FAQ

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General
Security and User Authentication
Clients' Hardware Equipment
Health Related Questions
Comparing with other technologies
For Location Owners

What's a Hot Spot?
Oconei is installing special "Access Points" in public areas and locations which are referred to as Hot Spots. Once you come within range of a Wireless Hot Spot with an 802.11(b or g) enabled wireless device, you will be able to log into our network and access the internet.

Does this technology require an FCC license?
No. This technology uses the ISM (Industrial, Scientific & Medical) frequency band and is therefore open to the public. Items such as 2.4 gigahertz cordless phones, microwaves and some industrial RF equipment utilize this frequency ban. There are rules that govern the use of this frequency band. Oconei uses only certified manufacturers and equipment to insure compliance with the FCC regulations.

How fast does the wireless network typically transmit data?
Fast. 8021.11b offers network speeds up to 11 megabits per second. This is very fast considering a typically dial-up account is limited to 56 kilobytes per second.
The limited factor is the actual connection to the internet back bone. Oconei typically uses DSL connections with download speeds of 1.5 megabyte per second. As our customer usage grows, so does the available bandwidth.

Do I have to use Windows, Mac or any specific operating system?
NO. WiFi cards and software are available for virtually all computers and operating systems, including most personal digital assistants (PDAs). If your device can accept a wireless card, then it can function wirelessly and you can connect to our network.

Is it necessary to load software or change settings on the Notebook?
There is no extra software to load – as long as you have a, web-browser and 802.11(b or g) wireless card, your Notebook will work with Oconei's network.

How to subscribe to Oconei?
You can buy prepaid cards of 60 minutes and 24 hours, at Oconei HotSpot locations. You can also subscribe securely for a monthly or prepaid account directly from our web site.

Can all features of the Internet be used with Oconei's Network?
Yes! You can read and send email, surf the net, use instant messaging, access your corporate network... You can use pretty much any web application available.

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How is my wireless connection is protected against intruders from the Internet?
The wireless Access Points that Oconei uses protect your connection in two ways:
• NAT: network address translation hides all the internal IP addresses and your computers from the Internet. External computer see only one IP address. This is the address assigned to the networks wireless Access Point and router.
• Firewall: all incoming (and outgoing) data traffic must pass through the integrated firewall.

How is my User ID and Password authenticated?
All logins are validated securely using the services of our central RADIUS & ACCOUNTING servers.

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What equipment do I need, in order to use Oconei's high-speed Internet access?
For wireless service our hotspot areas (airports, hotel meeting facilities, hotels ...) all you need is a notebook computer or a handheld PDA with a WiFi-compliant IEEE 802.802.11(b or g) wireless Ethernet network interface card and a Web browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator). Wireless cards can be found at almost any computer store and they cost as low as $20.

How to install the software drivers for wireless network cards?
Software drivers differ from each other depending on the specific wireless network card. You can refer to the Documentation that came with your wireless network card for specific instructions. A list of popular wireless devices and manufactures can be found on our web site that you can contact and obtain technical support for your device.

What types of wireless devices are compatible with Oconei's wireless network?
Any device/card that is compliant with the Wi-i wireless LAN standard can be used with Oconei's wireless service. For a list of qualified vendors, please visit the Web site of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Association at www.weca.net

Why might I need to change my SSID, and how can I do so?
An SSID (Service Set Identifier) is a unique code that tells a wireless device which wireless network to connect to. Oconei devices are configured to broadcast an SSID "oconei" which allows a wireless adapter/card to detect and use Oconei's wireless network. If you like to connect to our wireless service, you need to specify your SSID as "oconei" (without the quotes, case-sensitive). The SSID may also be known as the Network Name or ESSID depending on the brand of the WiFi card.

How to verify that my card is connected to the Access Point?
Most wireless networking cards include an indicator. This indicator allows you to determine whether the connection has been made to the Access Point and your wireless device. In addition, most wireless cards come with client side software that displays signal strength. Consult the instruction manual that came with your wireless card to determine different features.

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Can wireless networking devices affect pacemakers or other medical devices?
There is no evidence that the radio waves in the band used by wireless networking devices (2.4 GH range) cause any health risk. In addition, wireless networking devices work at very low power levels (30 - 100 Mw), the same level as cordless phones. By contrast, a typical hand held-cell phone has a RF power output of 600mW or almost 20 times more output power than most wireless networking devices.

Do wireless networking devices pose a health or safety risk?
No. Extensive research on the safety of exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy has been carried out for more than four decades. This research is continually reviewed and interpreted by committees of scientists who develop safe limits for exposure. Our company monitors this research to ensure that our products operate within the guidelines of these standards. The interpretation of over four decades of research in this area has led to a scientific consensus on the safety of exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields. This consensus is reflected in the recommendations and standards developed by expert committees such as NCRP Scientific Committee 53, IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 28, IRPA/INIRC and NRPB. Our products are designed to operate within the guidelines of these standards and recommendations and, therefore, are considered safe.

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How does this technology differ or compare to cellular technology?
It is very different technically. Cell phone data transfer rates are limited to 144 kbps. In many cases, data rates are only 14.4 kbps. This bandwidth is also shared on each node. WiFi is limited only by the internet backbone connection on every location.
Cell phone companies are recognizing that WiFi is an extremely cost effective and robust solution. Microchip manufacturers are beginning to design and manufacture chips for cell phones that would enable cell phone users to access the internet using WiFi instead of the slower cell phone data transfer technology.

What is the difference between Bluetooth and 802.11b?
Bluetooth is a 1 to 2 Mbps technology designed to connect devices that are within 10 meters of each other. Designed for use with a variety of devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), phone headsets, notebooks, printers, cellular phones, digital cameras, etc.
802.11b is a full local area network connectivity standard, designed to support data rates of up to 11Mbps.
802.11b and Bluetooth operate in the same frequency range using different types of spread spectrum technology.

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Who installs the proper equipment in your location?
Our team of specialists installs the necessary equipment at the desired location.

Does Oconei's equipment require a large amount of space or is it aesthetically unwieldy?
Neither applies. Our equipment requires a small amount of space – it can easily be hidden inside a drop sealing, under a counter or in a small cabinet. To meet your needs, we will install the access point(s) to the most discreet location possible.

Who is responsible for the maintenance of the equipment?
Oconei provides maintenance & hardware upgrades with no additional cost. We continuously monitor all our systems and respond to any problem immediately. No interaction from your end is required for the operation of the equipment.

Do we offer training opportunities for your staff?
Yes! We want your staff to feel comfortable talking to customers about your wireless service. Therefore, we offer free training for your staff at your location.