Boxx Communications Ltd

Simplifying telecommunications for businesses large and small!

Connectivity

ZyXEL Router Hack – Router Update

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ZyXEL Router Hack - Router UpdateFollowing our announcement last week about our ZyXEL routers being hacked, we have been in close contact with ZyXEL regarding how to resolve the issues being experienced by users.

ZyXEL have run a series of firmware updates to fix the ‘Mirai Worm’ malware attack issues. If you are experiencing problems connecting to the internet and you have a ZyXEL AMG series router please see our guide which will walk you through how to reset your router to receive the firmware updates.

If you are still unable to connect to the internet after completing these steps, please speak to our support team, who will assist you further.

There are a small number of users for whom these updates haven’t resolved the problems. In this instance, ZyXEL are offering to provide a FREE replacement router but get in touch with us and we will organise this for you.

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Router Hack causing Global Broadband Problems

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Router Hack causing Global Broadband ProblemsOur Zyxel routers have been hacked by a form of malware called the Mirai Worm, which you may have heard of in the current news. It is a global issue affecting companies including The Post Office, Talk Talk and German’s Deutsche Telekom.

The issue is not a malfunction with the routers or a physical issue and so is not covered by any warranty. The routers have been hacked which is a criminal act.

We understand that for most customers this is the busiest time of year. Our team are working hard to contact as many customers as possible and provide assistance.

To fix the problem you will need to reinstall firmware updates which have been issued by Zyxel.

We have tested this solution successfully however we offer no guarantees.

Step 1 – Remove DSL Cable from the router

This is typically a grey cable connected on the far right hand side of the router.

Step 2 – Reboot your router

Push in the the black on/off button, wait for 5 seconds then push the button again. The lights will flash whilst it re connects and show a stable green colour when fully reset.

Step 3 – Reset router

When lights have stabilised, inset a paperclip into the reset hole until the power light and DSL light flash together. This takes around 30 seconds. When the lights flash together remove the paper clip and the router will reboot. Turn the router off and on once more.

Step 4 – Reconnect DSL cable

Reconnect the grey DSL cable. The Internet light will will flash for 20-40 seconds before turning a solid green colour. This will complete the reset and your router will be working correctly with the new firmware updated.

If you have difficulties following these steps or you are still unable to connect to the inetrnet after completing them, please speak to our support team, who will assist you further.

If you are worried about connectivity over the weekend, you may want to consider buying a suitable router from your local retailer. We can assist you to set up the new router and advise buying the Draytek Vigor 2760 if possible.

Any new router purchases are your responsibility. Please speak to the tech team for some advice on which router is best suited for you if you cannot buy the Draytek.

We can supply routers, however, can not guarantee delivery before the weekend.

We will continue to work on a resolution, thank you for your patience during this difficult time!

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Broadband Overuse: How to avoid it!

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Broadband Overuse: How to avoid it!

Know your limits!

This was a gag from a Harry Enfield television comedy series many years ago.

Remember it…?

The once-popular phrase has never been more apt for data in the modern age!

As all of us are becoming more and more dependent on the internet for our downtime as well as our business lives. We’re connected for the vast majority of each day, which naturally causes a related massive up-tick in data consumption.

Whether we’re storing files, playing games or watching on-demand television, our need for data is forever increasing, and traditional data-limited broadband packages are creaking under the strain.

Just think about the logistics;

So many of the things we love to do online – and which the internet makes so easy – use huge amounts of data.

We’re not just talking about downloading music or films here, or even opening and installing apps, downloading email attachments or torrenting files.

No.

Even things such as streaming services like Netflix, YouTube and Spotify can use up a surprising amount of data, as can gaming or streaming game play for sites like Twitch.

And then there’s business use….

Having backups of your files going to cloud storage is certainly good practice – but it will also use a lot of your upload data. If you back up all of the files on your hard drive or server daily, you could be uploading 100s of GB’s to the cloud each day.

Consequently, many users are finding that their broadband package isn’t really sufficient for their everyday needs.

Not surprising when 10GB used to sound a lot;

But a video download of a game such as Grand Theft Auto could require nearly 50GB alone!

So what can you – or should you – be doing about this?

1) Know what your package limits are.

2) Look at your monthly usage over a few months, so you can see if you’re keeping within your limit or not.

3) Consider an unlimited package.

The beauty of an unlimited package is that you won’t need to worry about ever getting charged for additional usage no matter what you do (or use). And let’s face it, most of us are consistently heavy users these days.

Changing to an unlimited package is easy and quick to do;

It may not even cost much more than you are already paying for your current broadband or fibre package!

We’re always happy to help you talk through the options that would work best for your home or business – just get in touch with us and see how we can help!

It’s time to Fix Britain’s Internet

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It's time to Fix Britain's Internet

What do almost all broadband providers in Britain have in common…?

They depend on Openreach.

And what’s wrong with that?

Well, Openreach is paid billions (through taxpayer money and part of your bill – whoever that may be with) to maintain the national telecoms network. But even the industry regulator – Ofcom, say it’s not delivering what it should.

How are Openreach not delivering…?

Openreach are part of the BT Group so their budget is set by BT. Sound a little biased….

You’re right!

And;

BT have kept Openreach reliant on copper rather than investing more in pure fibre, like other countries. So we are now lagging behind many other countries, including Lithuania & Kazakhstan.

Plus;

From next season, BT will spend £619m per year on the rights to show football matches, yet BT’s investment in Openreach has been flat since 2008.

So now for the good news;

Earlier this year, Ofcom announced that they wanted to see a better quality of service for providers and consumers alike. They cited the following in their proposal of how to achieve this long-term goal.

  • BT opening up its Openreach cable network to allow greater competition within the industry.

  • Separating Openreach from BT – with it’s own board.

  • Introducing tougher rules on faults, repairs and installations, plus compensation for consumers when things go wrong.

  • Improved broadband coverage for all households & businesses.

A ‘10-point plan for a better Openreach’ has since been published, which whilst supported by all across the industry, has raised concerns over how quickly we will see the benefits of reform.

So now for the better news;

The FCS (Federation of Communication Services) have come together with major players in the industry (including Talk Talk, Sky & Vodaphone) to form a coalition to Fix Britain’s Internet. And we are joining them!

Despite the consumer-y feel, the industry-led campaign is quickly gathering momentum with providers as well as end-users.

This is what they believe:

  • That putting a ‘Separate from BT’ sign on the Openreach logo isn’t enough to deliver the changes we all need to keep up with other countries around the world.

  • The frustrated providers and users of this country deserve to have their voices heard.

So what next…?

You have the power to make a difference;

Ofcom have launched a public consultation about the future of Openreach and whether they should remain part of BT. They want to know what YOU think and have given us all until 4th October 2016 to comment on their plans.

But;

To make a difference and drive real improvements, we need as much support as possible.

It’s easy to show your support; Just complete the simple form to tell Ofcom it’s time to Fix Britain’s Internet and help secure a better connectivity for us all!

The campaign is getting great press coverage – having been featured in The Times, The Independent, The Spectator, The Mirror and on Sky News – it’s got support from MP’s and in the first 4 weeks alone over 22,000 people wrote directly to Ofcom.

So what are you waiting for…?

Help give Britain the internet it deserves!

Pokémon Go and the 4G effect!

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Pokémon Go and the 4G effect!

The latest craze – Pokémon Go – has hit fever pitch. It’s literally everywhere and people of all ages and around the world can’t seem to get enough!

The retro game came back with a vengeance….. Adults are reliving their youth, kids – who let’s face it would usually rather take the car – suddenly want to walk everywhere and complete strangers are united in a common interest, which is a phenomenal outcome for a mere video game.

With retail stores promoting that ‘Pokémon are hiding in stores near you’ and ‘we’ll be releasing Pokémon lures in our stores’, it seems everyone is jumping on the bandwagon.

Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/silly_little_man/28293004446/

So what has hooked us all into the new geo-based game….? Well for starters, it’s completely free to play, unlike other games it blends real life with a virtual world and players can easily take to social media to share their Pokémon catching triumphs.

Here at Boxx Towers, we’re just as taken with the new game and a few members of the team, in particular, are racing against each other to complete the levels. So in a bid to embrace the excitement we organised an office Pokémon tournament.

What started out as a little time out from the day-to-day and a chance to win some ‘house points’ in our ongoing team games, quickly became very competitive.

For the 45 minutes each team was allowed out-of-office to catch Pokémon, some took to bicycles, others drove to a local and well known Pokémon ‘hot spot’ and some roped in an expert (aka 10-year-old son) to help!

Gaming aside, Pokémon Go demonstrates the reliance we these days have on data. 4G is now a necessity in all walks of life – and what 10-year-olds now want for themselves!

Whether your need for 4G data is low or high, we have a SIM only mobile package to fit your (and your Pokémon hunting) needs!

5G is coming – and faster than you think!

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5G is coming – and faster than you think!

The fifth generation of mobile networks is coming, offering speeds up to ten times faster than 4G, huge capacity and ultra-low latency.

With this new, much faster world will come a whole range of opportunities for businesses and connected devices, with Gartner forecasting that the number of connected things in use worldwide will reach 20.8 billion by 2020 as the long-promised Internet of Things (IoT) finally comes to fruition.

The IoT will see vast numbers of inanimate devices using the 5G network – driverless cars, for example, robot surgeons and full-scale smart cities.

With the massive capacity that 5G offers above its 4G predecessor, big data will finally come to the fore, and devices and apps that can gather, analyse and store huge amounts of data in real time will reap the benefits.

5G is expected to debut in 2018, with the first commercial networks available around 2020. Firms are already creating 5G ready devices and technologies.

Data is transmitted by radio waves, which are split into bands dedicated to different types of communications, and part of the excitement around 5G stems from the International Telecommunications Union restructuring of the radio network elements used to transmit data, which will solidify connection speeds and reliability.

The main upsides for both users and businesses will be; vastly improved speed and latency, and the combined effect of these on the user experience.

5G is significantly faster than previous generations – a full HD movie can be downloaded in under 10 seconds. Response times of 1 millisecond compared with around 50 for 4G also means that movies can be played before they have downloaded. For the user, these will combine to give the feeling of limitless bandwidth and a connection that is always available.

Any downsides? There will be challenges for developers, businesses and IT departments alike as they look to make the most of the opportunities 5G offers while being alive to the potential issues of dealing with the volume and storage of data that all of the connected devices will create.

Cost is also uncertain, as the technology is still under construction.

But what is certain is that harnessing the power of big data will be critical to making the most of 5G – so get ready!

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