Patient Wifi Frequently Asked Questions
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 300 feet 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.
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.
What do I need to use the service?
To use the service, you will need:
- A laptop computer running a current version of Windows (Windows 95 or greater).
- Wi-Fi compliant (IEEE 802.11b) wireless network card.
Where can I purchase a wireless card?
Wireless cards are available from major vendors such as Lucent, Cisco, 3Com, Intel, and Sony. They are sold through online retailers such as iGo, Insight, PC Connection and Micro Warehouse. Offline retailers include Best Buy, Office Depot, and other computer accessory retailers. Dell, Compaq, IBM, Toshiba and Apple also are offering wireless cards for their notebook computers and/or selling wireless-integrated notebooks.
Can I access my corporate LAN?
Yes. If your company allows Internet remote access into the corporate network, then you may connect. If your company has a VPN (virtual private network), you should be able to run your VPN or secure tunneling client software over the Speed Zone Routing Access Point connection.
What kind of security is available through my 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 your company has a VPN, we recommend that you connect via the VPN for optimum security. We also encourage our subscribers to observe standard security practices.