broadband equipment FAQs
You will need either a broadband router or broadband modem with which to connect to the internet.
Buying New Equipment
If you need to buy equipment, you do not have to buy from us and may get a cheaper deal elsewhere. Our technical support team supports all major makes.
We very strongly recommend using a router rather than a modem, due to the much
better security this offers.
We supply the following equipment:
- ZyXel P660R-61C 1 Port Ethernet Router £29.36
- ZyXel 660H 4 Port Ethernet Router/Hub £45.02
- ZyXel 660HW Wireless 4 Port Ethernet Router/Hub £46
All come pre-configured with your connection details and a secure firewall. The Wireless Router has WPA security (Wi-Fi Protected Access) to protect your network connection from hackers.
You'll need a micro-filter (also known as a micro-splitter) for each telephone socket in your property.
Each Router comes supplied with one filter. We can supply additional filters at £5.75 each.
Using Existing Equipment
If you are using equipment you already have, please cheeck that your router or modem can handle
speeds over 2Mbps. See this page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need?
Will my existing equipment work?
Should I use a modem or router?
Do I have to buy my equipment from The Phone
Co-op?
If I buy a modem or router from The Phone
Co-op will it be pre-configured with the right settings?
If I buy my own equipment, what should I get?
Can I get Wireless broadband, and can you help me set it up?
What is a micro-filter / splitter?
Do I need to buy a firewall?
What if my computer is not next to a telephone
socket?
What is the minimum specification for my PC?
What is the minimum specification for my Mac?
What equipment do I need?
A Mac or PC matching the minimum specification set out below, a USB modem or Ethernet
router to connect your computer to the telephone line and a microfilter
(also known as splitters) for each telephone point you have.
Will my existing equipment work?
As a rule of thumb most recent routers are ok and most modems are not. We advise you to check your documentation.
There is more information about different models on this page.
Should I get a router or a modem?
The short answer is that a router is a better buy.
Firstly, most modems will not support the higher access speeds of up to 8Mbps, and most routers will.
Routers give increased security as they use NAT (Network Address Translation). NAT makes your
connection more secure as your computer connects only to the router, and it is the router that
connects to the net. Most routers (including those supplied by The Phone Co-op) also come with a
built-in firewall.
Sharing the broadband connection or networking between more than one computer or other
device requires a router with more than one 'port' (each port can connect to a single device).
From a performance point of view a modem will perform perfectly adequately for basic web browsing and
e-mailing. For applications that require constant activity you'll benefit from the use of a router, as it
will take the load off your computer processor.
Do I have to buy my equipment from The Phone Co-op?
No, and as we are not an equipment retailer you should be able to buy your modem or router more cheaply elsewhere.
When choosing your modem or router please be aware that our technical support staff are most experienced with
supporting equipment from major manufacturers, such as Netgear and ZyXel.
If I buy a router from The Phone Co-op will it be pre-configured
with the right settings?
The Routers we supply are pre-configured, and should just plug in and work. If you need help with
setting up standard equipment our technical support staff will be happy to provide it.
Advice about buying your own equipment
You can buy ADSL modems/routers from many places. One very good one is
Broadband Buyer
and this may be a good starting place to find a suitable model for your requirements.
Please note that ADSL in the UK uses Point to Point Protocol over Asynchronous
Transfer Mode (PPPoA) many other countries use Point to Point Protocol
over Ethernet. Therefore you must ensure that the ADSL modem/router
that you purchase supports PPPoA.
Wireless Broadband
We supply you with a connection to the internet, and you can then use that with any sort of network you wish.
You will need either a wireless router such as the one we can supply,or other wireless equipment. We are happy to give advice, and will try to offer support for your set up but cannot guarantee to do so.
What is a microfilter?
The purpose of the micro-filter is to split the (analogue) telephony service
from the (digital) ADSL service. One micro-filter is required on every telephone
socket that has equipment plugged in to it. If you do not have one
in every socket, you will hear noise interference when making calls.
Do I need to buy a firewall?
A firewall is a system designed to prevent unauthorised access to a network.
If you use a USB modem then you definitely need firewall protection on your computer,
along with regularly-updated anti-virus software. Talk to your local PC shop for advice.
If you have a router that doesn't come with a built-in firewall then you should again
get a firewall rather than relying on NAT protection.
What if my computer is not next to a telephone socket?
If your computer/network point is not next to a telephone socket
then you will need to install a BT approved extension kit and plug
your micro-filter into this, or set up a wireless connection. Extension kits are available from a
variety of suppliers and must be no more than 30 metres from a telephone socket.
A useful site to look at is Broadband Buyer.
What are the minimum specifications of my PC to be able to use ADSL?
For use on a single machine via a USB port:
All broadband-only services are 12 month contracts. Broadband & Phone Packages are 18 month contracts. Charges are monthly, in advance. All prices include VAT.
Ordering Broadband:
Please use this checker:
More information for existing Phone Co-op broadband customers
COMPARE BROADBAND PRODUCTS - at a glance product details
BROADBAND SPEEDS - what can you really expect?
MONTHLY DATA ALLOWANCE - how much do you need?
MOVING YOUR BROADBAND TO US - how to move from another supplier
SWITCHING PRODUCTS - changing your monthly allowance
BROADBAND FAQs - about our services
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