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Frequently Asked Questions about wireless broadband

What is Broadband?
Why do I need Broadband?
What is Wireless Broadband?
What is "Wi-Fi"?
How does it work?
What is "line-of-sight" and why is it important?
What if I haven't got "line-of-sight" to an Access Point?
Who is the service aimed at?
What area do you cover?
What are the key benefits of wireless broadband?
What does it offer businesses?
How does the speed compare to other options?
What does 2Mbps really mean?
Why is the "within the community" speed faster?
What is self-install?
What are the advantages of self-install?
What if I don't want self-install?
Can I use my own wireless adapter?
What if my PC is not next to a telephone socket?
Can I still use my modem?
Can I upgrade from Home/Business Highway?
What are the call charges?
Will I still need to pay for my phone rental?
What about sending FAXes etc.?
How does the local community benefit?
Are inbound and outbound speeds guaranteed?
If my area is not listed, what can I do?
What is ADSL?
ADSL is not available in my area - can I still get your service?
Why is wireless broadband better than ADSL?
Why don't I just wait for ADSL?
What about satellite broadband?
What are the alternatives for broadband access?
I've heard that rain and wet leaves degrade the service?
What about attacks by viruses?
What's a firewall?
What's the difference between a "hardware firewall" and a "software firewall"?
What's hacking?
What about protecting children from unsuitable web sites?
Do I need planning permission?
Isn't this illegal?


What is Broadband?

You may already have heard the term 'broadband' being used by your friends and colleagues and are wondering what all the fuss is about! 'Broadband' is the common term for a high bandwidth Internet connection. A broadband service can be capable of transmitting data at up to 40 times the speed of a standard modem. Equally importantly, it is always 'on' - you don't need to dial up every time you want to 'log on'. Just sit down at your computer and the Internet is there - like electricity or tap water!

If you use a standard modem you may find yourself waiting several minutes for e-mails with large file attachments, while web pages with lots of pictures, complex graphics or animations appear very slowly. You may also find it difficult to view video on the web, or listen to music or sound.

If you want to receive these files quickly you will need a higher bandwidth connection. This is especially important for viewing web-casts or listening to Internet radio, where it is vital to receive the information in a continuous stream.

Subscribe to a broadband service and you will start to use the Internet in an entirely new way. You'll find you can move swiftly from website to website and page to page, all in a fraction of the time of a traditional dial-up connection.

In the home a broadband connection can open up a wealth of entertainment and information resources, including video and music on demand, online game playing and the fast exchange of files with friends and family. At work it can vastly improve marketing and internal processes by allowing real-time interaction with customers and colleagues, permanent connection to online services and continuous access to your e-mail account.

© BT


Why do I need Broadband?

There's no "world wide wait" with broadband. Most of the local community are limited by having only dial-up access at speeds of 48kbps or 33kbps. Taking 15-20 seconds to establish a connection to the Internet followed by lengthy waits for web pages to load discourages many potential users. There is a major risk that rural communities will be left behind by the "broadband revolution" and will be unable to compete on equal terms with broadband-enabled communities. Furthermore, key technological developments such as video conferencing and use of Government's e-services are unusable.

Broadband is significantly faster than dial-up, helping you to:
     · Send and receive large amounts of information
     · Send and receive e-mails in a fraction of the time
     · Provide Internet access to a greater number of people in your business
     · Create new online sales channels and improve customer response times
     · Take full advantage of the information contained within the Internet

 


What is Wireless Broadband?
What is "Wi-Fi"?

Rather than using copper wires or satellite receivers, this technology uses radio signals to form a Wide Area Network. In essence it uses the same principles and technology as used in wireless networking around the home or office but on a larger scale.

It uses wireless communication of the kind called 'WiFi', or 802.11b, which works at high frequencies (2.4GHz) and low power over ranges of a few hundreds of metres. Unlike most other frequencies, this one does not need a licence. WiFi 'Access Points' will be positioned at strategic points, about every few hundred metres, on selected users' TV aerial poles or roof tops. Other users will reach the network by connecting to these local Access Points.

To access the service, you will need a wireless card or box connected to your computer, and possibly a small antenna positioned at a window, or in some cases on your roof. Which is needed depends mainly on how far away you are from the nearest access point, and how many trees there are in the immediate vicinity.

Access to the Internet is by a high bandwidth (2Mbps) leased line; the WiFi system enables subscribers to share it from anywhere in the local villages.

© INL


How does it work?

The signal from the subscriber's computer will be received by one of a number of 'Network Nodes' (i.e. Access Points) within the community. Each village will have up to 10 nodes located either in a subscriber's house or a business premises or a public building. The exact number of nodes depends on the geographical spread of the subscribers. Each node relays the signals it receives onto its neighbours. If the signal is destined for another community subscriber then the signal will be relayed through the nodes until it reaches the one to which the intended recipient is currently connected. The recipient then receives the signal on their laptop or desktop.

If the signal is destined for the community information service it will be relayed through the nodes to the appropriate server and the information will be updated or retrieved as requested.

For Internet requests or passing information outside of the community network the nodes will relay the signal to the 'Wireless Central Hub' which will pass the information on to an 'Internet Service Provider' via the leased line connection. The leased line connection is a dedicated connection of 2Mbps. For the majority of the time it is expected that subscribers will achieve actual throughput of at least 256kbps and up to 2Mbps at off-peak times. Unlike ADSL, this service is symmetrical which means that subscribers can achieve upload throughput at the same rate as their download, i.e. up to 2Mbps.

Information will flow back to the subscriber using a reversal of the above process.

 


What is "line-of-sight" and why is it important?

This technology works in the microwave radio waveband. This waveband has a very short wavelength and, unlike radio or TV signals, is not very good at penetrating solid structures (although it's not as bad as satellite TV which drops out when an airplane cuts off the signal!). If you have line-of-sight (i.e. you can visually see the aerial for the nearest Access Point) then you will get good reception.

As part of your set-up package you will get a "range extender aerial". This is a small aerial which you can position in a window (windows are thinner than walls so they attenuate the signal to a lesser extent!) and direct towards the nearest Access Point.

Having said all that you needn't worry. A site survey will ensure you are within range of a suitable Access Point ("node") before your order is accepted.

 


What if I haven't got "line-of-sight" to an Access Point?

If you are not within range of an Access Point (AP) even by using a "range extender aerial" then you will not be able to subscribe to wireless broadband. However, all is not lost! The network is designed such that new Access Points can easily be added and thereby increase geographical coverage. A new Access Point must meet two criteria:
     · it must have line-of-sight to another AP in the network
     · there needs to be sufficient demand to meet the costs of adding the new area.
Typically this means there must be 5-10 new subscribers in the area served by the new AP.

 


Who is the service aimed at?

Our service is aimed at everyone in the local community. This includes individuals, small businesses, community groups, clubs and societies. It is focussed on inclusivity - making services available to all in the community.

 


What area do you cover?

Phase 1 will cover businesses and private individuals in the "6 Villages" area: Aldingbourne, Barnham, Eastergate, Walberton, Westergate, Yapton.

Phase 2 will extend coverage Eastwards to Middleton-on-Sea, Felpham, Ford, Climping and Arundel.

Phase 3 will extend coverage to areas on the "A27 corridor" including Boxgrove, Tangmere, and Slindon.

 


What are the key benefits of wireless broadband?

· It's fast : you can surf the Internet at speeds up to 2Mbps - 40x the speed of a modem.
· It's quick : no waiting for your modem to connect to your Internet service and no engaged tones.
· It's affordable : low subscription and no call charges means no surprise bills.
· It's convenient : leaves your telephone line free to surf the web and chat on the phone at the same time!
· It's accessible : available to all.
· It's available now!

   


What does it offer businesses?

Wireless broadband will enable e-commerce and Government's e-services to be accessible to local SMEs. It will also facilitate business micro-clusters - concentrations of interconnected companies, suppliers and service providers to their mutual benefit.

Apart from the usual benefits associated with broadband access (e.g. always-on, etc.) there are some additional benefits that are only available with a wireless setup:
  · Throughput - The wireless system gives 512Kbps Internet access but allows bursting up to 2Mbps. Furthermore it is symmetrical so allows uploads also at 512K-2Mbps. Amongst other uses, this will enable businesses to host their own web and e-commerce servers. For point-to-point connections within the community sustained throughput is possible at up to 5Mbps.  
  · Teleworking - A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be setup between the home and the business that will allow remote workers to connect to the office network at speeds up to 5Mbps. (This is faster than many SME internal networks!)  
  · Roaming - Providing they are within the coverage area then businesses will be able to connect to the Internet at speeds up to 2Mbps or to their office network at speeds up to 5Mbps. This could be used for on-site demonstrations/ presentations (e.g. estate agents searching/ displaying particulars, etc.), for teleworking or to access e-mail while out of the office, etc. The possibilities for business use are wide-ranging.  
  · Fixed costs - The price per month is fixed (most alternative systems charge on a per MB downloaded basis) so making budgeting easier for SMEs.  
  · Fast installation - Installation is simple and quick and can be self-installed in under 15 minutes.  
  · No hidden costs - No throughput charges and no extra phone line is required (e.g. compare with one-way satellite which requires a phone line for uplink access).  

Through your membership of the Society, local businesses will have access to a large group of potential customers. Businesses will be able to host commercial web sites on the community server or on their own in-house server. These web sites can be accessed at speeds up to 5Mbps allowing previously impossible marketing approaches to be realised. For example, it will be possible to deliver streaming video showing your products in action without the 'film' jumping or jerkiness. This is something which, up to now, has been unworkable.

 


How does the speed compare to other options?

 
Connection
Max. speed
Modem 56 kbps
Home Highway (ISDN) 128 kbps
Business Highway (ISDN) 128 kbps
ADSL 512 kbps
Wireless 2048 kbps (Internet surfing)
5120 kbps (within the community)

   


What does 2Mbps really mean?

To put this speed into perspective consider the following times to download:

 
Connection
Size
Dial-up
Wireless
Typical web page 250KB 44s 4s
Web page with lots of images 750KB 1m 14s 14s
Downloading Led Zeppelin MP3 - "Stairway to Heaven" 7.34MB 21m 48s 2m 11s
Downloading a film trailer 27MB 1h 20m 21s 8m 2s

To see what this looks like you can try this demo courtesy of Supanet (requires ShockWave Flash plugin installed in your browser).

 


Why is the "within the community" speed faster?

The wireless network operates within the community at speeds of up to 5Mbps so access another destination within the community will connect at the full speed of up to 5Mbps. However, access to the Internet outside of the community is constrained by the maximum throughput of the physical connection to the Internet. Initially this will be a 2Mbps connection so the maximum that can be attained for general Internet surfing is 2Mbps. Please note though that this is still nearly 40x the speed of a dial-up modem and 4x faster that the theoretical maximum of ADSL.

 


What is self-install?

When you order the wireless service you select one of three options for how you would like to connect to the wireless network:
     · Ethernet adapter
     · USB adapter
     · PCCard adapter

You will be sent the adapter you have requested (supplied as part of your setup cost) pre-configured for access to the wireless network. All you have to do is install the adapter onto your machine and connect it to the "range extender" aerial (also supplied). The aerial should be positioned so it points to the nearest "Access Point" (a list of Access Points is available here).

For the USB adapter you may need to install a hardware driver on your computer; instructions will be supplied with the adapter.

If you get stuck there are plenty of people of the community Forum who can offer assistance.

 

What are the advantages of self-install?

Installation should take no more than 15 minutes. Within 15 minutes of opening your wireless broadband package you should be surfing the Internet at up to 2Mbps!

 


What if I don't want self-install?

If you don't think you can perform the self-install then an engineer can visit your home/office and install the equipment for you, however there will be an additional charge for this.

 


Can I use my own wireless adapter?

There are a large number of different types and flavours of wireless adapters currently on the market some of which work better than others! To ensure quality of service your setup package includes the best adapter at the best price that meets these requirements. Also if you were to provide your own adapter you would not be offered any support on your service.

By providing the equipment you are assured consistency and reliability and any down-time can be kept to a minimum.

 


What if my PC is not next to a telephone socket?

Your PC does not need to be near a telephone socket to access the wireless service. Wireless broadband frees you from the constraints of being physically connected to the telephone network.

 


Can I still use my modem?

You can still leave your modem installed and connected to the telephone network if you wish. For example, you may use your modem to send and receive faxes.

 


Can I upgrade from Home/Business Highway?

Home Highway and Business Highway are BT products. We are nothing to do with BT so we are unable to upgrade or cancel your Highway service. When you are happy with the wireless service then it is up to you to contact BT to cancel your Highway service if you want and revert back to a normal telephone line (note: you must be outside of BT's minimum rental period to cancel a Highway product).

 


What are the call charges?

There are no call charges at all for wireless broadband, just a single monthly subscription.

 


Will I still need to pay for my phone rental?

Probably. You will not need a telephone line to use the wireless service but it is likely that you will continue to want one for normal telephone calls. All voice calls and associated charges will be charged by BT as normal.

 


What about sending FAXes etc.?

At present we do not offer a fax forwarding service however there are companies which offer this service. You can retain your existing modem attached to your computer to send and receive faxes.

 


How does the local community benefit?

Currently it is impossible for information to be exchanged quickly within the community. Using slow-speed dial-up connections, the community is restricted to generally static data which typically lacks currency and hence usefulness. With high-speed always-there connections, it becomes possible to provide real-time 'live' services for the benefit of the community.

More importantly it connects the community together in a 'wide area network' and can foster a sense of community spirit. Information can be instantly exchanged between community members and it facilitates communication within the community.

 


Are inbound and outbound speeds guaranteed?

In common with all wireless products on the unlicensed 2.4GHz band, it is impossible to guarantee service levels (due to interference/disruption from satellite signals, other microwave sources such as ovens, CCTVs and radio amateurs at the lower channel numbers). Subscribers requiring a guaranteed service should subscribe to the (higher-priced) Enterprise service or ensure they have a fallback available.

The network has intelligence built in to actively monitor the signal level being received from each subscriber and automatically adjust the speed to match. If the signal level/quality is reduced for any reason the network may automatically lower your access speed (without altering anyone else's) until such time as it can restore it back to full speed.

This also provides some degree of resilience for failure of an Access Point. If your nearest AP fails but you can still receive a (reduced) level of signal from a more distant AP then you will still get network access but at a reduced speed (although this "reduced" speed is still going to be faster than dial-up/ADSL and you may not even notice at all!!)

 


If my area is not listed, what can I do?

New areas can be added to our network providing they are within a reasonable distance and there is sufficient demand for the service to make it economic.

Firstly, see if you have line-of-sight to an area that is already covered by wireless broadband. If you can see an area already covered then contact your neighbours to ask if they would also be interested in joining the service. The equipment needed to connect you to the network is very expensive so new areas will only be added where these are economic. Usually this means there needs to be between 5 and 20 subscribers in any new area to be added. Your area will be added to the "registration" process and indicate the sign-up level required. When this sign-up level is reached then installation in your area can begin and you will have full access to the wireless broadband service usually within a few weeks.

 


What is ADSL?

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It transforms a twisted copper pair of wires between a local telephone exchange and a customer's telephone socket into a high-speed digital line. It is called "asymmetric" because it moves data more quickly from exchange to customer than from customer to exchange. This makes it particularly suitable for applications where customers expect to receive more data than they transmit.

Special modems and telephone socket filters are required to use an ADSL service.

 


ADSL is not available in my area - can I still get your service?

Absolutely! Wireless broadband is not dependent in any way on the availability of ADSL. Quite the reverse; it was developed to provide broadband access in rural where ADSL is specifically not available.

 


Why is wireless broadband better than ADSL?

Apart from being much faster than normal ADSL services, wireless broadband is a "symmetrical" service. Unlike ADSL, this will allow you to send data at the same high-speed at which you receive it. This has many advantages, for example, where it is impractical to host a company web server on an ADSL connection, this now becomes very practical on a wireless broadband connection.

 


Why don't I just wait for ADSL?

You might have a long wait. There are about 5,500 local exchanges in the UK of which only about 1,000 have been enabled for ADSL.

BT are only installing ADSL equipment in areas where they deem there is sufficient demand to make the service economic. Where an area looks viable they are setting "trigger levels" which is the level of pre-orders necessary before they will enable the exchange for ADSL service. This is similar to our own pre-order requirements but BT's trigger levels are much much higher. For example, our trigger level for Yapton is around 15 pre-orders whereas BT's is 350 (as at 6/4/03). Even if your exchange is enabled for ADSL then you might still not be able to get it if you are physically too far away from the exchange.

BT are only setting trigger levels where there is sufficient population so vast areas which have very low population do not have a trigger level set and will never get ADSL. These are exactly the areas being targetted with wireless broadband. BT currently claim that over 60% of the population can get ADSL but this only covers approx. 10% of the actual land coverage of the UK!

Also, of course, with ADSL you are still tied to your phone line - wireless gives you the freedom to work without being tied to your desk.

 


What about satellite broadband?
What are the alternatives for broadband access?

The only viable alternatives are ISDN (e.g. BT Home Highway or Business Highway), one-way or two-way satellite and leased-line. ISDN and one-way satellite still require a slow dial-up connection to the Internet and two-way satellite and leased lines are beyond the budget of most residents and small businesses in the area. In any event, wireless will be a much faster alternative.

 


I've heard that rain and wet leaves degrade the service?

Some of the radio frequencies used by wireless broadband are absorbed by water (which is why they are used in microwave ovens!) so they may be absorbed by water falling as rain or present as wet leaves on trees. In practice, little degradation in service has been noticed during the operation of the Cambridge wireless network during the last winter.

It is possible that during heavy rain you may not get full speed access (the system will automatically lower your access speed as the signal degrades). This is no worse than satellite TV which offers a degraded service (if at all!) during heavy rain or snow.

 


What about attacks by viruses?

Whilst using the Internet your PC is also at risk to viruses. A virus is a program that takes control of the your PC, does things without your permission and has the potential to destroy your hard disk. Viruses are capable of self-replicating and spread by attaching themselves to other files. Other types of malicious programs include "Trojan horses" and "worms":

  · Trojan horses capture information from your PC and could allow a hacker to gain entry to that PC.
  · Worms replicate and work their way through a network. They infect network computers, slow them down and consume disk space but usually won't delete or alter files.

Viruses are usually hidden in e-mails and downloadable files on websites and file-sharing applications, and can often run silently without you even knowing you are infected. With your "always-on" Internet connection your computer will be at greater risk to these malicious programs due to the likelihood that you will be downloading a great deal more files from the Internet than you previously did with your analogue modem dial-up connection.

Anti-virus software protects your computer from known viruses, Trojan horses and worms. The software works by scanning files on your computer looking for a virus's signature, a unique string of bytes that identifies the virus like a fingerprint. If a virus is found the software then "disinfects" your PC. Anti-virus software can usually perform tasks such as scanning all the files on your PC, scanning e-mail and attachments and scanning downloaded files.

Makers of good quality anti-virus software (e.g. Norton AntiVirus) keep track of the latest viruses and issue regular updates (often daily) which you should download so as not to fall prey to new viruses.

Our servers run virus software to protect themselves from virus attack however this does not protect your own personal computer. It is up to you to protect your own computer from virus infection and we recommend you run one of the generally available anti-virus programs.

 


What's a firewall?

As with any Internet connection a personal firewall is strongly recommended. Your wireless connection allows you to be "always-on" the Internet - you will be permanently connected to the Internet whenever you computer is switched on. Whilst this means no more waiting to connect, it also leaves your PC at risk from "hackers" trying to gain unauthorised access to your computer. A firewall helps prevent this. Our community servers are protected by firewalls but it is your responsibility to protect your own computer from malicious attack. This is particularly true for business users connecting to broadband from an office network; a hacker could potentially gain access to all of your business files and data if you do not take steps to keep them out.

You can easily install your own firewall at small cost using either a hardware-based solution or by installing a software solution.

 


What's the difference between a "hardware firewall" and a "software firewall"?

Firewalls come in two flavours: as hardware or as software. Just to confuse matters even more there are two type of hardware solution; the firewall can either be built in to a network "router" or if can be a separate (small) computer in its own right.

Think of a software firewall as having your own security guard in your hallway. You leave the front door open but the security guard is there to keep out unwelcome intruders. However, if the security guard is looking the other way or if the back door is accidentally left open then "visitors" can get in without you knowing. On the other hand a hardware firewall puts the security guard at your garden gate with a "pass list" of people who you will allow into your house. This security guard is a big bloke and there is no getting around him; you only get past if your name is on the list.
(Note - don't get complacent if you have the guard at your gate; you are still vulnerable! E.g. you could accidentally put an unwelcome guest name on the list - or they could add it themselves! - and even people you trust and let inside could turn out to be untrustworthy or unknowingly bring in hidden undesirables!)

A software solution runs on the computer/laptop you normally use to connect to the Internet. Thus it is fighting for resources with all the other stuff that is going on in your machine. A hardware solution is totally independent.

If you want a software solution, there are many different software products available; one of the most popular is ZoneAlarm from ZoneLabs. If you want a hardware solution then several companies sell "firewall routers" (e.g. Linksys) or a suitable router may be purchased from Invisible Networks as part of your set-up package. Alternatively a separate computer can be used as a dedicated hardware firewall, ideally using the Linux operating system (e.g. IPCop or Smoothwall) (guidance is available within the community Forum to help with setup).

So which is better; the hardware or the software solution? The answer depends on how paranoid you are! Seriously though, a hardware solution gives more protection and can be easier to manage. If you have a spare old computer and a few network items then it can even be free! Certainly if you are trying to protect your office network then a hardware firewall is the best option. Generally for the home user a software firewall is sufficient.

 


What's hacking?

Your PC contains approximately 65,000 port addresses. These are communication channels used by your PC to "talk" over a network. These ports potentially allow unauthorised users ("hackers") to gain access to your computer and your personal files (commonly known as "hacking").

Hackers can perform what is known as a "port scan"' which checks your PC's port addresses looking for one that is poorly configured and will allow the hacker to communicate with your computer. With your "always-on" Internet connection your computer is at greater risk from hacker activity because it gives hackers more time to find vulnerabilities on your computer and gain unauthorised access.

You can protect your PC from hacking activity with a "firewall". A firewall closes all the ports on your PC and only allows software and hardware of your choosing to access specific ports. Any unauthorised port activity is blocked so securing your PC from hacker activity.

 


What about protecting children from unsuitable web sites?

We do not restrict access to web sites. It is your responsibility to protect your children. There are products built in to web browsers (e.g. Internet Explorer) or available for purchase (e.g. NetNanny) which may provide the level of protection you need.

 


Do I need planning permission?

If you require an external aerial to get line-of-sight to your nearest Access Point or you wish to host an Access Point itself and you live in a Conservation Area or are in a Listed Building then you may require planning permission. Best to check with your District Council (Arun District Council on 01903 737500 (ask for Planning Dept.) or Chichester District Council on 01243 534561 (Direct Line))

 


Isn't this illegal?

Certainly not. You may have read about "open community wireless networking" but that is very different. In that case, a group of like-minded people get together to set up an impromptu wireless network between themselves and share any fast Internet connections their members may have. This almost certainly breaks the terms of use of their Internet Service Provider (ISP) so to that extent these networks are illegal. These networks are ad hoc, have no support and are liable to disappear at any minute.

Our network is very different. We are open to all in the community and the operation is run professionally and with proper support and backup. More importantly, our link to the Internet is set up specifically for this purpose and with the full knowledge and support of our ISP.

 


All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. © 2003 West Sussex Community Broadband Society unless stated otherwise.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that current and accurate details are provided, West Sussex Community Broadband Society cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information or accept any liability arising from its use.
In the event of any discrepancy between the information provided here and the Rules of the Society or the Terms and Conditions or the Acceptable Use Policy of any part of the wireless broadband or community services then the latter shall take precedence.
Page last updated 19/05/03