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ADSL FAQ's
Here are answers to some of the questions most often asked when considering ordering our Business ADSL service. Please read through the FAQs before filling in our contact form or calling us on 0800 073 11 02 with any unanswered questions, as an answer to your question may be only a click away.
Click on a question below to jump to the answer.
- What is ADSL ?
- How does it work?
- Can I purchase a connection and supply my own hardware?
- Can I use a fax on the phone line?
- What else is included with the service?
- What is a static IP address?
- Can I have more than one Static IP address?
- How can I run a LAN set up with only one Static IP address?
- What is a firewall and do I need one?
- What is Virus software and would you recommend it?
- What hardware do you recommend for your ADSL service?
- What is a microfilter / splitter?
- Do you block any internet ports?
- Can I be on the internet and use the phone at the same time?
- Is ADSL only available if I have a BT phone line?
- Can I host my own web server or setup a VPN?
- Will the ADSL service work with an ISDN line?
- Can I keep my current BT telephone number?
- Are there any reasons why ADSL may not be available to me?
- Is there a bandwidth limit (data transfer limit).?
- How long will take for my phone line to be activated?
- Does an engineer need to visit my house or premises?
- Once I have placed the order how will I know my line is active?
- What is the next step once activation is confirmed?
- How Can I connect more than one computer to my ADSL service?
- Can I migrate to your network?
- How long is my contract?
- Where can I find your terms and conditions?
- How Can I pay for my service?
- When will the first payment be taken?
- How Can I pay for my service?
- Are there any additional costs?
- Is VAT included in the price?
- Where can I find my invoices?
GENERAL
What is ADSL ?
ADSL means Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line.
ADSL (also known as broadband) is a service that offers connections to the Internet up to 40 times faster than a standard dial-up modem.
How does it work?
ADSL enables your normal BT phone line to operate as though there were two cables. You can receive phone calls whilst surfing the net at the same time. Your BT line is converted to ADSL by sending two different frequencies down the line. One frequency is for voice calls the other for the computer.
A splitter/microfilter is added to the phone socket of the ADSL-enabled phone line. The splitter/microfilter has two sockets, one for the phone cable connection and one for the cable that connects to the ADSL modem or router that you would need to use for this service.
If you have more than one phone socket connected to the ADSL enabled phone line then you will need a microfilter for each one. The extra phones can be plugged into the correct socket of the microfilter, the other socket of the extra microfilters, where you would normally attach the modem/router cable, can remain empty. If you run an extension cable from the microfilter that is attached to the master socket to another phone then you do not need a microfilter at the end of this extension..
Can I purchase a connection and supply my own hardware?
Yes, we can supply you with a connection only and you can use your own hardware.
Are Can I use a fax on the phone line?
Yes, but to make sure that there is no interference, an approved fax machine should be used and an ADSL microfilter.
What else is included with the service?
With the business service you get a static IP address, unlimited data usage and SMTP server details.
What is a static IP address?
A static IP address is a number that is assigned to your computer. When you log on to the Internet your IP address is like your home address or telephone number. It identifies who you are. Having ADSL means you are always on line. It is important to run a firewall to prevent hackers getting into your system, particularly if you have a fixed IP address. A Static IP address also allows you to run a server.
Can I have more than one Static IP address?
Yes. This allows you to assign an IP address to as many PC's as you like that are connected to your LAN. You may also want to run a hardware firewall and so will need an extra IP address for this set up. Please note that all IP address allocations are subject to strict requirements set out by RIPE. Additional IP addresses can be purchased when ordering your service.
How can I run a LAN set up with only one Static IP address?
Many people prefer to use this set up as it offers a basic protection from hackers. Your router would be assigned the static IP and you would run the Standard NAT option on the router. This is a piece of software that assigns Internal IP addresses to each PC. These Internal addresses are not recognised in the outside world of the Internet. What the NAT software does is to assign any data received with an Internal IP address so that it arrives at the correct destination. Standard NAT only allows recognised correspondence to be delivered so any hackers will find it harder to abuse the LAN, particularly as there is no External IP addresses assigned to any one PC.
What is a firewall and do I need one?
This is either a piece of hardware or software that prevents hackers from abusing your system. It is strongly recommended that all ADSL customers have a firewall. You can download a software firewall from the Internet. Many routers have firewalls build in.
What is Virus software and would you recommend it?
This is not the same as a firewall. This is a piece of software that monitors any data received to see if it recognises any known viruses. It is important to update your virus checker regularly as there are new viruses developed all the time. Virus software is a must as it is reported that it can take less than 2 minutes for a PC to become infected on broadband.
What hardware do you recommend for your ADSL service?
You will need to purchase a microfilter for each telephone extension on the enabled line, and an ADSL modem or ADSL router to UK specification. We place no restrictions on your choice to allow you to implement the design that works best in your situation. We supply various ADSL hardware. If you wish to share your connection we offer a range of routers and wireless routers .
What is a microfilter / splitter?
The microfilter / splitter separates the ADSL and analogue phone signals.
Do you block any internet ports?
No. We do not block any ports.
Can I be on the internet and use the phone at the same time?
Yes you can. Although the ADSL and phone services physically use the same line, they function as two separate lines. Therefore you should expect to receive voice calls as usual.
Is ADSL only available if I have a BT phone line?
Yes, ADSL is only provided if you have an active BT phone line.
Can I host my own webserver or setup a VPN?
Yes, It is possible as you are provided with a static IP address and we do not block any ports.
Will the ADSL service work with an ISDN line?
No. You will need to get your line converted to back to a normal BT phone line. Once this is complete we can process your ADSL order against the tel number you provide.
Can I keep my current BT telephone number?
Yes. There should be no reason for you to change your current BT phone nember.
Are there any reasons why ADSL may not be available to me?
First you local telephone exchange needs to be enabled. The next step is to have the quality of your phone line checked. This check is to determine the distance you are from the exchange. This must be 6km for 1024Kbps connections and 3.5km for 2048Kbps connections. There are generally no limits for a 512Kbps connection although this service can not be guaranteed and long lines may produce a reduced quality of service. You may also experience interference from surrounding cables. Note: ADSL can not be offered if you line is part fibre optic or aluminium.
Is there a bandwidth limit (data transfer limit)?
No. All of our business ADSL services offer an unlimited bandwidth limit.
Back to topADSL Activation Queries
Do How long will take for my phone line to be activated?
Approximately 10 days from the date of order.
Does an engineer need to visit my house or premises?
It is not usual for an engineer to be need on site as the activation is done remotely. Engineer visits would only be required if you were converting an ISDN line to ADSL or having an extra line installed or a technical problem occurred that required an engineer on site.
Once I have placed the order how will I know my line is active?
Once you have placed an order with us you will receive an acknowledgement via email. We will then update you with the progress of your order via email. After we receive your order a line test is carried out to see if your line has the necessary requirements. The results are confirmed via email to the address you provided during sign up.
What is the next step once activation is confirmed?
You will need to purchase an ADSL modem or ADSL router. This can be done when ordering your service. The equipment will be despatched to you a few days before the activation. DO NOT FORGET to order a microfiter for each and every phone point. We will send with your confirmation email your network details for router configuration.
Can I connect more than one computer to my ADSL service?
Yes. If you use a router / wireless router you can add multiple computers to use your ADSL connection.
Can I migrate to your network?
Yes, this should be possible. You can call and talk to a member of our support team and they will help you determine the connection type you have and the next step in the process.
Back to topPAYMENTS
How long is my contact?
We only offer monthly contacts. This gives you more flexibility and you know you are not tied in to 12 months. You can cancel the service online in your members area.
Where can I find your Terms and Conditions?
The ADSL terms and conditions are available on the website
How can I pay for my service?
We require a credit or debit card for the initial payment and then if required you may selct to pay be direct debit (You can choose your selection in your members area).
When will the first payment be taken?
Your card will be authorised on the day you order the service but will not be debited until your service is activated (Activation Day). If your line can not be enabled there will be no payment taken.
How can I pay for my service?
We require a credit or debit card for the initial payment and then if required you may select to pay be direct debit(You can choose your selection in your members area).
Are there any additional costs?
No. There is the setup fee, the monthly service charge and the cost of the hardware.
Is VAT included in the price?
No. All prices quoted exclude VAT.
Where can I find my invoices?
You will be emailed a copy of your invoice to the email address provided on signup. You can also find a copy of your invoice in your member’s area.
Networks
Installations
Telecoms