 Towerwave Communications
Wireless FAQ's
The list below includes many Frequently Asked Questions about our Wireless Services.
If your question is not answered here,
please contact us for more detailed information.
1. Q: What speed can I expect from my wireless connection?
2. Q: What do I need on my computer to get connected to wireless?
3. Q: What about sharing the connection using a software program (i.e. a Utility Gate or Windows Connection Sharing), or having our own internal firewall?
4. Q: Does the equipment and installation have a warranty?
5. Q: How long does it take to get service installed (from point of order to point of install)?
6. Q: How can I measure my connection rate/What is my current connection rate?
7. Q: Is Towerwave Communications Wireless available for Macintosh?
8. Q: Can I use most any Internet software with my Towerwave Communications wireless connection?
9. Q: Can I run a Web, FTP, gaming, or other inbound posted server on this connection?
10. Q: My company requires a VPN connection. Can I do this with my wireless connection?
11. Q: Can I buy my own equipment and connect to Towerwave Communications wireless?
Q: What speed can I expect from my wireless connection?
A: The wireless "Speed" is based on the average download and upload speeds of all our typical users. Due to the nature of a wireless network, absolute speed cannot be guaranteed to all locations and all conditions. There will be times when your site will exceed the stated speed, and there will be times when your site possibly will not download at full speed. Typically we judge speed as conservative as possible so you are delivered at least the speed stated. We will do our utmost to ensure you are delivered the fastest possible speed you can get. Typical speeds are up to 10Mbps for downloads and uploads.
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Q: What do I need on my computer to get connected to wireless?
A: The Wireless Bridge can be connected to one and only one device. All broadband connections should be connected to a Broadband Router and will work perfectly with any Ethernet connection to act as a connection sharing device for an entire LAN. All you need on your computer or LAN is a working Ethernet connection. This means an internal Ethernet card and/or Ethernet LAN Hub/Switch. A wireless connection is simply an Ethernet connection to the wireless system. Any computer having a working Ethernet device or connection will work fine. All computers can be configured to use DHCP and will connect just fine. Towerwave Communications DOES NOT use any internal PCMCIA wireless cards or proprietary setups on your physical computer, as they are prone to configuration errors, connection problems, and require a high amount of maintenance. An Towerwave Communications wireless connection is very similar to a Cable Internet connection, requiring, again, only an simple working Ethernet device or connection on your end.
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Q: What about sharing the connection using a software program (i.e. a Utility Gate or Windows Connection Sharing), or having our own internal firewall?
A: The Wireless Bridge can be connected to one and only one device. All broadband connections should be connected to a Broadband Router and will work perfectly with any Ethernet connection to act as a connection sharing device for an entire LAN. This is by far the best setup instead of a software solution. However, you are more than welcome to use any additional internal Firewall/Proxy or sharing capability you wish. Towerwave Communications will not be responsible for supporting this type of internal networking or Ethernet setup. That is, we will not be responsible for installing, trouble-shooting, or otherwise supporting your internal network or configuration beyond the Wireless Device connection itself unless we have set it up with the optional package above. Towerwave Communications will support the setup of the above mentioned configuration only. Any alteration or change you make to your internal devices or connection will not be supported past our initial setup and installation.
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Q: Does the equipment and installation have a warranty?
A: Yes. The equipment and installation to the point of your internal connection is warranted for 1 year from date of purchase. However, this warranty does not does not include any alteration you have made to your system in any way. Any internal connection in any way, or Lightning damage in any way. With any electronic equipment and especially networking equipment, it should be powered through at least a surge protector and preferably a Uninterruptible Power Supply or UPS. Then your equipment is covered under the warranty of that power equipment.
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Q: How long does it take to get service installed (from point of order to point of install)?
A: This process generally will take 7-14 business days, but depending on the complexity of your install (i.e. antenna placement & PC configuration), and your local installation professionals should you choose one, your install could be much shorter or longer. At the point you make your commitment, an install date will be assigned. We will work closely with you, and do our best to meet this date, but again, it is relative to the complexity and circumstances we encounter. We require you to have a working Ethernet connection or you might have to bring in your computer to Towerwave Communications or authorized technician to install an Ethernet card to insure proper configuration and/or ordering the correct components if needed.
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Q: How can I measure my connection rate/What is my current connection rate?
A: You can use our on-line bandwidth test at http://www.towerwave.net/xpeedometer/. The Bandwidth Test estimates your connection throughput from your Towerwave Communications connection to one of our Towerwave Communications servers. This is a pretty good test of your local Towerwave Communications connection, from us to you. This test does not measure Internet speed. No test does. Past our Internet connection in NY, we have no way of controlling the bandwidth.
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Q: Is Towerwave Communications Wireless available for Macintosh?
A: Yes. The wireless bridges work the same for Mac users as PC users. A wireless connection is simply an Ethernet connection from the wireless system to your computer or LAN. Any computer having a working Ethernet connection will work fine. All computers can be configured to use DHCP and will connect perfectly.
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Q: Can I use most any Internet software with my Towerwave Communications wireless connection?
A: Certainly. You will simply have an Ethernet connection directly to the Internet. However, each wireless bridge can directly be connected to one device and cannot be shared unless through a Broadband Router. All web browsers, email or "normal" Internet software will function perfectly with a wireless connection without any special configurations. Many Internet related software packages can, or may need, to act as a server of sorts. Most of this type of Internet software, with proper configuration will work behind a firewall/proxy will function perfectly as well. One example might be Internet gaming software. Please be aware that Towerwave Communications will not be responsible for any configuration of any such software. That is the users' responsibility completely. Each wireless kit details the internal setup of IP addresses so you can configure your Internet software as needed.
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Q: Can I run a Web, FTP, gaming, or other inbound posted server on this connection?
A: No, not right out of the box, for the most part... Each wireless bridge is setup with its own internal NAT/Firewall active. This is the default setup for an Towerwave Communications wireless bridge. This service is intended to be an outbound connection. However, many Internet related software can act as a server of sorts with proper configuration behind a firewall. Towerwave Communications will not be responsible for any configuration of any such software. That is the users' responsibility completely. Having said this, Towerwave Communications can not allow any resale or delivering service that would be a direct competition to Towerwave Communications. The Towerwave Communications system has the ability to monitor connections & determine traffic patterns. The first violation will probably be your only notice and your connection will be terminated. Unless there are prior arrangements, there will be no exceptions. However, for internal private use, (from one LAN to another LAN owned by the same member for example), this is completely allowed.
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Q: My company requires a VPN connection. Can I do this with my wireless connection?
A: Yes, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection works perfectly. However, your wireless bridge will have to be setup to NOT have it's own internal NAT/Firewall active. This is the default setup for a Towerwave Communications wireless bridge. This is not a problem on our end, and can be configured remotely with ease. However, you will need to be aware of the risks to your LAN and we recommend that you have some type of internal security or protection as your wireless bridge will not be doing it for you. You will want to work with your network supervisor to secure your internal connections.
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Q: Can I buy my own equipment and connect to Towerwave Communications wireless?
A: No. Towerwave Communications will not support any equipment or setup in any way, shape, or form besides our own fully authorized systems. This is without exception. We will NOT provide any setup assistance, any technical support, or provide free advice in any way before, during, or after your connection. We sell the service for as low as we possibly can. At cost, in fact. Your best way to connect, by far, is to simply use our systems.
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