Wireless Broadband -
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect to ORB’s Wireless Broadband?

ORB’s Wireless Broadband service is provided on a “wires only” basis. This means that we will install the equipment necessary to receive the wireless signal and convert it into a form that your computer or network can use. We will provide an Ethernet socket that your computer or network can connect to.

Most modern PCs have an Ethernet card installed, you will simply need a cable to connect to the Ethernet socket that we provide. If you have a network you may wish to connect a hub or router to the Ethernet socket instead.

ORB offers a range of products to suit various home and business requirements. Click <here> for details.

How is ORB’s Wireless Broadband delivered to my premises?

We will install a small unobtrusive aerial on your premises – usually on the same mounting as your TV aerial if this is fitted externally and can be used. The aerial provides the wireless broadband link between your premises and our nearest local node. A cable from the aerial carries the signal down to the customer premise equipment (CPE) which we will install close to your PC or network. Our CPE converts the wireless signal into a form that your PC or network can use.

Will I need planning permission for the aerial?

This is subject to the same rules and regulations governing TV aerials. So, in the vast majority of cases, the answer is no.

Are there limitations on where you can deliver your service to?

The main requirement is for radio line of sight between customers’ premises and our local distribution node. ORB’s network is carefully planned to cover as much of an area as possible from a single point. However, because of the very low power levels at which we transmit, obstructions such as tall buildings and trees may make a direct connection difficult. On receipt of an order from a customer, ORB will conduct a site survey to recommend how a connection to the customer premises can be made and to agree where the aerial should be mounted.

Will your service interfere with the wireless network in my home or office?

ORB’s Wireless Broadband uses the wireless standard 802.11b which is the same as that used by wireless home or office networks. There are 13 channels available of which we use only one. On installation we will advise you which channel we are using and can provide advice on how to configure your home or office network so that it does not interfere with your wireless broadband service.

Is your signal affected by weather?

The strength of wireless signals can be affected by extreme weather conditions (e.g. heavy rain or snow). However ORB’s network is engineered with sufficient margin to ensure that weather is most unlikely to impact the quality of service.

How secure is wireless?

No system is 100% secure and much has been talked about the security of wireless networks. ORB uses a combination of encryption and address filtering within its network to deliver a high degree of security. Customers handling confidential data may wish to consider implementing their own security measures such a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which ORB’s wireless broadband will support.

As with any “always-on” connection to the Internet we strongly recommend that you install a firewall to prevent unauthorised access from the Internet.

The major threat to most users from the Internet is viruses which are a danger whatever type of connection you use. As a matter of good practice you should ensure that anti-virus software is installed on your PCs and that this is regularly updated.

Is wireless broadband safe?

There has been plenty of debate on the safety of wireless communications, mainly concerning mobile telephony. No-one can say that there is absolutely no risk with wireless networks but the general opinion is that the chance of health effects is very, very small. ORB uses wireless networking equipment of the type widely sold throughout the UK for use in hospitals, offices and homes. There are strict limits on the level of power which our equipment transmits at which is around one tenth of the power of a normal mobile phone. Also our aerials are installed at roof height which means that the radio signals are kept well away from people.

What Operating Systems can be used with ORB’s Wireless Broadband?

ORB’s Wireless Broadband will support any operating system which can connect to the Internet. This includes Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP, MacOs and Linux.

Can I connect more than one computer up to the Internet with wireless broadband?

Yes. If you have 2-3 computers running Windows 2000 or XP and want to share the broadband connection, you can network the PCs together. Connect one PC to the wireless broadband socket and configure this as the Internet gateway with Internet Connection Sharing switched on. You will then need to configure the other PCs to use this machine for Internet access.

If you have more than 3 PCs or run a business network, we recommend that you use a router.

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