Internet services in smaller properties
Getting an Internet Connection
For more detailed advice go to ThinkBroadband's New to Broadband Guide or the UK Government advice on internet connections.
Getting an Internet Connection in the UK is quite easy - there are two ways to get internet access in your house: ADSL (from many providers) via a BT telephone line or Cable from Virgin Media.
Follow the following five steps:
- You usually need a BT phone line or Virgin Media service.
- Pick an ISP or a package that suits you
- Choose what hardware to use and where to get it from
- Sign up!
- Follow the instructions you get to get online
Sharing an internet connection in smaller properties should be easy using a wireless router. If you have problems setting up and maintaining a reliable wireless system we recommend the use of homeplug adapters. Please note, we do not want you to create a wired network with trailing wires tacked all over the house - these can pose a risk to health and safety and damage the propety and can lead to deposit issues. If you need advice on what to do give us a call.
For more information call 0113 2053411
FAQ
Q. Which internet provider should I use
There are many internet service providers so shop around. We can recommend using Eclipse as your service provider as they offer a month by month contract as an alternative to the fixed 12 month contract other companies require.
(Please note that Unipol makes a small amount of money from referring people to Eclipse but any money made goes back into subsidising other parts of the internet service)
Q. What do you suggest to share a connection?
A. We recommend the use of the Homeplug system available from most online supppliers if a wireless router does not work.
Q. Can I use a wireless router?
A. Yes, but we cannot offer advice on wireless connections. This is due to a large variation of security features which can cause compatibility and reliability issues between different wireless makes, models and devices available from retailers.
Wireless networks can be difficult to setup and support in a secure manner and you would need to speak to whoever supplied you the router.
Q. What is Homeplug and why do I need one and why do Unipol recommend I use it?
A. A Homeplug is a device that has a mains 3 pin power plug with an RJ45 network socket on it for connecting your computer via a network cable.
You can use them to connect your computer to the internet without the need to trail wires around the house simply and easily without the need to setup and secure a wireless network.
These days practically every computer comes with a network port and these devices are simple and easy to setup and run securely. It uses standard network technology to connect you to the network and internet.
You just need one for each computer and one for the router. There are various speeds and types available. The Homeplugs rated at 85Mbps are sufficient for most needs.
Q. I’d like to set up the system - is there any advice you can give me?
A. We’ve set up a page to explain the basics of using a homeplug system, we can provide basic help on the number above but as with any network equipment manufacturer's equipment differs and you need to follow the instructions provided with the euipment and ring their support desks.
Q. Can we share our bandwidth so everyone gets an equal share?
A. When you share an internet connection in a small property there is no way to ensure your bandwidth is equally shared. You will need to agree between yourselves how to fairly share the bandwidth as one person can ‘hog’ the connection.