Connecting To The Internet

(Presentation to Sunshine Coast Computer Club, Sat May 12th)

Download pdf of this presentation HERE.

"Types Of Connections"
1. Wireless WAN  (through the mobile phone network).  These are available from most of the larger phone companies, Telstra, Optus, etc.  Typical plan would be 6GB for $40.

- easy to connect
- convenient
- portability

..... easily the most expensive per GB!

2. ADSL (connection through your existing phone line)

- great value, cheaper per GB.
- often can be "Bundled" as a plan which includes your phone line rental as well as local and national calls to landlines.
- easily create a 'local wireless network'  (LAN) so you can connect other devices, TV, Smartphone, media player and allow internet access to each of them.
- may require a 24 month commitment.

Hardware and other Costs to Setup ADSL:

- a router/modem ($80 - $200), If you select a wireless modem/router you will have the ability to connect devices to the internet wirelessly through your adsl connection.
- "Setup" (to have your line converted to have both phone and internet on the one line)  ($100)
- filters ($15 each), 1 for each landline connected phone in your home)
- a contract with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) which may have a term commitment attached.

The ISP you choose may be able to provide you with the equipment you need setup and ready to go (pre-configured).  All these details are available from the ISP.  The ISP you select will arrange to have your phone line converted to enable both phone and adsl.

The rear of the modem router above has 4 ports allowing the wired connection of 4 computers, it has wireless and also has Voip telephone connections.  A voip modem router can cost from $140 to $300 depending on the quality you want.  The one in the photo cost around $150.

"Connecting"

Internet connection comes in various 'speeds', 256, 512, 1500, 8000 and 20,000.  Nowadays a preferred speed would be at least 8000.  For general internet use, emails etc 1500 would be ample.

'RIMS'

A RIM is a Telstra owned 'box' on many newer estates which allow for easier phone connections.  If your phone service is via a RIM your phone connection is 'owned' by Telstra.  Telstra is 'required' to supply ADSL to every home.  ADSL is up to 8000.  Therefore if you are behind a RIM, they are set to supply internet at 8000.

Telephone exchanges house nearly all the telephony equipment.  In some cases Optus, iiNet and other ISP's may install their own equipment in telephone exchanges.  At Caloundra we have Telstra, Powertel and Agile equipment installed.  If your ISP uses Powertel or Agile equipment you will enjoy more download, faster speeds and cheaper prices.

If you are behind a RIM your ISP has to 'rent' the phone line from Telstra (at a higher cost) before it can connect you to their services.  Usually this means higher prices and less download per month compared to the services they can supply using their 'own' equipment.  Plans are referred to as On-Net (through their own equipment) and Off-Net (via Telstra owned equipment).

All plans available to people behind a RIM (except Bigpond) are Off-Net plans.  Currently there is a discussion via the ACCC in an endeavour to lower Telstra's charges to ISP's.  The decision may be a month or two away and will lead to lower prices and better deals.

What will rescue those stuck behind Telstra RIMs and paying extra for internet connections, .... NBN!

How To Find Plan That Suits You?

Try to "Future Protect" yourself.

Broadband Choice:   http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/

Bigpond:  http://go.bigpond.com/broadband/ 

Or Bigpond Bundles:  http://www.telstra.com.au/bundle-save/index.cfm

Optus:  https://www.optus.com.au/shop/broadband/bundles/homeadvantage

 iPrimus    http://www.iprimus.com.au/PrimusWeb/HomeSolutions/BundleDeals/

The difference between On-Net and Off-Net

http://www.internode.on.net/residential/adsl_broadband/all_plans/


Let us run through Find A Plan at Broadband Choice (Whirlpool)!

Broadband Choice:   http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/

If you are not sure, then ASK SOMEONE here at Computer Club!