Job Discussion Forums

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Hey, ya'll, bout to jump into another icy pool here in Poland.

I just moved into a new flat and the original owners were using dial-up which their ISP (Sferia) marketed as "wireless internet." Honestly, it's the most bizarre setup I've ever used to connect to the internet.

I've got a tiny blue modem that proudly proclaims "High Speed." I've got a 1 meter usb cable that connects the modem to my computer (it must be plugged in, in order to connect to the internet). There is also a bizzare looking, 25cm tall black antenna sitting on my windowsill, connected to the modem. The owner assures me, that the antenna "enhances performance!"

If it does, I'd hate to think of the kind of "performance" I'd be getting without it.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I need a better set up for mi casa and I was just wondering if anyone has any recommendations?

Ideally, I'm looking for wireless internet and a data transfer rate of at least 1.5 bps.

Anybody out there have any pointers or recommendations?

[simon_porter00]

Try to find out if your block of flats has got aster or upc or any other cable company which has put it's cables into your block. You should be able to identify a square box in the hallway with a number of white co-ax cables running into it and out to various front doors. Either that or ask one of your neighbours who looks as if they know what the internet is if your block has cable tv/internet.

The cable companies will also have an address search on their webpages which will tell you if they provide a service there.

With this option, you may have to drill at least one hole through the doorframe so get the owners permission. You'll probably need the owners permission to get upc in general - it depends what the cable company needs for the contract.

Sferia comes down the phone line and there are a number of operators out there who provide a similar service, but it will involve changing companies that provide your phone service as well and the landlord may have a problem with that.

As a last resort, run some speed tests to see how fast your connection is and use some tools/programs to fine tune your internet system OR see if any of your neighbours have got an unprotected wireless network.

[Sgt Bilko]

I use a TP Livebox which is pretty much perfect for me. It costs 66zl per month with VAT for the 1024 option. That gives unlimited downloads whereas the cheaper options have monthly limits. (either 7 or 15GB if I remember) We had to sign up for a year to get the livebox and all the cables (including USB wifi adapter) free of charge. That might have been a special offer.

The contract had to be signed by the same person who signed the phone contract - that might be a problem if it's in your landlords name. The cost just goes on the normal phone bill. (presuming you have normal TP phone connection)

Reliable, a breeze to set up. We hooked the PC up to the livebox with the ethernet cable they provided and use the wifi on a laptop so also have a network between the computers through the livebox.

[Tracer]

Thanks for the info, guys. The box outside my flat says "Aster." Sgt Bilko, I've heard that TP is the most expensive, but sounds like you're getting your money's worth.

I'll contact Aster and get this sorted out.

[Harry from NWE]

[Blasphemer]

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[Blasphemer]

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I've heard that some ISPs here in Polska have strange restrictions against uploading and downloading and some will allow you to do it, but will charge you extra for doing so? I will need to do some uploading and downloading. Does Aster charge extra for that?

I just called them today, but "all of our English speaking representatives are currently busy . . . ." Frustrating not to be able to talk to one right now, but nice to know they have English speaking representatives.

Now I know what all of the Latinos feel like back in Cali. "Para espanol oprima el numero dos . . . . Lo sentimos, pero todos nuestros representantes est�n ocupados."

[Blasphemer]