WirelessVT Residential Internet Service

What is the "Frequency" for the Wireless?

We use the 802.11b standard which operates at a frequency of 2.400 - 2.483 GHz. We use different frequencies in that range, and not just a single frequency.

How much power comes through the equipment?

The maximum power output by any device of our equipment or in your home is 200 mW (milliwatts). For comparison, your cell phone outputs about 500 mW (a device which you put against your head).

What interferes with the signal?

Water vibrates at 2.5 GHz (which is the frequency your microwave works on) so anything containing water absorbs the waves. This does not mean the signals cannot go through anything with water, just that water-holding objects absorb some of the waves. For example, put your hand in front of the antenna. You will notice the signal strength drop some, but it will still work. The number 2.4 GHz may seem familiar. About 3 years ago, you may have started seeing portable phones with that frequency on them. At first there were 900 MHz cordless phones, which are still the most abundant. Recently, 2.4 and 5 GHz phones arrived. More data can be pushed through the higher frequencies. These phones, at 2.4 GHz, will interfere. Normally, when you press the "Talk" button on the phone, it finds the clearest channel and uses that. However, once in a while it steps on the wireless channel. If you pick up your phone and your wireless internet drops, press the "Channel" button on your phone.

How do you keep anyone from jumping on the network?

During setup, you may remember we took a specific piece of information from your computer. We also program a special code into the device you purchase from us. Between these two items, the air waves are encrypted so someone in the parking lot or on the street can't break into the airwaves of the wireless network. Additionally, the information we take about your computer prevents unauthorized computers from getting on the network. That is why it is important for you to call us if you get a new computer, as we will need to authorize it to be used on the network. This only takes a couple minutes.

What is the speed of the Wireless?

802.11b can run a maximum of 11 Megabits. Your home will be connected to our network at either 11 or 5.5 Megabits, depending on your distance and what objects lie between you and our access point. That does not mean you will get 11 or 5.5 Megabits of internet speed. The internet speed will be limited by the number of T1s on the network, which is based on the number of clients in your town. The more clients, the more available internet.

Can a VPN ensure wireless privacy?

If you are doing anything requiring privacy through the internet, you should use some sort of encryption technology, like a VPN, to secure the communication. If you are accessing files from your Company at home, you should first establish a VPN to your company. A VPN will add a level of security that is necessary to protect the confidentiality of the communication.

Isn't "Wireless" less secure than "Wired" broadband?

You may think that wireless has to be less secure than wired broadband, but that isn't true. While the flexibility of being able to point an antenna at an access point to get internet access means there is an easier possibility of a bad guy attempting to access the network, you have to realize that because of that fact, our network is much more locked-down than, for example, a cable network. In the cable world, you are directly linked to all of the other cable users. Nothing prevents you from accessing your neighbor except whatever security measures they take on their end. Sound familiar? But they don't have to go through an access point to get to their neighbor on a cable network. At least we can see an attack from your neighbor on you and stop it. We can also stop viruses on the network. While this is something your cable broadband could attempt to stop, they do not.