Alliance is a non profit international association formed in 1999 to certify interoperability of wireless
Local Area Network products based on IEEE 802.11 specifications. Currently the Wi-Fi Alliance has 193 member companies from around the world, and over 700 products have received Wi-Fi certification since certification began in March of 2000.
The goal of the Wi-Fi Alliance's members is to enhance the user experience through product interoperability (www.weca.net).
Back to top
WPA is a security technology for wireless networks that improves on the authentication and encryption features of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). In fact, WPA was developed by the networking industry in response to the shortcomings of WEP.
One of the key technologies behind WPA is the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). TKIP addresses the encryption weaknesses of WEP. Another key component of WPA is built-in authentication that WEP does not offer.
With this feature, WPA provides roughly comparable security to VPN tunnelling with WEP, with the benefit of easier administration and use. This is similar to 802.1x support and requires a RADIUS server in order to implement. The Wi-Fi Alliance will call this, 'WPA-Enterprise.'
One variation of WPA is called WPA Pre Shared Key or WPA-PSK for short - this provides an authentication alternative to an expensive RADIUS server. WPA-PSK is a simplified but still powerful form of WPA most suitable for home Wi-Fi networking.
To use WPA-PSK, a person sets a static key or "password" as with WEP.
But, using TKIP, WPA-PSK automatically changes the keys at a preset time interval, making it much more difficult for hackers to find and exploit them. The Wi-Fi Alliance willl call this, 'WPA-Personal.
Back to top
Wi-Fi Protected Access effectively addresses the WLAN security requirements for business and provides a strong encryption and authentication solution prior to the ratification of the IEEE 802.11i standard.
In an enterprise with IT resources, Wi-Fi Protected Access should be used in conjunction with an authentication server such as RADIUS to provide centralized access control and management.
With this implementation in place, the need for addon solutions such as VPNs may be eliminated, at least for the express purpose of securing the wireless link in a network.
Back to top
In a home or Small Office/ Home Office (SOHO) environment, where there are no central authentication servers or EAP framework, Wi-Fi Protected Access runs in a special home mode.
This mode, also called Pre-Shared Key (PSK), allows the use of manually-entered keys or passwords and is designed to be easy to set up for the home user. All the home user needs to do is enter a password (also called a master key) in their access point or home wireless gateway and each PC that is on the Wi-Fi wireless network.
Wi-Fi Protected Access takes over automatically from that point. First, the password allows only devices with a matching password to join the network, which keeps out eavesdroppers and other unauthorized users. Second, the password automatically kicks off the TKIP encryption process, described above.
Back to top
In a large network with many clients, a likely scenario is that access points will be upgraded before all the Wi-Fi clients. Some access points may operate in a "mixed mode", which supports both clients running Wi-Fi Protected Access and clients running original WEP security.
While useful for transition, the net effect of supporting both types of client devices is that security will operate at the less secure level (WEP), common to all the devices.
Therefore, business will benefit by accelerating the move to Wi-Fi Protected Access for all Wi-Fi clients and access points.
Back to top
The intrinsic encryption and authentication schemes defined in Wi-Fi Protected Access may also prove useful for Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) offering Wi-Fi public access in "hot spots" where secure transmission and authentication is particularly important to users unknown to each other.
The authentication capability defined in the specification enables a secure access control mechanism for the service providers and for mobile users not utilizing VPN connections.
Back to top
Wireless Networking refers to the infrastructure enabling the transmission of wireless signals. A network ties things together and enables resource sharing. This is becoming the most popular method of connecting devices around the office and home.
Back to top
Also referred to as LAN. A type of local-area network that uses wireless or high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate between nodes.
Back to top
You can play the new Xbox 360 via your wireless connection, it offers high-definition graphics, multimedia functionality and a dramatically different online plan.
The new Xbox 360 packs a powerful technological punch, with an advanced IBM Power-PC processor and next generation ATI graphics chip.
The xbox once again features a hard drive for users to store saved games, music and more. This time, the drive will be 20GB (versus the current 8GB drive on the Xbox).
It is detachable, allowing users to take their data to friends' houses, and upgradable.
The system will support both wired and wireless controllers - and comes wi-fi ready, allowing users to connect wirelessly to the Internet - check out the lastest offers and wireless deals.
Wireless is one of the best features as the multimedia functionality allows the machine to automatically connect and stream digital media, including video and digital pictures and any stored on any PC running Windows XP.
Back to top
Enjoy the quality of games with PS2's excellent joypad, as graphically PS2 is very much better in every respect to the old Playstation, having 32 Mb of RAM, a 128-bit running at 300 MHz and a 150 MHz Sony graphics chip that can do about 66 million polygon per second.
It’s a fact that PlayStation 2 isn’t as fast as a PC when tested against a Geforce 2 Ultra and AMD 1.5 GHz on the first person shooter Red Faction!
However generally PS2 games are better than the original Playstation, however the graphics are not as good as if you were playing the game on your PC.
It is worth pointing out that the PS2 also plays DVD films, so if don’t have a DVD player you can use your PS2 and save yourself some cash.
There is a new 'slim' PS2 version which is 75% smaller than the orginal and this will be available before Christmas. But if you can wait then PS3 will be available for purchase around early 2006.
Check out here what broadband providers support Playstation 2
Back to top
Services such as IG Index sent real time information to your PC, you can chart the movements of stocks, currencies and commodities all at once with a split screen, however without broadband you will struggle to trade and keep pace with movements in your selected bets.
You really need a 1 Meg Broadband connection for these types of services. To use these services that require real time information to be streamed to your PC you will need an unlimited broadband service - check out our best buy table for the latest 1 Meg broadband deals.
Back to top
This area is mainly focused on the business customer. Symmetric DSL services offer the same broadband speed for uploading and for downloading information. Broadband Symmetric services are designed to be particularly suited to businesses that regularly need to send and receive large amounts of data.
Broadbandchoices can offer these services to business where contention ratios of 1:1 or 5:1 are on offer or if you need to connect offices for LAN or WAN connections please telephone us for details 0870 055 9500
Back to top
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. It is a name that encompasses a group of technologies, the most common being ADSL, or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.
DSL technologies make use of your existing telephone line. It splits the signal into two, one for voice communications and the other for the high speed data connection. The data line uses a range of frequencies not used in normal voice communications.
Back to top
Your computer is on the internet. Others on the internet, anywhere in the world can try to access your machine. This is no different to being with any ISP, however with broadband, there a few major differences:
Your computer is connected via a high speed link
Many of us stay connected 24 hours a day
Most broadband users are online whenever their computer is on
Your IP address doesn't change as often than with dial-up
This makes these machines more interesting to crackers and therefore more vulnerable. The chances of someone snooping undetected around your hard disk if you are connected with a 56k modem are simply lower.
In other words, a computer connected with broadband is simply a juicier target for the uninvited.
Back to top
No is the short answer. Naturally, it?s very hard to equate volume usage and time. As an extremely rough guide, we have observed these figures for the following wirelsss internet activities:
Internet Relay Chat: 0.5 meg per hour
General web surfing: 5 to 10 megs per hour
Games (like Quake): 15 to 30 megs per hour
These are only rough numbers, and based on past observation only. The following figures are rough translations of kilobits per second into megabytes per hour:
Streaming media (64 kbps): 30 megs per hour
Streaming media (128 kbps): 60 megs per hour
Streaming media (256 kbps): 120 megs per hour
Wirelss downloads will of course consume about the same number of megabytes as the file being downloaded, perhaps up to 10% more.
The absolute fastest you can consume bandwidth on a broadband plan with a 512kbps cap, under normal circumstances is about 220 megs per hour, it makes no difference if your connection is wireless or not.
Back to top
If you like our service please tell your friends, if you don’t like our service then please tell us
Back to top
