Get to know what an IP address is
Typically this is a set of numbers that come in the nnn. nnn. nnn.nnn form and the nnn stand for any set of one to three digit numbers. Every computer that is a part of a group of computers that are connected to the Internet will have a unique IP address, just like how a house has a special number that is all its own. When you subscribe for Internet connectivity, the provider from whom you are taking the connection will provide you with the IP address. If you have more than one computer or other device that requires to be connected to the Internet simultaneously you will be provided more than one IP address, but you will also be able to connect to the Internet using a single IP address.

How to connect a single computer to the Internet
It is really very easy to get your computer connected to the broadband Internet. All you have to do is to connect one end of a network cable on to the modem and the other end into the computer network card port. You will be provided with an IP address from your provider. An IP address can look like this 24.24.50.17 and once you have been allotted an IP address that will always be the IP address fro your computer.

If you happen to try to create a website or page and send a request to the server, it can immediately identify the IP address from which the request came and it will send requisite details through the Internet to your computer’s IP address, which you will naturally receive. This could be compared to a postal mail that is sent to your home address. The address on envelop, tells the postman where exactly to deliver it.

How you can connect more than one computer to high speed broadband Internet
You must be wondering how with a single IP address you can connect more than one computer to the Internet. You must also be wondering how the server will know which computer sent a request for a web page if you are allotted only a single IP address and there are multiple computers connected through the same IP address to the Internet. Now this can be explained by taking the example of your living in an apartment rather than a single house. Your apartment has a specific number, and when someone sends you mail other than the address of the apartment building they will also include the number of your apartment so that the mail is delivered at your door. This only shows that the apartment number is one of the internal parts of your apartment building with different apartments having different and unique numbers. In the same way when you connect more than one computer to a single IP address, each computer that is connected through one single IP address will be assigned specific IP addresses and this is done using a router.

A router is a piece of equipment that is linked straight to your modem and every computer or other device is linked to the router and not the modem. This implies that every device connected through the router will be allotted unique IP addresses by the router instead of it being provided by your ISP. When the request for a web page is made though it is sent through your ISP’s address, but it will be allotted through your router, which means when there is a reply it will be the router that gets it and it is the router that will pass this reply to the requisite computer.

What you have to understand is the router too will have an address in that locality and this address will be akin to the local IP addresses of your computers. This implies that the router will have two IP addresses; the external IP address given by the ISP and a local address also allotted by it. This is how the router is able to connect to the Internet as well as the network in your locality. Please note that the 192.168.xxx.xxx addresses are unique IP addresses that are specially kept aside for Local Area Networks.

How to manage an FTP or Web server on your particular network system
Now suppose you would like to create an FTP or Web server when you have more than one computer connected to the Internet. This is no trouble either. You will have to install the requisite application on which ever computer you want and you ask somebody to connect it by giving the local IP address of your FTP server. However they are unable to connect up. What you have to realize is that you have only given them your local IP address and not the IP address that you have been allotted by your ISP. The point is that your computer can be connected to other local computers in that address, but it cannot connect to the Internet without the IP address given to you by your broadband provider. Only then can someone connect to your FTP server through the Internet. It is your router and not your computer that is allotted the IP address by the provider and since that IP address is unique, is it any wonder that they have not been able to connect to your FTP server?

Now you also have to understand that a port is a channel that is numbered to transmit information via a network system, and routers have the capacity to pass on data on a port to a certain computer. Of course the fact remain that you cannot actually see the data being transmitted as it is a virtual channel that is utilized to send and receive data. In the case of FTP servers the port number is 21 by default, but another port can also be utilized.

To do this, open the setup in your router and search for the option “port forwarding” that is being sent through port 21 and forward it automatically to the FTP server by ascertaining that you give the internal IP address of your FTP server and the port number. Remember to save these details. When someone wants to get to your FTP website, they will have to utilize the IP address that is assigned to the router by your broadband provider and the router in turn will notify the server. The same thing can be done to set up your web server, but here the port number will by default be 80.

Just for your information, the router will assign IP addresses to all the computers that are linked to it one after the other in the same order. This implies that the first computer that is connected to the router will get the first IP address that can be availed of , the second computer that gets linked to the router will get the next IP address and so forth for as many computers that are connected to it. By chance you have an FTP server it could be simpler to allot static addresses to the different computers connected to the router such that the FTO server will constantly have the same IP address. Remember than when you are setting up a web, an FTP or any other server, it is imperative that you utilize the router’s IP address provided by the ISP so as to get access to the server. Once you do then you will be required to pass on the required port to the server.

As you know, the term hardware is the touchable parts of the computer like its keyboard, monitor, CPU, etc. With the advent of broadband other hardware objects also have to be used. Some of them are the modems and routers and you should get to know what they are and how they can be selected. For this you should also be aware of how modems and routers function.

Modem and its Functions
For access to the Internet you must necessarily have a modem. Modem is the short form of the terms “modulator-demodulator”. The modem works like this: it modulates a signal carrier to program digital data and demodulates the same signals to decipher that data. The new generation wireless modems of today translate digital information into radio signals and vice-versa.

Modems were first introduced around the early 60s. They were used for workstations to be linked to computers through telephone lines. It was the bulletin board systems that made the modems popular in the 70s. Bulletin board systems or BBS was when a person had a computer with either one or a few modems and people who wanted could dial in through phone lines to gain access to the board. In fact this was a condition necessary in the case of instant messaging.

Initially the speed of modems were only 300bps and it was only in 1983 that modems with 1200bps speed were launched. By and by modems with faster speeds started coming in the course of the next twenty years and it was finally in 1998 that saw the advent of the 56kbps modem that set the standard. Till then modems had to depend on what was known as frequency shift keying so as to pass data via a phone line, but with the introduction of the 56kbps modems new methods and designs like phase-shift keying were utilized to pack in the bandwidth of a telephone connection with as much data as possible. Nevertheless that still had their limits with the 56Kbps modems. This was when in 1999 the newer ADSL modems came into being that were supposed to have up to 8Mb speeds.

Things that you will need for Wireless Connectivity
Other than an adaptor and a wire-free router there are other hardware items that you will need so as to really exploit your wireless connectivity. Before you get a wire-free router take into consideration the installation process, find out if the router has a built-in ADSL modem and also if this will be compatible with your mobile device and also know its distance range. If you already have an adaptor in the laptop you own is another adaptor absolutely necessary? See if you require a USB adaptor or whether there is a slot to insert a card. You also need to see if the adaptor can be used with the wireless router.

Some of the companies manufacturing wireless routers and adaptors are Netgear, D-Link, Belkin, Linksys, and Buffalo. Usually these companies sell a “wireless kit” that includes the wireless router and all other trimmings that are required to ensure your wireless connectivity. In case they are not provided as a kit you will probably have to purchase them separately. Some of the accessories are connectors and Ethernet cables that are available in different types depending on their speeds. Ensure that the connectors are compatible with the machine you plan to connect the router to.

You will also require fibre cable that will ascertain the performance and consistency of the servers and storing facilities. The USB cables are what are needed to link the USB to the computer or a hub. Audio video cables are also necessary. Sometimes just ordinary cables can interfere with the quality, so ensure that you avail of PureAV cables provided by Belkin. These cables are more accurate. You will also require video kits that include video cables for clearer pictures, speaker cables and handy sound systems which lessen outside noises.

Bear in mind that if you want an excellent connection the strength of the signals are paramount, so in case the antenna for the wireless router is not to required standards replace it with a better and more effective one. In addition if you feel that you require signals to a particular area get yourself a directional antenna. Antennas that are unidirectional are best for mobile devices that you may carry from room to room and place to place, but remember these antennas are more open to security lapses.

Other Broadband Trimmings

•  Bluetooth products help you get connected with other mobile devices with Bluetooth in them and it also allows you freedom of movement because you are not tethered to one place by wires.
•  Broadband phones will help lower cost of calls via the Internet.
•  If your laptop does not have built-in microphone, get one so that you can talk to people using the same.
•  Security gateways are imperative because these are what safeguard your broadband connectivity from outside interference and hackers. You must have an appropriate security like a firewall because being online can be a constant cause for worry with virus, spyware and malware. Cisco is known for their firewall security.
•  Skype is one among the authentic VoIP phones. If you have a VoIP router calls that you make to people anywhere in the world via the high speed internet are so much cheaper. These routers function by altering your calls into information that speedily passes via your connection and gets to receiver’s end like a regular phone call. You hardly know the difference. The result however is that you can make overseas calls are reduced rates and you also get other facilities like call waiting, three-way calling, voicemail and the like. In Britain Vonage and Skype are the most preferred VoIP services.
•  Webcams are what are used if you want people you are either chatting with or talking to over VoIP phones to see you. Today IM services for which webcams are most popularly used offer this video calling facility.

Get to know what Student Broadband Entails
Do not be under the wrong impression that student broadband is something that will provide you with all the matter that is necessary to pass your exam in flying colours. Student broadband packages are just ordinary broadband packages that are provided at discounted rates for students. Packages labelled “student broadband” are no doubt extremely economical in nature although this does not imply that you need to go in for a package by the same name at all. You will discover a variety of other broadband packages that have fabulous offers. The main criterion is to choose a connection that serves your purpose exactly.

Economical may not always be the Best
Remember the fact that just cheap broadband may not be the best option all time. If the charges are low, there is every chance that what you are offered is also little. This may revealed either through slow speeds or lesser download capacity. If you are a person who uses quite a lot of the internet, it would be better to settle for a little more expensive package that allows better downloads and provides better speed. For all you k now these deals may even provide you exciting offers like free modem, routers and the like. This does not mean that you should disregard the various student broadband packages that are offered. You just need to be wise in choosing a perfect package that comes within your budget and suits your requirements perfectly.

Given below are some important checkpoints that you should look into before settling for a student broadband package.

• Cable, ADSL or its options - Students have the option of going in for a cable connection, ADSL or other options like the USB. Each of them have its plus and minus points. While ADSL can be more easily accessed all over and is extremely reliable, cable connection has greater speed and does not require a landline for connection. You require around 140 pounds to connect a BT landline which may be quire a packet for students. Another option is the USB modem. They just require to be plugged onto your PC or laptop and your internet connection is ready. USB modems are a real boon for students as they can be carried from one place to another and does not require any kind of wires or cables or even line rentals.
• Broadband alone or a broadband package - There is no doubt that a broadband connection alone is low priced. However, if you are planning to go in for a TV, land line or mobile connection, it would be a better deal to club all these services together. Payment is also easier as you need to pay just a single bill every month and you can avail of economical packages when you purchase a bundled deal from the same provider. Just make sure that you require all these services as if you really do not use these services, it could mean a sheer waste of money paying rentals.
• Bonus Incentives or freebies – You will come across ample offers by various service providers that provide you a lot of freebies like modems, routers and even free laptops when you subscribe for a long term package. Keep in mind not be enticed by these offers as you may end purchasing something that you do not require at all.
• Long or Short Term Deals – Most broadband providers offer deals that last up to one or one and a half years. If you happen to be planning to move to a student hostel after sometime, there is every chance that you may not be able to make use of the deal completely. In such cases, it would be wise to settle for shorter deals that can be availed for one month or a three month period. Short term deals are no doubt more expensive and do not have any exciting free gifts. Choosing a long term or short term contract will depend on your convenience and whether you will be residing at the same place for the period specified in the contract.
• Speed and Download Limits - This is yet another aspect that is to be considered when choosing a student broadband connection. Both speed and unlimited download limits come at quite expensive rates. Keep in mind the fact that most providers will not be able to provide the promised speed as their connections are dependent on a lot of factor like your proximity to the exchange, how good your wiring is and so on. In the same way, even though most providers proclaim unlimited download usage, they do fix a fair use policy to ensure that every customer gets a fair share. Going in for high speed and unlimited downloads for higher rates may be an absolute waste of money if you do not actually require both of them.
• Payment Options – Remember to enquire what payment options that is available with the provider you intend purchasing your broadband connection from. It is important that you can make pay according to whatever manner the provider wants. It is best to settle for direct debit as other payments can lead to extra charges.
• Trustworthy service - It is always better to go in for a broadband service provider that has been in the filed for some time and is quite well known rather than settle for a small service provider that may offer you unbelievably cheap rates but poor service. It would be a good idea to make some enquiries about the proposed provider from your friends and acquaintances before settling for a provider.

Where to Search for Student Broadband?
You will find numerous student broadband deals that you can avail of online and other wise. The best option would be to make use of a broadband comparison tool that will help you to decide what connection will suit you the best and is the most affordable.

An unprejudiced guide about how to switch ISPs without hassles

i. Before you plan to take the plunge and change service providers, try having a discussion with them regarding availing better deals form the present provider itself. Usually providers try their level best to keep their customers from moving to another provider therefore they often offer the customer some of the best deals to coax them to stay on. There are many clients who do not wish to change providers because they find that their present provider offered them a deal that they are extremely happy with. It is sensible that you let your present provider know that you plan a change, more so if you know that you are on a mutually agreed upon deal and are not getting the requisite services.

Once you have read the small print of the contract you are in a better state of mind and better informed too. This should get them coming to you with better deals and offers. Consider the offers and then decide whether or not you want to make the change. You have to understand that if you make a new deal with your old provider, you contract term will be reset as if you are a new user. If you are not satisfied with what has been put forth, decline and ask for the MAC; your provider is liable to provide it within five working days now.

ii. When you have requested for the MAC the cancellation team of the existing provider will get to work and they will try their best to make you change your mind using a variety of like saying that they are unable to create a MAC due to technical reasons etc. But don’t believe them it’s all a farce. You must know that now they will try all sorts of means to hold you back or not give you the MAC, so if you are determined that you definitely require a change, don’t waver, insist on the MAC; they cannot but give it to you otherwise they are breaking Ofcom rules. It is not true that one LLU provider cannot generate MAC for the user to switch providers any broadband provider can issue MAC. If they play up, inform them that you will get in touch with Ofcom and you might just probably get the MAC.
iii. Keep copies of all correspondences that you have made with your provider, because this may at some point of time come in useful for you in times of a difference in opinions. Also ensure that you have a record of the calls you have made to the customer service, who you talked to you and the time taken. Keep phone bills as proof of your calls. All this could be critical proof if you require a cancellation within your contract term.

How to make the change
Once you have the MAC give it to the new service provider within 30 days. As already mentioned it becomes invalid after 30 days. Remember try not to cross swords with the present provider because they can make it difficult for you to change providers.

Another factor to bear in mind is to have patience. Solving technical problems or switching providers take more time than you can imagine as all ISPs have to depend on the BT engineer to make the required technical alterations and to switch providers. In any case it would not do you any good to get BT to hasten the switch, as they cannot do anything any faster. Your new provider should be able to give you a tentative date for the changeover.

How to handle antagonistic providers
There are many reasons why you can be at loggerheads with your present provider and when they become antagonistic you find that you cannot get them to oblige you with MAC. The better solution would be to be more tolerant of them and comprehend that the switch over is not as easy as you think. Nevertheless at the end of the day your provider they have no go but to offer you MAC and that you have the right to it and the right to switch providers. Treat them well and they will be more amenable.

Get to know what you are entailed to
As a customer of a broadband service provider you are entailed to certain rights. The Sale of Goods Act of 1979 specifies these rights clearly with reference to broadband connections. They are:

•  Services and goods rendered by the provider are of reasonably good quality and not defective
•  Goods and services are as promised, implying that providers must keep their word about what they say you will get
• The goods supplied must serve their purpose

In case you are given goods that do not meet the specified conditions you have the right to ask for a refund from the supplier.

If you have any problems regarding this contact Consumer direct which is a government service that does not charge any fee for their services. They will be right people to advise you on how to proceed. It would be in your interest to send copies of written complaints about provider to the person in charge of customer services who is stationed at the providers and also to the customer service contact. If you need legal advice contact “Which?”. This is a service that offers affordable legal help and can help you with regard to legal points from a consumer’s point of view.

Should it so happen that in spite of all this your issues are not solved, you could write an open letter to Otelo which is the office of the Ombudsman of Telecommunications. Otelo was established to look into grievances made by telecommunication consumers. The only drawback is that Otelo is able to cover providers who are its members. Though Otelo is free for the customer, they provider will have to pay to be examined, which implies that your complaint will be considered more seriously. But your complaint to Otelo should be genuine and common to many other customers. In case the provider has not signed up with Otelo you can always depend on Ofcom which is the regulatory body in the UK.

Approach BT only if all else fails. If you provider out of hostility refuses to give you MAC in spite of all negotiations, contact BT and request then to cut your broadband connection and reconnect it through your new provider. But remember that once your broadband connection is cut off it will take many weeks for a reconnection, during which you will have no access to the Internet. Therefore approach BT for disconnection only if you have no other go and your existing provider refuses to give you the MAC.

The introduction of the MAC code must actually stops such happenings as ISPs are legally entitled to give you the MAC and switch connections within 30 days, but with switching from one LLU provider to another is still a hassle and you will in all probability have to get in touch with BT to resolve the issue.

Look what happened when TalkTalk announced its ‘free broadband’ offer. Thousands of people grabbed the opportunity to subscribe and the numbers were so vast that the company could not cope with offering connections that people had to wait months for access to the Internet. What you need to understand is that if you are unhappy with services from your present provider you must go in for a change of providers. You should know how to deal with your present provider as well as what you should do when you make the change. At the end of everything it is a British telecommunications engineer who has to make the switch you have requested and the click is that he looks after the needs of the service providers and not the customers, so there again you have a problem. Now you can see why a change of broadband providers is such a painful process.

The idea is never to jump at a deal that is new, because like you others too will be jumping into the new deal and the more in this case will never be the merrier, it will only create more hassles. It would be a better idea if you look at companies that are not so big, but offer you great customer service and helpline 24×7. Go through all the deals offered by all providers and don’t just settle for what cheapest package, choose one that will suit your requirements. There are so many levels are involved in your switching providers making the switch a path of thorns.

What You Will Have to Pay
If you are a newbie to broadband Internet connectivity, you will have to pay of the installation, and the modem that will cost 120 pounds and 40 pounds respectively. There are packages that offer installation and modem free if you subscribe for a long-term contract, however if you want to change providers within that period, you will be liable to pay cancellation charges.

What is The Mac Code of Conduct?
In order that Internet broadband users are enabled to switch service providers without having to lose their broadband connectivity Ofcom, BT and the Internet Service Provider industry have drawn up a code of conduct known as the MAC code of Conduct where MAC is the acronym for Migration Authorisation Code.

This code is a 1-15 digit or letter code that is made to recognize your broadband connectivity. A BT wholesale system will create the MAC code for your present provider and give it to you. You in turn will hand the code over to the new provider and this will be passed on to an engineer in BT. The engineer will identify your broadband connection and make arrangements for the changeover to your new provider. The MAC code of conduct has been made compulsory to all ISPs since the 14trh of February 2007 and all providers have to necessarily stick to the rules and regulations specified in the code.

The Main Principles Governing the MAC code

•  The provider is expected to issue a MAC code to a customer if requested and it has to be provided within five working days since the date of request irrespective of any pending issues. Though MAC does not cot anything for the first time, but cancellation fees could probably still be applicable when requested again and again. The MAC is valid for a period of 30 days from the date of issue and becomes invalidated after that.
• One the MAC has been handed over to the prospective provider, the new provider must be able to switch connections within a period of 30 days. The new service provider will also have to provide the customer with the exact date when they will offer their services to the customer.

The main objective of MAC is to try and bring down the number of complaints and also to lower the cost incurred by BT, the ISPs and the consumer, so that the switch from one provider to the other will not be so difficult. The alterations in the norms will make things easier for lots of people who want to switch providers, but that does not mean that all circumstances that customers face can be altered. An example of this is that the LLU from one provider to the LLU of another provider is still something for which a solution has yet to be found. Obviously the changes in rules does not imply that all problems will be resolved, however it is a start to set things right.

When planning a switch in providers compare products, read about the new provider and look up forums.

Even before planning to change providers what you need to do is to get to know the market. Your place of residence is a vital factor in deciding what broadband you can avail of. There is a broadband comparison tool into which you can enter your postal code so as to know what is available in your place. There are many tools, but look for one that is simple and easy to use.

You can even log on to online forums once you have more or less made your decision and see what users have to say about the particular provider you are planning to change over to and also what they have to say about your present provider. Only keep in mind that most people visiting forums like this are like you looking for a change. Usually I there are many people who talk badly of a specific provider, there a chances that you too may have the same experience, though it may be otherwise too. So think twice about switching to such providers.

Reading what customers have to say about a provider you are planning to change over to is another mechanism that can give you information about the new provider. There are customer reviews that give you scores that are evaluated on areas like customer service, broadband speed, reliability, tech support and billing. Before changing providers it is extremely important that you read the small print of the broadband deal.

You should be informed about whether you are bound by any obligations by signing a contract with the provider, because practically all providers have some sort of agreement that you will stick with them for a minimum period; usually 12-18 months. Some do not specify a minimum period. Be careful, because even if on paper you are bound by a contract period, you will be liable to pay cancellation fee as per their ‘cancellation policy’ if you change providers within a matter of twelve months. If you have no obligations over time period then you can conveniently leave the existing provider and opt for another.

Get to know the Cancellation Policy
Generally as per the cancellation policy, a customer requesting a change of service providers will have to pay the earlier provider the complete payment of the monthly payment that remains to be paid for the contract period, which could turn out to be a pretty hefty amount. In some cases the cancellation policy will be a percentage of what a customer pays every month calculated over a certain period of time, while still others have fixed an amount as fees for cancellation. When you are planning to switch providers ensure that you are aware of this policy.

Calculate Cost of Cancellation
If there is a term for your subscription, then changing providers will involve a cancellation fee and if you calculate the cost of cancellation against what you stand to gain when you switch providers for a better package and better more freebies, you may find that paying the fee would be a better option.

Look for Hidden Charges
Many service providers charge certain amounts that can be read in your contract policy. For example they may charge you for shifting the connection to a different location or a payment for upgrading speed etc. You will even be asked to pay a monthly maintenance fee or even the cost of utilizing their hardware. There are people who state that ‘free broadband’ is not really free and there are charges that you will necessarily have to pay; they feel that nothing can ever be given totally free. When signing contracts you must have a good idea of the hidden charges as this could probably create a hole in your pocket. Knowing what the hidden charges are will also help you in taking a decision about whether your plans to change providers are worth your while.

Have there been any Breaches on the part of the Provider?
Often people want to change providers because they are not receiving the promised service. Go through the contract policy to see what are the services promised and there is a possibility that they have not kept their word as far as providing the services are concerned. One of the common breaches is the time taken to get connected to the service which directly involves the speed, the other is customer support. If the provider proves difficult when you ask for a switch, you can tell them that because they have not conformed to the service agreement you are not liable to pay penalty or cancellation charges.

Enquire about where you can get MAC
Enquire about how and where you can get hold of the MAC, because there is no point running hither and thither when the time comes, not knowing who to contact to obtain the MAC from your present service provider. It would be in your interest to find out before hand what number you will be required to call to avail of the MAC even if you have no plans of switching service providers immediately. This will stand you in good stead when the need arises.