The latter half of the 20th century saw the inevitable shift from mechanical and analogue technology to digital electronics. You can just imagine how freely and quickly the transfer of information was with the advent of personal computers plus the Internet.
Yet, humanity was not contented with just the ordinary Internet connection. Today, millions of users around the world are enjoying seamless connectivity without having their computers hard-wired into modems. With that, countless Internet Service Providers (ISP) are now offering different wireless broadband plans.
When was the last time you watched TV, read the newspaper or magazine, or listened to the radio for that one thing you’ve been dying to shop for? Where before, retail was done through in-store, these days however, shopping is made even more convenient with wireless broadband connection. But just what is a wireless broadband?
Wi-Fi vs Broadband
People unconsciously use the terms Wi-Fi and broadband interchangeably but in reality, they are two different things. Wi-Fi is the wireless connection of your computer or phone to your router while broadband is the actual Internet connection utilised by your router to transmit and receive data from your home to the rest of the world.
To put it more clearly, picture your computer connected to a modem minus the wire. This is your wireless broadband, a marvellous telecommunications technology popularly used in homes since it gives you high-speed wireless Internet access over an extensive area. In this modern age, nobody should have any problem with connectivity for the reason that major Internet Service Providers offer wireless broadband in many different plans.
Wireless Broadband: Its Pros and Cons
Like anything else in this world, there are always two sides of a coin. While wireless broadband has its upsides, there are also downsides to watch out for. Below are some of the advantages:
Flexibility
You can surf the Internet anytime whether you are staying in the living room, bedroom or kitchen as long as there is a signal coming from your wireless router. No wires. No fuss.
One Connection for Several Devices
With more users each having their own device, browsing any website of choice is practically no problem even if they are using their devices which may include Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs) and phones, all at the same time.
Compatibility with Most Devices
Wireless broadband is compatible with almost all electronic devices whereas wired connection is limited to desktops and laptops. Think of the convenience of unlimited surfing if you are using devices other than the last two mentioned here.
Fast Connectivity and Fast Speed
Wireless broadband’s fast speed enables you to open websites in an instant, load videos in a matter of seconds without sacrificing quality. This is likewise ideal for use in video conferencing in which the quality of real-time communication is superb.
Now, here are some of the disadvantages:
Hacking
Your neighbour will most likely be hacking your connection and therefore unauthorised use of such can be possible, even by passers-by. It is therefore of utmost importance to properly secure your wireless network.
Weakening of Signal Strength
If you are out of your router’s range, weakening of the signal strength might be experienced. To get ultimate satisfaction, you should not be positioned far from your wireless router. In addition, thick brick walls or concrete roofs could slow down your Internet speed. And not only that, experts say that bad weather could be another reason why speed lessens.
If you live in an area where ADSL or VDSL broadband is not having an optimum performance, you might consider switching to wireless broadband.