Broadband 'always on'

Gambler

One of the attractions of broadband is the 'always on' facility. Is it always on or does it depend on the type of modem you use.

Thanks

lic

My understanding of 'always on', is that the connection to the internet is always on, as long as your computer is switched on.

robnye

the modem will always be connected to the internet

i have a router/modem, i have set it to shut down after 15 mins no usage, partly due to it being wireless, which would have meant someone outside could have used it

it re signs on, when ever the pc is started up

theloft

robnye wrote:

the modem will always be connected to the internet

i have a router/modem, i have set it to shut down after 15 mins no usage, partly due to it being wireless, which would have meant someone outside could have used it

I am looking to go Broadband. I am not fussed about wireless, but could you tell me if it would be better (cheaper) for me to buy my modem & filters, beforehand. Reason for asking I notice that there are some for sale on EBay. For instance Speedtouch 330 with 2 filters. Probably around £15 to £20. Would this be a good buy ? ~Or do you have any recommendations.

Jay-Jay_4

I thought that always on meant that I could open my laptop and be straight on the internet.

I have BT broadband and their modem, after I switch my comp on I have to click on an icon to connect to the internet which takes a few minutes as it veryfies my password etc.

Occasionaly my connection 'drops off' and I have to re-connect.

mikewebs

I am sooo glad someone asked this question cos I didn't want to sound stupid!
This 'always on' business sounds to me like you need to keep your PC switched on all the time.. my problem is that I only access the net at home via a notebook (which I got for free in a Microsoft competition during the Windows XP promotions) (sorry it's the only free thing I ever got until recently). I like to have my computer switched off and stored away when I go out so no nosey burglars can seen it and the battery may last a bit longer. Anyway back to the point, can I just bring out the modem and computer when I want to use it or do I have to have it always switched on?

Thanks for reading this drivel but it is an important consideration for me before I enter the 21st century!

Thanks!

Jay-Jay_4

That's what I do Mikewebs!

I leave the wires connected and plugged into my laptop but store it away when I'm not using it.

I don't use my PC for the internet so don't 'get' how it works on there.

Allexie

Jay-Jay wrote:

I thought that always on meant that I could open my laptop and be straight on the internet.

I have BT broadband and their modem, after I switch my comp on I have to click on an icon to connect to the internet which takes a few minutes as it veryfies my password etc.

Occasionaly my connection 'drops off' and I have to re-connect.

Same here Jay-Jay, (tho different ISP)...I've never understood the 'always on' thingy...

Gambler

Thanks for the replies. So it looks like it is not 'always on' unless PC is always on.

I've also heard that you may have to get a wireless router if your bt extension is too far from your main BT point. My PC is upstairs but the main point downstairs, like most people I would imagine.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Tahnks

allthatmularky

Seems to be a lot of confusion here - BB allows for an 'always on' connection but most people use it only when needed. That is - the modem is linked to the internet but the computer does not link to the internet till it is instructed to do so. This can be by clicking an icon or using a password. The 'always on' bit indicates the possibility rather than the actual.
You can pack your PC away - then when needed plug the modem in this will 'synch' with the line within 30-60 seconds and then reconnect the computer to the net.

Jay-Jay_4

It's misleading (for thickos like me) when companies say that BB is 'ON' all the time!


When I first got BB I signed up for BT Basic which is 1gb per month. I left it 'ON' all the time and after 6 days BT contacted me to say that I had used my monthly limit :rolleyes:

They had to explain to me that 'surfing' and 'on' were different things