BuyTV Review of the Linksys Wireless-N Broadband Router. Check it out at www.buy.com
Video Rating: 3 / 5
BuyTV Review of the Linksys Wireless-N Broadband Router. Check it out at www.buy.com
Video Rating: 3 / 5
The D-Link DIR-615 Wireless-N 802.11n Home Broadband Router
Video Rating: 0 / 5
Wireless Broadband Routers – 6 Ways to Improve Your Signal
We have all experienced the annoyance of our PC or Laptop losing its connection with the wireless router in our homes – this guide will help you to reduce the chances of this happening whilst also boosting the range of the router. 1 – Location of the Router If possible it is best to place your wireless router in a location that is central to the area in which you wish to receive a signal. If a router is placed at one end of your house the signal has further to travel to reach the other end – by locating the router is a central position this distance is reduced. 2 – Surrounding Area It is advised that you do not place the router in close proximity to walls or large metal objects as these may drain the strength of the signal thus reducing its reach. Also be aware that some cordless home phones have been known to cause interference with wireless routers – the same is true of microwave ovens. 3 – Replace Your Routers Antenna The antenna (or aerial) that comes as standard on most routers is “Omni directional – this means that it broadcasts the wireless signal equally in all directions (360 degrees). This is fine if you are able to locate your router centrally (as mentioned in Point 1) – however for most this is not possible. By upgrading to a high gain antennae that focuses the signal in one direction you can boost your signal range and strength significantly. 4 – Install a Repeater A repeater simply boosts a wireless signal and sends it on its way – no more no less. These devices require no extra cabling – to implement a repeater you simply find a suitable location (for example halfway between the wireless router and the area that has a weak signal) and power the repeater on. It’s that simple! 5 – Upgrade Your Routers Firmware Wireless router manufacturers regularly upgrade the firmware (the built in software) in their products to increase signal range and performance. These upgrades are usually free. To upgrade your routers firmware please visit the manufacturers website and follow the instructions for your router model. 6 – Use Equipment from a Single Manufacturer Whilst all routers and adapters are designed to work with each other you can often see performance improvements when using both a router and adapter made by the same manufacturer. This is mainly down to the fact that some router manufacturers utilise signal boosting techniques that only give optimal performance when used with adapters made by themselves.
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A Review of the Top UK Broadband Providers for 2011
Article by Dave Smith
Shopping around for broadband service can be quite tiresome. It all depends on what consumers are looking for or what their needs are. Here is a brief review of the top 10 UK broadband providers and what their packages include.
1. TalkTalk Broadband and Phone essentials – fast download speeds of up to 24Mb, generous 40Gb download allowance, UK evening & weekend calls, wireless ‘G’ router, free technical and customer support (from your TalkTalk line), unlimited calls to UK landlines, on evening and weekends (including 0845/0870), free voicemail and free privacy features.
2. Virgin Broadband and Phone – up to 50Mb fibre-optic download speeds, unlimited downloads, free virgin media security and free wireless router and modem, unlimited weekend calls to UK landlines and free voicemail.
3. BT Broadband and Calls – wireless home hub, unlimited weekend calls, up to 20Mb speed, basic security and 10Gb monthly usage.
4. O2 Internet Broadband Premium – super fast with free wireless router, up to 20Mb download speed, 1.3 Mb upload speed (subject to location), unlimited downloads, free UK based customer service, free O2 wireless box, free McAfee security software and 10 email accounts.
5. AOL Broadband – wireless router included, no connection charge, free security and 10Gb usage allowance.
6. Plusnet Value Broadband – free wireless router, 10Gb usage allowance, up to 8Mb of speed and 24/7 support.
7. Sky Broadband Unlimited and Talk – up to 20Mb download speed, 2Gb monthly usage allowance, free evening and weekend UK calls, wireless router included, 24/7 support and 3 months of McAfee security.
8. Orange Broadband Home Max – free wireless router, unlimited super fast broadband, inclusive evening and weekend UK calls.
9. Virgin Media Triple – catch up tv included, over 65 channels, TV on demand, up to 50Mb fibre optic broadband, unlimited downloads, free Virgin media security, wireless router, unlimited weekend UK landlines and Virgin Mobiles and free voicemail.
10. TalkTalk Broadband Pro and Phone – up to 24 Mb of super fast connection, unlimited download allowance,, wider range wireless ‘N’ router included, unlimited calls to UK landlines anytime (including 0870/0845 numbers), voicemail, free calling circles and privacy features.
It is good to compare broadband providers and fish around to find the best broadband deals available. In addition if consumers are already with a provider and have a broadband package they may wish to contact their current provider first and enquire what new deals they currently have.
About the Author
Broadband Comparison UK can provide you with Free UK Broadband Comparison. Compare to get the best broadband deals from all the UK internet broadband providers. Cheap broadband & mobile broadband packages available.