Wireless Broadband

[XxHeatherxX]

I'm hopefully getting a laptop for university and soon I should be upgrading to wireless broadband. The only thing is is that I'm not really sure what wireless entails as orange doesn't really tell you a lot about "livebox" or what can actually be done with wireless. So could I access the internet while I'm at university or will I need some sort of adaptor to plug in somewhere?? I'm really confused about it, so some pieces of advice would be great!!

Thanks.
XxHeatherxX

[CheekyChops]

If you have a wireless laptop, you will only be able to access the interenet from University if they have wifi set up. I asssume they will, places like that usually do.

It might be free, you might have to pay. You won't be accessing the internet using your broadband / provider (which I assume is Orange), it will be whichever ISP the Uni uses.

[pug100]

Hi Heather,
A Livebox is a wireless router and modem combined in one box. The router bit means you can connect more than one PC to it and all access the internet at the smae time.

I had one for about a year and it was fine, although a bit on the large side and a funny wedge shape. I now use a Netgear router which is a quarter of the size of the livebox and a more regular rectangle shape so it fits on my shelf better.

The main thing to watch for with wireless is security. Make sure you enable the encryption on the router and if possible chage the router SSID name or hide it altogether. Otherwise you might find 'tinternet really slow because other people are using your connection.

[dodgyshirt]

If you are referring to the Halls of Residence access , then you will probably find that it is a wired network.

Most laptops these days come with WiFi for wireless connection and RJ45 socket for a wired network.

Make sure yours has both and if it is a wired network at Uni, the only additional equipment needed will be an RJ45 patch cable which the Uni will probably supply fairly cheaply.