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What is broadband internet?
The term "broadband" describes a type of fast internet connection. Most
"broadband" connections come in the form of ADSL (ADSL stands for
"Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line"), and this is the type of
connection used by Arinda.
ADSL Broadband Internet is delivered down your telephone landline. The
ADSL broadband service basically splits your telephone line into two
channels, one for voice and the other for the high-speed data
communication. The high-speed data connection uses a higher frequency
range not used in normal voice communications.
Unlike dial-up connections, your broadband connection is always on,
meaning that the internet is constantly available to you whenever your
computer is switched on. A broadband connection doesn't tie up your
phone line like dial-up modems. Instead it uses a very high frequency
(inaudible to humans) across the phone line, so that you are still able
to make regular use of the phone without interruption.
ADSL can reach speeds of over 100 times faster than your conventional
dial-up modem. For example, your conventional dial-up modem will
transmit data to the user at 56 kilobits per second, where an 8MBs ADSL
Broadband connection will transmit data to the user at 8 megabits per
second – over 100 times faster than a dial-up modem! This allows you to
access more information, more quickly, without stopping you from using
your telephone at the same time or having to dial-up every time your
connection drops out.

Broadband speeds with distance from local
telephone exchange
Internet Connections for Internet Cafes,
HotSpots, etc
Most ISPs do not allow you to on-sell or share the internet connection
with your customers, meaning that you cannot use their plans in an
internet cafe, wireless hotspot, in-room broadband or internet kiosk.
However, at Arinda all of our plans can be on-sold or shared, meaning
you are free to use them in an internet cafe, wireless hotspot or
in-room broadband environment. You can generally get away 256kbs
ADSL for 1 to 2 internet cafe terminals, 512 for 2 or 3, 1500 for 4 or
5, and then something like 8MBs for up to 10. If its available in your
area then definitely go with ADSL2. ADSL2 speeds are up to 24MBs, but
speed decreases quickly with your distance from your telephone exchange
(we can assist you with finding an ADSL2+ ISP in your area who will
allow you to onsell the connection).
If you have 20 or more machines then
you may want to consider 2 ADSL internet connections. If you
install a second phone line then you can have 2 internet connections for
faster and more reliable internet. Install a load balancer so that the 2
connections get shared across all the computers, and also to stop any
one user from hogging the bandwidth. Then have each internet connection
provided by a different upstream provider, so that if one goes offline
you have a redundant connection still running.
Cable internet also offers high
speeds at reasonable prices, but the speeds can vary over the course of
a day depending on the ISP's usage rate. Some cable modems can
also be very difficult to configure for shared or networked internet
access, so if you are using a cable connection then make sure you get a
suitable modem which allows the connection to be shared between multiple
PCs.
What is 'wireless' internet?
'Wireless Internet' refers to technology that permits the transfer of
information between separate points using electromagnetic waves rather
than a physical connection. In plain English, wireless refers to
equipment which works without cables by instead transmitting the signals
through the air. There are two types of wireless internet commonly
referred to.
Wireless
broadband, also known as Wi-Fi or Wi-Max
Wireless broadband is where you receive your internet access via a
wireless system, with a special wireless modem. This means that
the internet connection actually comes through the air to your
computer, as opposed to traditional "wired" broadband which comes
through the phone line. The advantage of wireless broadband is that it
can usually be used on the move or at different locations.
However, the disadvantages are that it is more expensive that wired
broadband, and it also requires special hardware specific to the
connection supplier. At Arinda we do not offer any wireless
broadband services, but if you are interested then you should look at
3, Bigpond, and Chilli iBurst.
Wireless Network
A wireless network is a collection of computers or computer equipment
which are connected together without wires. The most common example of
this is a wireless home network used to share the home internet
connection between multiple computers.
To do this requires a wireless
router, and each piece of equipment must be wireless capable. The
range on most wireless networks is about a 30 metre radius from the
wireless router, assuming a clear line of site. This means that you can move or locate various
computers and other hardware around your home without having to run
cables to each one. Arinda Internet can help you setup your wireless
network. We supply the
Netgear DG834GT Wireless Modem Router which
acts both as an ADSL Broadband Internet Modem and as a Wireless
Router, so you can share your internet access throughout your premises
without needing any cables.
Making free
phone calls using the Internet
You can now make international,
national and local phone calls FOR FREE by using the power of the
internet. All you need is a computer, a broadband internet connection,
free Skype software, a microphone and speakers (or a headset). Once
setup, you will be able to call any other person using the same
software. The sound is high quality, and best of all it's free. Arinda
Internet supports
Skype IP Telephony, and can help you setup to start
saving on your phone bill.
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