Wireless broadband allows you to work anywhere in your home without the need for wires.

Becoming wire-free isn't the only great thing about wireless broadband. If you have wireless internet it means that more one than one person in your home can connect to the internet at the same time, with the same connection speed and no wires.

How do I get wireless broadband?

Getting wireless broadband is simple - you just need some basic equipment.

Firstly, you simply need to ensure that your computer has one of the following:

1. A 'wireless network card' - an add-on that is already fitted in the majority of new PC's. Just look for the description 'Wi-Fi' or 'Wireless Enabled' in the product features. If a wireless network card is not already fitted, you can simply buy one that slots into your PC. They usually cost around £15 on the high street and are essential for wireless internet.

Or

2. A 'USB wireless adapter', otherwise known as a 'dongle'. This is simply a peripheral device which is plugged into the back of your PC into the 'USB port'. Again, these cards for wireless internet are available on the high street and cost between £20-£30.

Secondly, you'll need a wireless modem or router. You often get this from your wireless internet provider when you sign up (sometimes free of charge) but you can also get higher spec equipment from the high street at a cost of around £35 upwards. The wireless broadband router will simply plug into your telephone wall socket, and will come with very simple set-up instructions in some cases you will even get a set up CD that will help you to set up and configure your wireless broadband connection.

If your wireless internet provider does not offer wireless equipment with a broadband package, don't be deterred from signing up to that provider, as you will still be able to purchase your own wireless broadband equipment and use it along with the provider's services (in the majority of cases).

Keep your wireless broadband secure

Because wireless internet allows you to use your internet connection anywhere, it also means that other people can connect to your equipment and use it without your knowledge or consent, so you should always make sure that your wireless broadband security settings on your wireless broadband router and other wireless equipment are activated and are up to date.

If you are not familiar with computers, or setting up a wireless network, it may be worth paying your broadband supplier to come and set it all up for you. Sometimes these services can be expensive for the one off cost, but if you are not a 'computer techie' this could save you money in the longer term by getting set up with piece of mind, and avoiding lengthy telephone costs to customer service helplines. Not all providers do offer this service though, but we can tell you which ones do and don't.