What is a wireless network? What kind of network technology is being used to provide this service? What does the user need to use the service? How does the user get online? Is my credit card information secure? Where are wireless cards available? How will users be billed? Will the user receive an invoice when they use the service? How can the user view / edit their account information? What if they have problems using the service? Can the user access their corporate LAN? What kind of security is available through the wireless connection?
What is a wireless network?
A wireless network is a Local Area Network (LAN) that replaces wires and cables with radio frequency (RF) connections. Wireless networks have a relatively small coverage area, between zero and 100 metres per radio transceiver depending upon the surrounding building structure. Wireless networks give you the freedom to access the Internet, email, instant messaging services and your company's network anywhere within the signal coverage area.
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What kind of network technology is being used to provide this service?
Our routing access points are equipped with the industry-standard Wi-Fi compliant (IEEE 802.11b) wireless Ethernet LAN, an 11Mbps high rate DSSS standard for wireless networks. In addition to our routing access point, an internet connection is also required. Cable modem/DSL service or a T1 (or higher) for internet connectivity is sufficient.
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What does the user need to use the service?
To use the service, users will need:-
- A laptop computer running a current version of Windows (Windows 95 or greater).
- Wi-Fi compliant (IEEE 802.11b) wireless network card.
- A valid credit card (to set up an account).
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How does the user get online?
To get online, users will need t-
- Install a wireless network card into your computer and configure it for use with the wireless network. (SSID # = HotSpotSolutions) For assistance installing or configuring your wireless card, click the "Help" link on the Welcome Page.
- Open an account. To create your account, click the "Sign Up" link on the Welcome Page.
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Is my credit card information secure?
Yes, your credit card information is secure when you sign up for our service. All customer information is sent over an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) link to our servers for processing.
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Where are wireless cards available?
Wireless cards are usually available from reception in hotels and motels, otherwise they can be purchased from Jimojo.
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How will users be billed?
All charges for use of the service will be applied to the credit card number provided at the time of setting up the account. As described below, billing times will vary depending on the type of rate plan chosen:
- Monthly Subscription Plans: On monthly subscription plans, the credit card will be billed the designated flat rate at the time of signup. At the end of each monthly billing cycle, your account will automatically renew and the credit card will be charged the flat rate again.
- "Per Use" Plans: On "per use" plans, the credit card will be billed the designated flat rate at the start of each session.
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Will the user receive an invoice when they use the service?
Yes, they will receive an initial "welcome" e-mail at the time they sign up for the service as well as invoices each time their credit card is charged. All correspondence is sent to the email address they provide at the time they set up their account.
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How can the user view / edit their account information?
To view / edit their account information (i.e. update address, change password, view current usage, etc.), click the "My Account Info" link on the Welcome Page and proceed to the appropriate account information section.
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What if they have problems using the service?
If they experience difficulty connecting to the wireless network, they can click the "Help" link located on the Welcome Page. The Support area of our web site contains helpful troubleshooting documents as well as a complete user guide for reference. A contact number is also provided for additional assistance.
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Can the user access their corporate LAN?
Yes. If their company allows remote internet access into the corporate network, then they may connect. If their company has a VPN (Virtual Private Network), they should be able to run their VPN or secure tunnelling client software over the NetNearU Routing Access Point connection.
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What kind of security is available through the wireless connection?
We do not enable WEP (Wired Equivalency Protection) on any of the wireless equipment used in our network. Therefore, no special keys are required to use the service. WEP encryption is not yet practical for a public access network, due in part to the absence of a standardized method for relaying encryption keys between different manufacturers' equipment. Although wireless network security is not provided, our system does support secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) access. If the user’s company has a VPN, we recommend that they connect via the VPN for optimum security. We also encourage our subscribers to observe standard security practices like not file sharing.
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