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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. How does wireless compare to a Dial-Up Connection?
2. How does wireless compare to cable?
3. How does wireless compare to DSL?
4. How secure is wireless?
5. What kind of equipment do I need for service?
6. How much will the equipment cost?
7. What are your technical support hours?
8. Do I need to keep my AOL/MSN/Earthlink account?
9. Do you offer services for my home or office?
10. Do cordless phones interfere with my connection?
1) How does wireless compare to a Dial-Up Connection?
Although sold as a 56k connection, a 56k dial-up connection operates at a maximum speed of 53k; and this speed is
only achieved under the best of conditions. The average dial-up connection has an effective speed of less than 40k. Airolink's
minium speed of 128k will have an effective speed of three to five times that of a dial-up connection. And, if you are using
a second telephone line for your internet connection, the cost of our basic connection will most probably be less than what
you are paying for just the phone line, not even considering what you pay to your dial-up provider.
2) How does wireless compare to cable?
In a cable environment, each customer is statically allocated a percentage of the cable's potential. Because of this
necessary allocation, subscribers are unable to share the full potential of available bandwidth even when it's available.
In a wireless environment, this allocation is dynamic, thus allowing the customer to use all available bandwidth, right up
to their selected level of connection. Also, a standard residential cable hook up is non-symmetric, sending information at
only 1/4 the speed at which it can receive. If you are sending out large data files or participate in online gaming, this
disparity is apparent. In a wireless environment, data is sent and received at the same speed. Our connections are symmetrical.
3) How does wireless compare to DSL service.
Although comparable in its ability for high speed connections, DSL service is distance sensitive. It is often referred
to as "last mile technology" because it generally does not work beyond 18,000 feet. The further you are from the
switching station of the telephone company, the slower the data rate. DSL is only available in locations where the proper
wire and transfer station infrastructure has been installed. DSL can take 4-6 weeks to provision. Airolink offers faster speeds
than DSL and can be installed the same day you order service. Our typical install fees are lower than the setup fees associated
with a DSL setup.
4) How secure is wireless?
Our service uses a proprietary wireless technology not basied on IEEE 802.11b which has received alot of bad press
regarding its lack of security. In fact, the security of our radios is better than that offered by cable modem providers!
Please contact us for specific answers to your Internet security questions.
5) What kind of equipment do I need for service?
AiroLink provides the End-User-Modem, or EUM, and the antenna needed to connect to our wireless network. Most installations
will be able to use a small indoor antenna and can be easily installed within minutes. Some locations may require the use
of an outdoor antenna for acceptable network performance.
The only requirement for you, the home user, is a computer with a working network adapter or ethernet card. AiroLink's
End-User-Modem connects to your computer network via a 10MB ethernet connection. If you are not sure if your computer already
has a network interface card (NIC), AiroLink will assist you in the purchase and setup for your computer.
6) How much will the equipment cost?
There will be an initial setup fee when you sign up for Airolink, which is a one-time charge for the configuration
of the equipment provided by Airolink during the course of service. A typical residential installation will cost $95.00 for
indoor installations and $150.00 for outdoor antenna installations.
7) What are your technical support hours?
Our technical support staff is available 7 days a week at 319-310-0856. You can contact us from 8am to 9pm weekdays.
If we are unavailable, we will contact you as soon as we receive your message. Please make sure to leave name, phone number,
short message so we can help you as best as possible.
8) Do I need to keep my AOL/MSN/Earthlink account?
No, AiroLinks wireless service does not require a dial-up account. AiroLink is your ISP and replaces AOL, MSN, and
Earthlink as your ISP.
9) Do you offer services for my home or office?
Yes. Airolink offers enhanced services for the demanding Internet user. We offer VPN (Virtual Private Networking)
to allow connectivity between your home office and your company's local area network. We can connect multiple locations onto
one wide area network. Airolink can host your web pages, your critical network applications and your e-mail. We can set up
your domain name as well.
10) Do Cordless phones interfere with my connection?
Our service uses radio frequencies in the 900Mhz range, and as such 900Mhz cordless phones should be seperated from
the End-User-Modem by atleast one room or 10 feet.
If you have any further question or comments please feel free to contact us.
John Cramer
641-757-0202
jcramer@airolink.com
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