Broadband guide

Sky Broadband router: a visual guide

Thursday 15 December, 2011

By Duncan Heaney

We take a look at the Sky Broadband router.

Routers allow you to connect all of your home computers, as well as other devices such as games consoles, smartphones, internet radio or printer to the internet and each other using a broadband connection. Traditionally, you would need a modem to receive a broadband connection and a separate wireless router to establish a Wi-Fi network and connect wirelessly. An all-in-one router combines both into a single device for extra convenience.

Sky Broadband wireless router

The Sky Broadband router - front view

Sky has partnered with a number of router manufacturers over the years, including Netgear, but its latest model comes from Sagemcom. The Sky Broadband (www.Sky.com) wireless router is small and lightweight (width: 18cm, length: 14cm, height: 2cm), and should fit comfortably on most shelves and tables.

As well as sitting flat, the Sky router also comes packaged with a connectable base that enables it to stand safely on its side if you prefer.

Indicator lights can be seen on the front of the router when it is plugged in. These light up when the router has detected a power supply, identified a valid broadband connection and is transmitting data. If the router detects a problem, these will change colour from green to amber.

On the back of the router is an ASDL port. Plugging an ADSL cable into this port and a phone socket on the wall provides the broadband connection. Next to the ADSL socket are four ethernet ports, which are used to provide a wired internet connection between the router and computers and other compatible devices.

The Sky Broadband router - back view

Functionally, all ports are the same, but Sky has colour-coded them to help users set-up current and future services. For example, the company provides a yellow ethernet cable, which should be connected to either of the two yellow ethernet ports on the back of the router.

Also on the back of the router are a reset switch and an on/off button. If the router encounters a fault - the wireless signal drops, for instance - resetting or turning off the router will more often than not fix the problem.

Important information is printed on the bottom of the device, including the network name, and the password and pin you will need if you want to access administrative functions. Sky also provides customers with this information on a card, for easier access.

Features

On the side of the Sky router is a small button marked “WPS”. This stands for Wi-Fi protected set-up, and makes it easier for users to create a secure wireless connection. If you have a broadband-enabled device that’s compatible with the system, it means you can log on to a safe, encrypted connection without entering a password.

Set-up

Setting up the Sky Broadband router is very easy. Sky provides a CD that walks you through the process step by step, and should have you online within minutes. It also provides documentation that offers lots of guidance during the set-up process.

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