BoontLink.net
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BoontLink.net
Wireless Broadband for the Anderson Valley.
Wireless Broadband for the Anderson Valley.
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Support: Contact Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Site Map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is WiFi or 802.11b and why do you use it?

What is a Site Survey? Why do you do this?

How does BoontLink service compare to standard dial-up?

How does BoontLink service compare to leased-line, DSL, satellite or other providers?

Do I need to buy any special software or hardware to get service?

What is TCP/IP?

What is Line of Sight (LOS)? How does it affect me?

What is a POP Location?

What effect does weather have on my connection?

What about lightning?

What sort of hardware do you put on my location?

How do you install your hardware? Can I install it myself?

What does your installation service include?

What does MPOE mean?

Can I get my email anywhere? Even while traveling?

Can I keep my old email address from another ISP?

How many computers can I use on your service at one time?

What sort of usage isn't permitted?

What sort of commitment is involved? Can I cancel service?

Do you offer a "hot-spot" type of service?

I have a question not listed here. What do I do?

Answers

What is WiFi or 802.11b and why do you use it?

802.11b is a wireless network architecture for use in the 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) radio spectrum. We have selected the 2.4 GHz band primarily because of its availability of hardware. This keeps our costs down, and in turn, keeps our service affordable. However, 2.4 GHz is not without faults: Trees, buildings and terrain can block signals and microwave ovens and some cordless phones may interfere with reception. By using directional antennas, we can limit this interference to be able to provide a reliable connection.

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What is a Site Survey? Why do you do this?

Before making any installation we need to be sure that our service is accessible and reliable from your location. Furthermore, every location has its own characteristics of wireless visibility. Prior to any commitment or installation of our antennas we perform what is called a "site survey" with our test equipment. It may involve climbing onto your roof and temporarily aligning an antenna towards our transmitting signal to measure what quality of link can be expected at your location. This entire process may only take a few moments or up to an hour or two. It all makes for a better installation.

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How does BoontLink service compare to standard dial-up?

Dial-up internet and our service differ drastically. We define our service as "Always-On" which is not the case with dial-up. For instance, to start surfing the web you only need to launch your browser. To gather your email you only start your mail program or login to Webmail. Our connection is also faster than dial-up by up to 17 times (28.8kbps compared to 512kbps).

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How does BoontLink service compare to leased-line, DSL, satellite or other providers?

Leased-line services (such as a "T1 line") cost many times more than BoontLink. Leased-line services can also require large investments in hardware. DSL, while more competitively priced, is limited to only reach within about 18,000 feet of the telephone company's office, and only if it is equipped to do so! Large telecommunications carriers often overlook smaller communities such as Boonville. Satellite service quite often offers 'one-way' service and still requires a phone connection to work, in addition to being quite costly. Our service is always-on, reliable and affordably priced. It is also a synchronous in both upload and download speeds which is almost never the case with DSL and satellite.

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Do I need to buy any special software or hardware to get service?

In most cases, no! We provide all the equipment to connect to our service. In fact, our service works for any device or computer with an Ethernet (network) port and TCP/IP. Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/XP, Macintosh OS8, OS9, and OSX will all work provided that you have a network port open. Most home computers come standard with a network port, but if yours doesn't, network cards are inexpensive and easy to install.

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What is TCP/IP?

TCP/IP stands for "Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol" and is the most widely used way to transmit data on the internet. It is very surprising to find a home computer that is unable to "speak" TCP/IP so you probably shouldn't be concerned if you've never heard of it. However, if you believe that your operating system may be older or unique, please ask us or your software vendor if it is indeed compatible. Our service is provided by TCP/IP only rather than other protocols.

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What is Line of Sight (LOS)? How does it affect me?

Line of Sight is the path a radio signal must travel in order to reach its destination. As it implies, it is an imaginary line drawn from our transmitting antenna to the one on your rooftop. We define LOS as your locations radio visibility to our POP location. Quite often this means if you can see us, we can transmit signal to you. Obstacles such as trees, buildings and terrain can impede on this signal and destabilize a link, however even without perfect line of sight, we may be able to service your location.

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What is a POP Location?

POP stands for "Point of Presence" and is quite simply our transmitting antenna and radio. The antenna installed at your location will be aligned to our POP location in order to minimize interference. As BoontLink grows, we plan to offer more POP locations to expand our service but will only be starting with one location.

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What effect does weather have on my connection?

Weather plays an important role in 2.4 GHz wave propagation. Water in the air such as fog, rain or snow can sometimes affect the signal quality of a link. We try our best to perform accurate site surveys and install reliable links but it is possible link quality may suffer with poor weather. Using directional antennas can compensate for this but it remains an inherent problem with 2.4 GHz.

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What about lightning?

Lightning and thunderstorms can cause problems for wireless networks. Our installation involves placing an antenna on your rooftop which can act to attract lightning strikes. We insist that all our installations are properly grounded to avoid damaging our equipment as well as your computer, but BoontLink does not responsibility if a strike does occur. It is important to understand that during an electrical storm you should not be using an electrical device and it may be wise to unplug such devices until the danger has passed. Being proactive about lightning safety can save expenses, time and possibly even your life.

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What sort of hardware do you put on my location?

Our installation hardware is a radio/antenna combination enclosed in a plastic box. Its dimensions can vary from location to location but is typically 12" wide by 10" tall by 3" deep. This can be mounted to your rooftop in a variety of ways, but usually by a antenna mast or antenna arm. A cable runs from the device itself to your computer where we provide an outlet as well as a power cable. Our installation covers the price of labor, and a standard amount of cable; If your location has any special requirements, we will let you know well in advance.

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How do you install your hardware? Can I install it myself?

Our hardware requires that it be stable under a wind load as well as be properly aligned to our POP location. We gladly will let you assist, but we must perform the installation ourselves. If you have any special requirements for installation let us know and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.

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What does your installation service include?

Installation covers the labor involved in setting up our antennas, running cable and installing a Ethernet port at your service location. Most installations require an hour or two, but depending on the complexity may take longer. We finish our installation by connecting your computer to the internet, and letting you experience the quality of our service.

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What does MPOE mean?

Simply, MPOE means "Minimum Point Of Entry" and is the point at which service enters your residence or business. You may be familiar with the MPOE (or Demarcation point) of your telephone service as the box where service is attached, usually outside of your structure. However, our "MPOE" is the point at which you plug in a cable leading to your computer. This point is the limit to which we warranty service. Anything beyond this point, such as routers, switches and home networking, is up to you for support. Don't worry though; we want you to have as reliable service as possible and will be happy to recommend products and network possibilities.

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Can I get my email anywhere? Even while traveling?

Absolutely! Our email services are available from any location where you have internet access! You can either configure a remote computer with a mail application and your unique login and password, or use our Webmail system.

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Can I keep my old email address from another ISP?

Keeping an old email address would require you to maintain subscription with your other ISP. However, many ISPs have the ability to forward your incoming email to your new address or offer a reduced rate package allowing you to keep your address. Nothing in our service prevents it from working alongside another connection.

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How many computers can I use on your service at one time?

Technically, you can install a number of computers at your home or office by using a home network router/firewall. Our business service automatically assumes that more than one computer will be using our service and our installation will include setup of multiple computers. For residential service, we will be happy to make recommendations for these devices and provide a short home networking overview. Please be advised that any networking you do is your responsibility to configure and support.

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What sort of usage isn't permitted?

We do our best to give you the most versatile connection to the Internet as possible. However, certain activities are not allowed on our service. Please make sure to review our acceptable use policy before receiving service. We actively monitor traffic usage to make sure our network is running acceptably for all customers.

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What sort of commitment is involved? Can I cancel service?

We require a one-year term commitment for service. After the term has expired our service is available on a monthly basis. Please read our terms of service to understand this contract and cancellation fees. If you should ever want to discontinue service, we do require the antenna and mounting arm to be returned to us. You may keep or ask us to remove any cabling and network jack as well.

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Do you offer a "hot-spot" type of service?

Currently we do not offer a walk-in, hot-spot style service but are looking into it. If you manage or own an establishment and want to offer hot-spot services for your clients and patrons, please contact us.

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I have a question not listed here. What do I do?

By all means, please contact us! We are happy to provide any help we can if you have a question! We also are interested to hear any criticism or praise for our company that you may have.

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