Who can receive your service? (top)
Currently, you need to be able to see one of our transmitter stations in order to receive service. for a list of transmitter sites near your location and to schedule a site survey please contact Partnership wireless at (866) 568-8644, or visit www.partnershipwireless.com. You can also reference our current coverage map located here .
What is the minimum computer specifications for using your service? (top)
Your computer must have a working Ethernet network card with a RJ-45 jack (looks like a large telephone outlet), a working operating system (Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, or Linux/BSD), a working browser and e-mail client (Outlook, Outlook Express, etc).
What kind of equipment is involved? (top)
We will need to mount a small antenna on your house. The antenna connects to an Ethernet Bridge that can be located either in the attic or on a desk. We suggest that the user connect a broadband router between the bridge and their computer. The router will use N.A.T. to protect your computer from the Internet. The bridge can be connected directly to the computer.
What is a broadband router? (top)
A broadband router (commonly referred to as Cable/DSL Router) is used to connect more than one PC to a single network connection. They also act as a firewall.
How important is a Surge Protector?
(top)
VERY! You must have your equipment plugged in to a working surge protector. Be sure NOT to use a “power strip”. The best choice is a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). It not only keeps your computer up for a while during a power outage, but it also provides protection from power fluctuations that affect sensitive electronics.
How big is the antenna? (top)
The antennas range in size from a small 8"x8" flat panel antenna to a 24"x16" mesh dish, or in some cases an even larger mesh antenna may be needed.
What determines antenna size and location? (top)
Antenna size is determined mostly by the distance from our tower to your house. Mounting location is determined by signal clarity, installer preference and homeowner input.
Where will the connection be located? (top)
We will replace one phone outlet with a dual outlet phone/network plate on your wall where there is an existing phone outlet.
What is an Ethernet bridge? (top)
In networking terms a bridge is used to convert one type of network signal into another type of network signal. In our case wireless to Ethernet.
Can I connect more than one computer? (top)
You can connect more than one computer if you have a broadband router and connect both computers to the router. If you do not have one already you purchase one from a retail store (CompUSA, Best Buy, Staples, etc).
How do I connect computers that are in different rooms? (top)
You will need to run cat5 Ethernet cable from your router to the computer. If you do not have experience with wiring computer networks you may need to call an electrician.
Can you wire my network? (top)
No. Please contact a local networking guru. See our Links page.
What is a firewall/N.A.T.? (top)
A firewall is a piece of hardware or software designed to secure a network or computer against unauthorized access. N.A.T. or Network Address Translation is a type of firewall commonly used in broadband routers. N.A.T. converts a private address to a public address when sending data and converts the public address back to a private address when receiving data.
What is the difference between public and private addresses? (top)
A public address is one that is accessible by anyone on the Internet. We provide one public address per connection. A private address is an address that can only be seen on the local network (such as the network at your work or home).
Do I need to tie up my phone line with your service? (top)
No. your computer will not use the phone line to transmit or receive data. Our system is wireless.
Can I keep my existing e-mail address? (top)
You can keep your existing e-mail address if you want to continue to pay for your existing internet connection. Some companies have different levels of dial-up service and you can drop your existing service to the minimum amount of dial-up time. Contact your provider for more information.
Does weather affect your service? (top)
Unlike your satellite TV, our Internet service is not affected by "rain fade". This is due to the fact that the wireless link from our tower to your house is a lot shorter than the link from the satellites in space to your house.
Can I use peer to peer file sharing programs, such as KaZaA, Morpheous, Limewire, etc...? (top)
If you will refer to the Acceptable Use Policy sections a, i, and l you will see that we do not allow users to transmit or receive material that violates copyright laws.
What is the recommended configuration for KaZaA to download non-copyrighted material?
File sharing programs can use up a lot of bandwidth and can slow your Internet connection speed to a crawl. We recommend that our customers turn down the number of incoming connections to minimize security risks and also turn down the upload speed as outside users will use your connection to upload files and slow your connection. The recommended configuration is here.
What happened? It worked fine yesterday/the day before/3 weeks ago. (top)
I hate answering a question with a question but, Have you installed any new software recently? Programs such a firewalls, virus scanners, fax programs, pop up blockers, and even windows updates can change your internet settings. Try disabling or even uninstalling any programs that you have installed between the time your computer was working till the problem occurred. At the very least make a mental note or write down a list of programs that you or anyone else that has access to your computer has installed recently. |
