What is Broadband Wireless?

Wireless broadband Internet access uses many frequency bands. Wireless broadband modems offer similar performance to cable modems operating over wired cable television systems (CATV), Access is typically enabled by a small antenna device mounted to the outside of a building.

Wireless FAQ

1. Is this DSL?

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) comes in many forms. Although wireless does not use special phone lines as other forms of DSL do, it is often referred to as WDSL or Wireless DSL.

2. How does this compare to Standard DSL?

Like DSL over the phone line, your connection is always on and does not tie up your voice or fax phone line. Our wireless connections are capable of much greater speeds than DSL.

3. How does wireless compare to the new two way satellite services?

Wireless connections are capable of much greater speeds at a lower cost. Satellite connections are usually limited to 128k or 256k speeds up (outbound) and as low as 384k down (inbound). Wireless Internet connections are up to 5 times faster. Also, there are problems with latency in satellite connection which make video, teleconferencing and gaming over the Internet a problem, the data will often stop briefly because it has to travel thousands of miles to the satellite.

4. What equipment is needed at my location?

The typical installation consists of an external antenna mounted to the eaves of your building or television antenna and radio device connected to your PC or indoor router. If there are obstructions such as trees or building at your site you may need a higher mast or a more powerful antenna. Our network engineers can discuss those options at the time of the site survey.

5. How does the radio interface to my PC?

The computer needs an Ethernet card and a cat 5 Ethernet cable to connect to the radio. An indoor wireless router can enable many computers to access the Internet by direct network cable, without the need to run data cabling if a wireless adaptor is used. Your system is configured as if it were using a direct network connection to a LAN (local area network) with Internet access.

6. Can I connect through a network hub?

Yes. Networks with more than one PCs may require additional equipment such as a DSL firewall/router. Wireless routers will allow Internet access to any wireless enabled laptop computer.

7. How fast will it go?

Our basic rate is 512k burstable to network capacity. This is up to thirty times faster than dial-up depending on the quality of your phone lines. Speed is dependant on signal strength so for very long distances needing business class connections a higher gain antenna or amplifier may be required.

8. How can I tell if wireless will work for me?

A site survey will need to be performed to evaluate the ability to use wireless where you are. And also to determine your location specific needs.

9. How much does the installation and hardware cost?

A technician will come to your home to perform a FREE site survey and verify signal availability.

Basic Installation Pricing: $149.00
Business Silver & Gold Pricing: $199.00

Pricing Includes:

Up to 2.5 hours of labor
Standard Mount (eave or satellite or gable)
Up to a 10 ft. mast
Up to 60 ft. of cable w/connectors
1 Data Faceplate
1 Wall Drop

Additional home networking equipment to be sold separately.

10. What about Lightning protection?

A surge protector is required for your installation to be protected by our install warranty. We recommend that you send in the warranty card for any surge protector, many manufactures will replace equipment damaged by lightning or power surges if their unit has a valid registration.

11. Will it interfere with pacemakers?

It is suggested that people with pace makers not be in the immediate path of the signal. This would mean closer than just a few feet from the antenna. These units are less likely to cause a problem than a microwave oven.

12. Will I still need to keep my second phone line?

No. But remember that you will have a dialup connection available as a backup at no charge in the event the wireless service goes down.

13. Is there a limit to the amount of traffic I can send or receive?

At this time there is no limit on data transfer. Typical Internet users transfer less than 500MB per month. As our network grows we may be placing a 1GB per month limit on residential accounts. Additional data transfer will then be billed per extra 100MB. Business accounts are allowed unlimited data transfer.

14. Can I run servers on this connection?

Yes, in special cases our business clients may need to operate an Internet server. Clients wishing to resell services over a wireless link will need to pay for that ability. The running of servers of any kind is prohibited in our basic wireless access plans.

15. How big are the antenna units?

A typical client antenna is a small device about 10" high and 6" wide. Our largest antenna is 24" high and 36" wide.

16. Can I put an antenna in my attic?

Most likely the answer is no. If you are very close to a broadcast point you might be able to get away with it, but even then, any blockage to the line of sight may have a negative effect on the signal, and attic heat may be detrimental to performance and equipment life.