Internet Options for Students

CQUniversity students have access to a range of online resources including, a personal student email account, online courses, enrolment information, and study resources.

One of the benefits of having all these resources available online is that students can access them from anywhere in the world regardless of where they are studying.

Internet access is provided on each campus
For students studying on campus, internet access is available at the Library, in each computer lab and via the University's wireless network (CQUniversity Roam).

Internet options for students away from campus
Any student studying off-campus will need have access to the internet so they can stay informed via their student email and access the online resources associated with their program of study.

How students access the internet from home or off campus will depend on their location and connection options available from their Internet Service Provider (ISP).

What if I don't have access to the internet?
The Australian Broadband Guarantee enables households to access broadband internet services that compare to those available in metropolitan areas.

To see what broadband services are available for your home, you can register your details on the Government's Broadband Service Locator.

Australians that live in areas not supported by sufficient broadband services can register to get an Australian Broadband Guarantee service. The service enables eligible residents to receive a subsidised broadband service.

For further information regarding this Australian Broadband Guarantee, please refer to this Government website.
* For information on the terminology please refer to the descriptions outlined below

Terminology and types of internet connections used in Australia:  

1. ADSL is the acronym for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It provides a fast internet connection via copper telephone lines. ADSL enables voice communications your telephone) and data transmissions (your internet connection) to occur simultaneously using the same telephone line at the same time. This is different from a dialup internet connection which only lets you use the internet or telephone one at a time.
   
   
2. Bandwidth determines how fast data can be uploaded and downloaded to your computer. The bandwidth transfer rate is measured in kilobits, megabits or gigabits per second and indicates the speed of your internet connection. The amount of bandwidth you have varies for each type of internet connection. For example, a dialup connection has a small bandwidth; therefore is very slow at transferring online data when compared to the alternative internet connection options that are available.
   
   
3. Broadband is the term used to describe a 'broad bandwidth'. It is highly recommended if you are regularly accessing online applications, data files, and using online multimedia and communication services. Broadband has a higher bandwidth transfer rate than dialup connections.
   
   
4. Cable internet connections are created over cable TV lines enabling users to receive a broadband internet connection. A cable modem can achieve speeds up to 20Mbps and is one of the faster types of internet connections.
   
   
5. Dialup access is when you connect a modem to your computer and it dials a phone number (as provided by your ISP) to connect to the internet. Dialup connections are established over the telephone lines, therefore the quality of the connection and its subsequent data transfer rates are limited.
   Please note: if you intend to work from home, CQUniversity recommends not using a dialup internet connection as the connection speeds are not effective.
   
   
6. Satellite internet connections enable users to connect to the internet via a satellite link. Although there are some speed and data restrictions with current satellite broadband, the greatest benefit is its accessibility which is due to its large coverage range. This is because satellite services can extend into remote locations where most other forms of broadband cannot.
   
   
7. Telstra Next G Mobile Network is an option that is available for students using a laptop to connect to the internet. It uses the same wireless broadband technology that is available in mobile phones and comes in the form of an USB modem. Once the USB modem is plugged into a laptop (the same as any regular USB) it will connect to the Telstra Next G mobile network. Once the connection is established, you will have access to the internet via your laptop.
   
   
8. Wireless internet connections transfer data over the radio waves. This means that as long as you are geographically situated in a network coverage area, you should have a permanent connection to the internet without having to physically connect to a hardline.