Access Broadband has a number of strategically placed high-sites, allowing customers to connect to the Access Broadband network using a radio unit linked from their PC to a roof mounted antenna. This equipment links the user to the nearest Access Broadband base station. Each base station links back wirelessly to our central hub. Our hub in turn connects to fiber optic cable which links to our Data Centre. From there users connect to the World Wide Web.

How are customers connected?

Customers are connected to the Access Broadband network using an external antenna. Before the customer is installed, engineers perform a quality check to ensure a valid signal can be received. Connectivity is generally available within 5km of each high site. 

What is a line of sight (LOS)?

For our wireless service to work the customer antenna must have an unobstructed view - 'line of sight' (LOS) of our nearby base station. This is because our base stations operate at extremely low power output - unlike mobile phone signals they cannot penetrate walls We carry out initial LOS tests using sophisticated software called Geographical Information Systems. This software enables us to determine if your location is within coverage, which high sites are available, signal strengths and possible Line of Sight obstructions like buildings, terrain etc. Once your location has passed GIS you are then ready to be scheduled for an installation.

If I want Access Broadband high-speed Internet what do I need?

The requirements are simple. You need a PC with an Ethernet card. You will also require line of sight to an Access Broadband base station. Our installers will provide any other equipment required. Your PC will require a minimum specification of: . 233 Mhz processor. 32MB RAM, .Ethernet Por, Windows 98SE or higher, or MAC OS9.0 to MAC OS X. (For more information please ask a sales agent when ordering)

What equipment do you provide?

The customer premises equipment consists of an antenna, cabling and a radio unit. The antenna is installed on the roof and connected via cable to the radio unit. The radio unit in turn connects to your PCs Ethernet port.

What other services does Access Broadband provide?

Access Broadband provides the full suite of ISP services including email addresses, domain names, maintenance packages, hosting and firewalls.

How secure is the service?

Access Broadband's service is highly secure as it works on frequency hopping technology. However, always on connections are inherently more vulnerable to attack. We recommend that business users install a firewall to protect their network. The level of security required will be dictated by the value of the data on the network.

Broadband = High Speed
What difference does speed actually make?

Anybody who has used a slow Internet connection will appreciate why speed is so critical. Broadband allows users to send files with large data content such as graphics, screenshots or video clips at very high speed.

Contention Ratio - What does it mean?

The contention ratio is a measure of the quality of service you can expect. In simple terms contention measures the maximum number of people who will use the Internet at a given time using the same access pipe. Our business service is contended at lower levels than our home plan.   

What are the benefits of connecting through Access Broadband?

• Very high speed access to the Internet at varying speeds
• from 512 kbps
• Value for money Internet access, from less than £0.40 per day
• Always on access
• Ability to send and receive large files at phenomenally
• fast speeds
• Flat monthly fee, no call charges and no nasty bill surprises
• Real-time delivery of email
• Generousdownload limits
• Short lead time for installation

Access Broadband can provide both asynchronous and synchronous transfer of data - what does this mean?
This means that data is transferred either at varying speeds as in the case of an asynchronous transfer or at the same speed up-stream as down-stream as in the case of synchronous. The synchronous is in contrast to DSL where the up-stream speed is typically only one quarter that of the downstream speed. Apart from facilitating faster transfer of files, synchronous service also facilitates multimedia services including video conferencing.

I thought it was a wireless broadband internet connection?
It is because the connection from our base station to the antenna on your property is fully wireless. However to allow you to connect to the internet the Access Broadband engineers will drop a cat 5 cable from the antenna on your property down into a location close to your computer. If you want to go completely wireless you will need to purchase a wireless lan card and router which can then be connected to the IBB connection.

Is the Access Broadband product the same as ADSL?
There are similarities in relation to our asynchronous product. However there are three main differences between our product and ADSL in particular relating to our synchronous product:

• Delivered wirelessly - via rooftop antenna, as opposed to over phone lines
• Fully synchronous service - same speeds up-stream as down-stream
• Lower contention ratios - compared to ADSL, often as high as 25:1 & 50:1

How affordable is it?

Never before has fast Internet access been such great value for money. Your business can have the benefits of always on Internet access for under £1 per day for a 1 MB/s connection.  Unlike ISDN or dial up Internet access what you pay is fixed, so you get no nasty surprises at the end of the month.

Can I retain my email addresses and domain name?

You can keep your existing email address and domain name and we can provide additional addresses if required. For further information on this service contact one of our personnel on 0800 635 3535 or email sales@accessbb.co.uk

What does "always on" actually mean?

Always on means exactly what it says - there is no need to dial up, there are no busy tones and no disconnections - it is always on.

What operating systems are supported?

All operating systems are supported. The only requirement is that the system supports an Ethernet card.  If you don't have an ethernet card, we can direct you to where you can purchase one, or we can supply one for a nominal cost

How is mail handled? Will SMTP and POP3 delivery be available?

Yes, normal ISP email services are available.
SMTP and POP3 mail is allowed

Will I be able to use the service with a home network?

Yes, but you will need to purchase a router as the radio device cannot be plugged into a hub or switch.

Will I need additional security?

As broadband is an always on connection, Access Broadband recommends that you take steps to secure your network connection. Access Broadband can provide you with a firewall for this purpose. Please ask for further details or see our datasheet on firewalls

Does the antenna need planning permission?

As the antenna placed on the roof of the premises is approximately 24cm x 17cm planning permission is not normally required. Special requirements may apply for listed or heritage buildings.

Why should I move from DSL?

Access Broadband's product offering is superior to DSL.

Specifically it is:

• Faster
• More cost effective
• Quick to install
• Has lower contention
• Has generous download limits
  

How do I order the services?
Ordering any of our services is simple.    

Please goto our SIGNUP page - from here you can download an application form

Email us at: sales@accessbb.co.uk

Alternatively contact our office on freephone 0800 635 3535 and one of our sales executives will be more than happy to assist.