Connect to the Internet

Internet Connections

With most devices, an internet connection is either desirable or in some cases essential.
This may be because information may be required to be sent to the internet (called uploading) or accessed from the internet (called downloading).
A computer program or application (App) may also need to upload or download information stored on your computer or the internet

To connect to the internet a device may use:

  • A wired connection, using a cable, to an internet service that is in your home or office
  • A wireless connection from home or business wireless internet service, usually termed 'WiFi'
  • A wireless connection through the mobile phone network. This requires a SIM card and mobile phone account
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In Australia, the NBN (National Broadband Network) provides much of the connections to business and residences.
Click here for more information about the basics of the NBN.

Internet Service

To get an internet service in your home you need to arrange a service from an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
These businesses provide the connection to your house either by direct wiring, mobile phone technology or satellite technology.

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The direct wired connection could use the original telephone lines, overhead cable, or underground fibre optic technology to bring the internet signal to your home. Your direct connection is part of many connections to many computers that form the internet.
The whole internet is often termed a WAN or Wide Area Network.

In your home

In your home the internet connection provided by the ISP can connected to your various computing devices by cables (usually Ethernet cables) or wirelessly by WiFi.
Your connections at home form a LAN or Local Area Network.

A wired connection is the fastest and most reliable connection method and can be used with any device that has the correct cable connection
WiFi connections are more convenient as you can move your device around without cables but the connection is generally slower and less reliable than wired.
(the wireless signal gets weaker further from the aerial and walls also interfere with the signal strength)

For more information about how the internet is set up at home please click here

With all the types of connection, there are many ways that different types of computing device can be connected to the internet.
This list shows all the ways for each type of device:

  • Cellular Network Connection (Mobile network) - Mobile phone or tablet fitted with SIM card
  • Mobile Phone hotspot (wired or wifi) - Computer or tablet is connected (wire or WiFi) to mobile phone which connects to Mobile Network
  • Mobile network modem (wired, USB or wifi) - Computers, mobile phones or tablets can connect by WiFi to the MODEM which is connected to the Mobile Network
  • NBN connection (wired or wifi) - Computers, mobile phones, tablets can connect to the home NBN connection
  • 5G Modem (wired or wifi) - Computers, mobile phones, tablets can connect to the MODEM which is connected to the Mobile Network
  • Public WiFi (open networks from ISPs ) - Computers, mobile phones, tablets can connect to the NBN network by WiFi
  • Private WiFi (business premises, hotels, cafes, shopping centres…) - Computers, mobile phones, tablets can connect by WiFi to the NBN network

Bluetooth Wireless

Some devices also use a short range wireless connection which is called Bluetooth.
Because Bluetooth devices are usually connected to a single person's ICT device at a time they form a PAN or Personal Area Network.
Bluetooth does not provide an internet connection.
Bluetooth can be used to connect two devices, one of which has an internet connection to share.
To learn more click here.

To learn more about the internet click here.
NOTE: this will open in a new page but you can come back to this one using the tab at the top of the browser page.

Security of Home Internet

Secure Settings

Your home internet connection (MODEM or router connected to NBN) will have various settings which are usually accessed by an internet browser.
Access is controlled by an administration name and password for the MODEM or router settings.

You should change the factory details to a unique administration name and complex password for these network settings.
Part of these settings is related to the home internet wireless (WiFi)

Access to the home WiFi also must have a complex password and a network name (called SSID) to protect your system as it is not unusual for the WiFi signal to be detected outside the boundaries of your property.

(the SSID shows up on all wireless devices so it is not so secure if you use your own name to identify it.
For example don't use 'Jims_Internet' if your name is James and you are known as Jim.
This might help someone guess your password because they know something about you personally)

All the passwords and SSID can be altered using an internet browser on a computer connected to the network.
If you are unsure how to do this, get some help to make sure your wireless network is secure.

Extra Security

Consider also using a DNS service which can help with blocking certain security problems.
This can be especially important if children use your internet connection.
Search for Public DNS service for more information.

Use a Firewall

There is also a need to have a 'firewall' on the computer and the network connection
(this is an application that prevents unauthorised app access through the internet)

Use a VPN

Preferably use an activated VPN on the network connection or the computer or other device.
(VPN; Virtual Personal Network, a method of 'scrambling' the data flowing to and from the internet to maximise security)

As you can only be certain with your home connection that it has all these security features, it is important that the computer firewall in Windows 10 is activated and a VPN is used with computers, mobile phones or tablets on any networks outside your home, such as free wifi in shops and businesses.

For more information about VPN please click here

Other Connected Devices at Home

At your home you may also have devices other than computers that can connect by either:

  • home network (LAN) wiring which allows devices to be shared to more than one computer
  • wireless (WiFi) connection which may allow a device to be shared to more than one computer
  • dedicated connection to a single computer by wires, usually USB connection

These devices include:

  • Printers
  • Microphones
  • Speakers
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Additional storage such as a hard drive
  • Specialist devices like still and video cameras, scanners and music keyboards

Usually basic instructions are provided for these devices when purchased.
In most cases it is necessary to set up the computer FIRST before connecting the device.
Ensure you read the instructions before making any connections.

Speed of Internet Connection

If you have internet problems and you have already tried resetting your modem, you can also check the internet speed.
This will give you an idea if you may have a problem due to slow operation of the internet service.

You can test the speed of your internet service using the free testing at:

Fast internet test, click here
OR
Ookla internet speed test click here

If the problem persists and it is below the guaranteed speed of the contract with your ISP you can ask for their assistance.

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