"Thanks for your help. We were able to run video security off our system out by the barn. There is nothing like another set of eyes. We are thrilled.”
The Lawson Family
Southwest Texas
- 1-800-408-6820
- info@broadbandqwireless.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More about WiFi-for your Business or Click here for a Wi-Fi Quote.
Q. Is Broadband Q Wireless Wi-Fi available in my area?
A. Yes, we cover every state in the Continental US as well as Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Q. How does wireless technology work?
A. Wireless technologies differ from wired technologies in that they do not rely on twisted pair wires, coaxial cables, or optical fiber as a medium for transporting signals. Instead, they transmit radio-frequency (RF) signals - a form of electromagnetic energy - through the atmosphere to equipment that is tuned to receive those signals for wireless hotspots.
Q. Are wireless networks safe to use from a health perspective, since they use radio frequencies?
A. The power levels for Wi-Fi installations are below the power level of a typical microwave oven. Independent test labs have tested the radio modules to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Q. What is Wi-Fi?
A. Wi-Fi in the USA is a way to get internet access, and the term Wi-Fi is a play upon the decades-old term Hi-Fi that describes the type of output generated by quality musical hardware. Wi-Fi stands for Wireless Fidelity and is used to define any of the wireless technology in the IEEE 802.11 specification - including (but not necessarily limited to) the wireless protocols 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. The Wi-Fi Alliance is the body responsible for promoting the term for Wi-Fi everywhere, and its association with various wireless technology standards.
Q. What is a Wi-Fi Hotspot?
A. A Wi-Fi hotspot is defined as any location in which 802.11 (wireless) technology both exists and is available for use to consumers. In some cases the wireless access is free, and in others, wireless carriers charge for Wi-Fi usage. Generally, the most common usage of Wi-Fi technology is for laptop users to gain internet access in locations such as airports and coffee shops or where Wi-Fi technology can be used to help consumers in their pursuit of work-based or recreational internet usage.
Q. How Can I Use Wi-Fi?
A. You must be using a computer or PDA that has Wi-Fi connectivity already installed internally. Most portable computers can add Wi-Fi using an adapter that plugs into a PC card slot or USB port.
Q. Will I need to have an account with a Wi-Fi service provider?
A. Generally you will not need an account. You should be able to sign up with the provider at the hotspot location. Many providers will display instructions when browser software opens on a Wi-Fi-enabled computer. If you don't have an account, simply start your computer and make sure your Wi-Fi card is plugged on. Then, open a browser.
Q. Is Wi-Fi the same as Bluetooth?
A. No. While both are wireless technology terms, Bluetooth technology lives under the IEEE protocol 802.15.1, while Wi-Fi falls under the 802.11 specifications. What this means for consumers is those appliances using Wi-Fi technology and those using Bluetooth technology are not interoperable. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are different in several ways, and are not necessarily in competition. Wi-Fi technology boasts faster data transfer speeds and range, making it a good replacement for Ethernet (802.3) systems, while Bluetooth requires less power and is therefore more prominent in small appliances, such as PDAs.
Q. Is this cellular technology?
A. No. We use 802.11 networking technology for wireless internet.
Q. Can I access my corporate network or corporate e-mail through Cyberonic‘s connection?
A. This depends on your employer. If your employer provides access to these services over the internet, then you will be able to use the services through BroadBandQ.
Q. What equipment do I need to use this service?
A. To access the internet inside this wireless location, you must already have a laptop enabled with wireless 802.11b/g network capabilities and a web browser.
Q. What software do I need to use this service?
A. You need to be running either Windows 2000, XP, 98SE or Mac OS X as your operating system. The version of internet browser you need depends on your equipment and operating system for wired and wireless installations, as indicated below: For Windows, Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 SP2 or higher, Netscape Navigator 4.7 or higher, and Firefox. For Macintosh: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1 or higher and Netscape Navigator 4.7 or higher.
Q. Can I access web-based email (such as Hotmail) with this service?
A. Yes. Make sure that you have entered your username and password to log into the service. Then enter the URL of your email server into your web browser to access your email.
Q. Can I receive POP/SMTP-based email (such as MS Outlook Express) with this service?
A. Yes. Make sure that you have entered your username and password to log into the service. Then open your email application, and your email should download as usual.
Q. Can I send POP/SMTP-based email with this service?
A. At most locations, our service will automatically route your outgoing email for you. There is usually no need to change your mail setting to send outgoing email messages. Make sure that you have entered your username and password to log into the service. Then open your email application and your email should send as usual. If you cannot send email, try changing your outbound SMTP server to omail.authdirect.com.
Q. Can I access my VPN or corporate network with this service? How?
A. Yes. After authenticating by entering your username and password, you should be able to access your VPN or corporate network by running your VPN software or client. This is typically located on your computer desktop or in the network connections folder (if you are using Windows). Once your VPN is established, you can access your corporate network or email as you would if you were in the office. In some unique cases you will not be able to connect to a VPN from this service.
Q. Is the connection secure?
A. Security is an important topic and we've done many things to provide for a secure experience. However, you should always use caution whenever accessing the internet. We block each user from accessing other users on the network, but your "conversations" with the internet are available to others. Please be sure to use secure "SSL" web sessions (aka HTTPS connections) for private transactions (like internet banking, credit card transactions, and using pin numbers and passwords) and if available, use your VPN software to encrypt all your traffic to and from your computer.
Q. Who is responsible for this service?
A. Cyberonic Internet Corporation, a company that is focused on public Internet service, provides this service.
Q. Where can I call for help?
A. Our customer support is available every day 24 hours a day. Please call 800 408-6820
Q. What should I do to get started?
A. You can call us at (800) 408-6820 or click here for a Wi-Fi Quote.
