Connecting your computer to your broadband

Connecting to broadband using an Ethernet cable

With most computers you just plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your computer and the other end into the socket on the back of your hub. And that’s it, away you go. Connecting to broadband using an Ethernet cable always provides the most stable connection. Find out how to connect and use an Ethernet cable.

Connecting to broadband wirelessly

Most laptops will be able to connect to broadband wirelessly straight out of the box. Some desktop computers can also connect wirelessly, though many need a wireless adapter to do this. If you need one, you can purchase one from BT Business Direct.

Here's how to get yourself connected:

Microsoft Windows (8, 8.1 and 10)

1. Click the Connection status icon in the bottom right of the task bar (a wi-fi symbol or a monitor icon if you're connected by Ethernet).
2. Select your Hub's network name.
3. Enter your Hub's wireless key when prompted for a password.
4. Click Connect and wait a few moments while you're connected to the wi-fi.

Apple OSX (MacOS)

1. Click the Wireless status icon in the menu bar (Airport status on older versions of OSX).
2. Select your Hub's network name.
3. Enter your Hub's wireless key for the password (for OSX 10.4 or earlier user you may need to select WEP from the Wireless Security list).
4. Click OK and wait a few moments while your Mac connects to the wi-fi.

If the WEP 40/128-bit hex option doesn't appear on your version of Mac OS X, select WEP Password and enter $ in Password followed by the 10 character security key. 

How many computers can I have connected to my broadband?

There's no limit to the number of computers you can have connected. But the more computers you've got connected and the more activities you run, the more your connection is likely to slow down.

Issues connecting to broadband

Make sure your computers operating system is up to date and compatible. If it is and you’re finding you can’t connect your computer wirelessly you can  identify, fix, report, and track your fault online.

Improving the performance of your broadband

If you think your broadband should be performing better try these links:

• Fixing slow broadband and wi-fi speeds
• How to use BT broadband speed tests