Broadband ADSL help

Broadband FAQ 

• What is ADSL? 
  ADSL stands for 'Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line' and provides fast access internet service over existing copper telephone links. By converting your existing line to ADSL, you can take advantage of high speed internet access through an 'always on' service making it much easier to download information from the internet or to share information between offices or remote workers. ADSL services are asymmetric - which means that data flows to you faster than from your system - download speeds are up to 2Mbps, upload speeds are 256Kbps.
    
• How fast is ADSL? 
  ADSL provides much faster access than previous alternatives such as modem or ISDN links - or expensive leased line connections. ADSL can download data at speeds from 512Kbps to 2Mbps and uploads at 256Kbps. And because ADSL provides an always on connection you can transfer whenever you want - without waiting for dial up connections to be completed. 
    
• What do I need? 
  You will need a BT telephone line that can be converted to ADSL. BT has enabled local exchanges throughout the country to provide ADSL service. Check that you are in an ADSL enabled area by using the online availability checker.
    
• Can I still use my telephone line? 
  Yes - you can use a telephone on the same line as the ADSL service - and while you are using the internet! ADSL requires a micro-filter to be plugged into your phone socket - the filter has outputs for both ADSL connections and standard telephones. If you have multiple extension outlets on the line to be converted to ADSL, you will need a micro-filter for each extension outlet. 
    
• Are there call charges for using ADSL? 
  ADSL is an 'always on' internet connection. This means that, once you have paid your monthly subscription, there are no additional call charges for the length of time you are connected to the internet, you will only be charged extra if you go over your bandwidth limit if you are on a capped ADSL account. This makes ADSL a very cost-effective alternative to previous internet connections such as ISDN. You can set up fixed links between offices secure in the knowledge that the cost is fixed and can be budgeted in advance. Please note that you will be responsible for the cost of BT voice telephony calls made on the ADSL converted line. These charges will be billed separately by BT in the normal way. 
    
• What additional services are available? 
  The Netpoint Project includes a range of services with ADSL accounts - including static IP numbers, web hosting and email. Check the appropriate web pages for details of package options. 
    
• Can I connect a network to my ADSL link? 
  Yes - ADSL is ideal for connecting an office or home network to the internet. Connect your network to the ADSL router and all network machines will be able to access the internet. 
    
• What is Wires Only? 
  'Wires Only' is a service that allows you to purchase your own choice of ADSL hardware. This gives you greater control with reduced costs. You can purchase ADSL routers, modems and micro-filters from a range of suppliers to suit your needs and budget. 
  
  Routers allow you to connect multiple computers to the ADSL connection - these can be set up with fixed IP addresses or to allow network address translation (where a single external IP is translated to an internal range). ADSL modems are only recommended for individual computers. 
    
• Where can I purchase ADSL equipment 
  You will be able to purchase ADSL equipment from a number of PC and network suppliers. On the web you may want to try DSL Warehouse, DSL Source or Videk all of whom are able to supply a wide range of suitable products from Alcatel, Dlink, Electronic Frontier and others. 
  
  The Netpoint Project is able to provide ADSL modems for USB connection and pre-configured routers for ethernet network links. Netpoint will provide the information needed to programme your choice of ADSL equipment. 
    
• Can I run my own web servers? 
  Yes, you can run your own servers if you opt for fixed externally valid IP addresses. But - you should not expect to be able to run a server over an ADSL link if you require constant access rates or performance. ADSL can be used for SMTP mail feeds to your own local mail server (MS Exchange, Sun Cobalt Cube, Equiinet etc.) - allowing you to collect mail and distribute to your local network. If you run your own mail servers, you should take steps to ensure that your server is configured to deny open relay etc. and is locked down to prevent its use for the distribution of unsolicited email. 
    
• What if I don't want to buy my own equipment? 
  We provide a fully programmed ADSL modem/router with every account. Connect it to your local network (or PCs) and to the telephone line. Managed services are only available on a minimum 12 month term. For home users we can provide a 'plug and play' ADSL modem for USB connection. 
    
• I have a service that provides a monthly bandwidth limit. How can I check how much I have used? 
  Users wanting to monitor individual machine usage can download and install a Network Monitor utility to display incoming and outgoing traffic in real-time. The utility can also be set to warn of impending bandwidth limitation.
    
• What happens if I exceed my monthly allowance? 
  You will incur a small charge per Gb per month - please see the Broadband Order Form for pricing. 
    
• Do I need to install a firewall to improve my security? 
  We would always recommend the use of a firewall - particularly when systems are connected to 'always on' internet connections and with fixed IP addresses - to protect your local computers or network from unauthorised access or attack. You can install personal firewall software on individual machines (Zone Alarm or Outpost) or install a hardware firewall security device between your ADSL router and your local network. The Netpoint Project would be pleased to advise on suitable equipment - contact our Sales team to discuss your needs. You should also ensure that your systems are protected by an up to date anti-virus package - and that you regularly scan your machines! 
    
• Can I have ADSL with ISDN? 
  No, you will have to have the ISDN line converted to PSTN. This can be arranged when you apply for your ADSL circuit with Netpoint. 
    
• Do I need a dedicated telephone line for my ADSL? 
  This is not a necessity, but it will depend on the telephone services you are operating on the line that you want to use for ADSL. You will need to use a telephone line that comes directly to where you want ADSL. You will not be able to use an extension that comes through a separate exchange or switchboard. 
    
• I want to migrate from my present ISP to the Netpoint Project 
  You will need to use our online migration order form. You will need to have a Migration Access Code (MAC) provided by your existing ISP and the telephone number of the line. Migrations incur an administration charge - please see the Broadband Order Form for pricing. Please note: To migrate to Netpoint you must select a service that is the same level (speed and contention) as the service you currently have. Any upgrades must be made as a separate order after migration. Please check with Netpoint if you would like help. 
    
• I am a long way from my exchange. Will this affect my ability to receive service? 
  Broadband ADSL service is distance dependent. For maximum speed (up to 2 Mbit/s) you will need to be within 2.5 km of your exchange to receive service. 1 Mbit/s service can be provided up to 6 km from the exchange but BT have now revised their plans for 512 kbit/s service and have removed all distance barriers which should mean that the vast majority of potential locations should be able to receive basic ADSL service. Most circuit tests should indicate a 'green' response but some may indicate the need for an engineer visit (see below). Some very long lines will provide a test warning that service may be difficult to provide.
    
• I have ordered ADSL but the service does not appear to work? 
  Your first point of contact should be to email Netpoint support. Staff will take you through a series of tests to try to identify problems and to help you to arrive at a 'fix'. 
  If this is a new line installation the problem may be due to long line length or other line related problems. If this does seem to be the case, Netpoint will make arrangements for a BT engineer to visit your location to test the line and make any changes/corrections required. This may include ensuring the PSTN circuit is fault free, isolating local extension wiring, checking micro-filter fitted, fitting new front plate to master socket if required etc. The engineer visit will be included within the standard repair process and will not be chargeable. 
    
• What do I do if I am moving premises? 
  You will need to notify Netpoint, as the ADSL will have to be ceased and provided at the new premises. Any changes to a telephone circuit will automatically cease the ADSL. This will incur an administration and reconnection fee. 
    
• What happens if I move premises and do not tell you? 
  Your ADSL will cease if you have asked BT to move your telephone line to the new premises. Any changes to a telephone circuit will automatically cease the ADSL. This will incur an administration and reconnection fee. 
    
• I have moved, but kept the same telephone number, why has my ADSL stopped working? 
  ADSL is provided by the physical connection of equipment to your line. The number can be assigned by computer equipment in the exchange and can easily be assigned to a different circuit. Moving the ADSL requires the physical movement of the exchange equipment. Any change to a telephone circuit generates an automatic cease on the ADSL service by BT. Transferring the ADSL service will always incur an administration and reconnection fee. 
    
• I have changed the name on my telephone line, why has my ADSL stopped working? 
  Any change to a telephone circuit generates an automatic cease on the ADSL service by BT. Changing the name for the line, or making any other change to the PSTN element of the provision will generate a cease. Restoring the service will incur and administration and reconnection fee - reconnection will take a further 5 to 7 working days from order to provision. 
    
• How do I upgrade / downgrade my service? 
  Please contact our sales team and they will advise you accordingly. Upgrades and downgrades incur an administration charge - please see the Broadband Order Form for pricing.
    
• How do I terminate my ADSL service? 
  The Netpoint Project require a minimum of 1 month written notice for most ADSL services - please note that the actual term notice is dependent on the service that you have with Netpoint. 
    
• How do I obtain more IPs for my ADSL service? 
  You will need to contact the Netpoint Project and request additional IPs for your circuit, the number of IPs issued for ADSL are dependent on the service that you have with Netpoint. Please note that your IP range will change completely.