How to connect ?

The above diagram illustrates the cabling set up for one Modem with two computers through a router box.The WAN connection is limited to 10 Mbps Ethernet. Normally, as most broadband connections never gets over about 1.5 Mbps for any periods of time, it is considered that the connection will operate satisfactorily.

Configuration
The configuration can be done through a set of built in web pages. You can connect to using any standard web browser like Internet Explorer or Netscape. The first page will hold all configuration required by most of the users.

Configuration of WAN side
Router Name – This is equivalent to the computer name in Windows networking set-up as used by some ISP’s.
Domain Name – equivalent to the workgroup name in Windows networking set-up as used by some ISP’s.
Obtain IP address automatically – get the IP address from the ISP through DHCP.
Or Specify an IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway Address and DNS (Domain Name Server) Address – this is required if the ISP uses static IP addresses and not DHCP.

Configuration of LAN side
LAN IP Address and Subnet Mask – sets the range of addresses that are used on the home LAN. Any private LAN should use non-routable addresses in the 10.0.0.0, 172.16.0.0 or 192.168.0.0 blocks.

There is a built-in DHCP server on the LAN side of the computer, hence the computer can get the IP address and set-up automatically through DHCP. This makes it very easy to set up the client computers. Also. Since a laptop computer is being used both at work and at home, it will be able to just plug in, if the workplace is also using DHCP. Reconfiguration of the laptop may not be required .

An example of a link system router is given below (This type of configuration would work with other type of routers also):

Example of MAC code: BBIP87654321/AB12C

A MAC code  is used to identify your broadband connection within the local exchange. When you are switching provider the new provider can simply move your connection to their service.

You can request for a MAC code from the existing ISP (Internet Service provider). The ISP must supply the code with in 5 working days. The codes are valid for 30 working days from the date of issue. You should use the code with in this period. Normally the switching period is 6 to 10 working days from one ISP to another. As per the instructions of Ofcom on (General Condition No. 22: Service Migrations) with effect from 14th February 2007 the issue of MAC has become compulsory on the part of the ISP and it should be issued free of chargeto the customer.  

The ISP can refuse to provide the MAC code on the following situations:
(1) The account holder’s  identity is not confirmed by the ISP by performing standard checks.
(2) The contact terminated.
(3) A valid MAC already issued to the account holder.
(4) ISP has already started a closing process of the customer’s account.
(5) The ISP is not in a position to obtain MAC from the ISP  that the customer proposes to shift.
?/p> ]]> http://www.broadbandpackages.org/2007/11/16/mac-code/feed/ http://www.broadbandpackages.org/2007/11/15/how-to-solve-wireless-network-access-problems-few-suggestions/ http://www.broadbandpackages.org/2007/11/15/how-to-solve-wireless-network-access-problems-few-suggestions/#comments Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:26:23 +0000 sbala74 http://www.broadbandpackages.org/2007/11/15/how-to-solve-wireless-network-access-problems-few-suggestions/ Check the wired network:
When one comes across any problem in the wireless network connection, one of the first things that  should done is to check the wired network connections. Check the lights to make sure it has a connection to your ISP. Refer to .manual if you need assistance in identifying the lights. Also check the network cable connections between the modem the router and wireless access point and make sure they all have secure connections. Loose connection will cause frequent dropping of connection.

Turn  OFF and ON Again:

Try  turning your wireless access point ‘OFF’ and then back ‘ON’ again, when  encountering wireless connection problems. Try the same trick with your wireless network card.
?br /> In a laptop with a built-in wireless network card, check the documentation because there is usually a button on the side of the laptop that lets you easily turn the card OFF and then ON again.

In a  PC Card or USB wireless network card, launch the Safely Remove Hardware utility and click the Stop button. Next, remove the wireless network card and reinsert it while Windows is running so the OS will redetect and re-enable the wireless network card.

Change The Channel:

Interference is one of the most common sources of wireless connection problems. It is worth pointing out that all 802.11b and 802.11g WLANs (wireless local-area networks) operate at the 2.4GHz frequency. Most of the common  electronic devices like  cordless phones, baby monitors, surveillance equipment, and even microwave ovens all operate at 2.4GHz. Hence  an interference between the various devices will cause access problems.

All Wi-Fi devices have access to 11 different channels within the 2.4GHz frequency out of which channels 1, 6, and 11 are nonoverlapping while the other eight are overlapping. Therefore, you may be able to solve the problem of interference by  changing the channel on your wireless access point and your wireless network card. Try first nonoverlapping channels   

Coverage Area & Obstacles:

The typical access point with the wireless network card in your computer has a coverage area of about 300 feet, but obstacles or poor placement of the access point can limit or interrupt that range.  Further the antennas on most wireless access points are omni directional and radiate the wireless signal in a 3D (360 degree radius). Hence place your access point  as close as possible to the centre of the area that you want to cover.
I am sure that the above few tips will help to solve the wireless network access problems.
 

We often face slow speed connections while using broadband services. This is more pronounced in wireless connections. The speed is measured in different ways and reported such as in kilobits, kilobytes, megabits or megabytes per second. The relation between bits and bites should not be mistaken with each other. There are 8 bits in 1 byte. So if the transfer speed is reported as 12 megabits per second it is actually equals to 1.5 megabytes per second.(12/8=1.5). Further we should be aware of the fact that we can never get the full advertised speed in any router. This is mainly due to the problems of interference and line loss which we can not avoid. It is advisable to use a program that will tell you what your current transfer speeds are such as Net Meter that can be downloaded from http://www.metal-machine.de/readerror/
It is advisable to make a test transfer (a large file) while measuring the speed.
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Trouble shooting
Initially measure the existing speed by transferring a standard large file. Use a net meter or other software and compare the same with speeds measured with the following exercises..

Make a note of this speed as the base. Now verify the router/AP’s web-configuration. Make sure it is set to “Auto Negotiate” connection speeds. In some routers this auto-negotiation feature is set automatically without user intervention - Check if there is any improvement in speed by measuring the speed again.

Now locate various devices that are interfering with your network. The neighbour’s wireless network, microwaves and cordless phones are some examples. (You can install a software to detect if any other wireless networks are near to your net work. One such program is Netstumbler .This can be downloaded and run that will report back any other wireless networks in your range.)

Find out the channel in which such networks are operating and verify the network channel of your connection. If both are same, there is a possibility of reduction in speed. This will result in reduction in speed and frequent disconnections from the network. Generally wireless phones operating in the locality (at frequencies very close to 2.4 Ghz) may cause such problems. You can try to change the frequency of such a wireless phone. If the phone is not having such option, better to go for a new phone working in a different frequency. This action can be taken after ensuring that the main cause of interference is the wireless phone.

Microwave equipments such as heaters or ovens that operate at frequencies very close to 2.4 GHz and can also cause interference. Make sure you don’t put your router/AP near a microwave.

If the above does not help you can verify by using a different wireless card and /or router/AP. This may be done in a friend’s house or go to a service centre. If you have decided that the wireless card and /or router is the cause buy a new chord or router/AP.

It is also possible that the computer may also be responsible for slow speed. Some older computers are not computable with faster transfer rates. Try to try connect your computer directly into the router and check the difference in the speed. If there is an improvement, then better to go for a new computer.

Another aspect to be kept in mind is kind of encryption being used. WEP takes away ~5-10% of speeds due to the encryption method used as compared to WPA.

Make sure that you are actually connected to you designated net work and not with that of your neighbour’s. You can change the SSID to something unique to avoid any confusion.

Currently, many broadband users agree that Be Broadband it one of the best options for bittorrent. Not only its one of the fastests ISP in the UK but they don’t have any download limits or restrictive FUP policy.

If you can’t get BE then you may want to consider Sky Broadband as their speed is great as well. You can go for Max package which does not have download limits.

You can also check the Entanet reseller broadband. Entanet are known for its high speed and not being a big brand they are less likely to limit you with FUP. One of the bittorrent friendly Entanet resellers are http://www.titan-adsl.co.uk/

If you don’t want to change your ISP and your provider is blocking Bittorent traffic then you can check Bittorent encryption so your ISP can’t block you.

Currently, the only broadband with one month contract is PlusNet . Their option 1 starts at £9.99 per month and provides a good value if you are looking for a short term contract. The downside is that you can’t take a free router or modem. Also, you need to pay the activation fee which is £40.

One of the best options for 1-month contract is to go with Freeola  . Freeola offers broadband for  £9.99 per 1st month and activation fee of only £23.50.

Another option is to go with Be Broadband if you can survive with 3 month contract. Altought, they have 12 month contracts you can terminate the contract early with 3 month notice without any fee.

At the present time I couldn’t find any other providers that offer short term broadband but you may also consider going for a trial with providers like TalkTalk, BT or any other as most of the offer free trials of at least 1 month.