Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)?

If you have a computer network in your home or office, there are several different ways to connect the computers on your network together. Most people are familiar with wired networks where physical wires are run under the street or across street poles, through building structures, and from the wall to your PC. Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) is the wireless way to handle networking. It is also known as 802.11 networking and wireless networking. The big advantage of Wi-Fi is its simplicity. You can connect computers anywhere in your home or office without the need for wires.

Wi-Fi Benefits for the Public?

• Work - Work from home, the park, or shopping mall as using VPN, video conference, and VoIP applications. Use VPN (virtual private network) to securely access business network applications the same way you do from the office. Use video conference applications to conduct effective meetings with an unlimited number of people around the world. See the people your talking to and allow the see your presentation step-by-step.
• Learn - Get access to thousands of live and interactive university, business, and self improvement education programs. Access your child's school network to view their progress report, upcoming assignment, online library, and online training programs. Research medical issues. Access online video news programs.
• Communicate - Use VoIP applications to make low cost phone calls anywhere in the world. Send a live video feed of your child's soccer game to the grandparents who live in another city or country.
• Shop - Take a virtual tour of real estate property in another state. Browse through online malls. Access the Chamber of Commerce web site to see who is new in town.
• Relax - Download your favorite music, video, or movie. Play a virtual video game with your friend who lives across the country.

Wi-Fi Benefits for the Government?

• Law enforcement officers with secured mobile access to criminal history, incident reports, video surveillance, and more.
• Code enforcement inspectors with mobile access to research properties and file reports.
• Construction and repair crews with remote access to critical infrastructure data.
• Emergency responders with mobile access to building and infrastructure information.
• Health care providers with mobile access to critical medical records.
• School, teachers, students, and parents with community access to education, grade book, and calendar application.
• Joint assist responders from neighboring cities have access to their network/information.
• Competitive Location - Firms and organizations evaluate many factors when deciding where to locate and do business. The city can offer a competitive low cost communication environment for firms. Providing wireless accessibility will be as important in the future as traditional utilities. Providing an environment that attracts and keeps the knowledge workers who drive the economy of today is all-important. The economic development benefits of this strategy are clear and compelling. Not only will it make your city a better choice for firms to do business, but it will enhance the desirability of the city's neighborhoods as a place to live.
• Visitor - Wireless access is fast becoming the indispensable tool of the leisure or business visitor. Today's visitor is demanding 24/7 access to travel information and is using mobile devises to book flights, reserve a rental car, and making all sorts of travel arrangements that only a few years ago would have been accomplished by phone or in person. Visitors expect to be able to look up maps and get directions, find shopping and read restaurant reviews while they wander around the Town. Citywide wireless access will become an essential component of a successful strategy to ensure the vibrancy of the economy. The benefits of which are much needed local employment and city revenue.

What is Wi-Fi & 802.11b?

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) 802.11b/g communications standard for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). Basically, Wi-Fi extends the current standard technology for networking computers - the Ethernet protocol - from today's physical wires to wireless radio waves through space, in order to connect computing devices to a computing network. 802.11 standard is divided into: 802.11b, or Wi-Fi, is a standard for wireless LANs operating in the 2.4 GHz spectrum with a bandwidth of 11 Mbps. 802.11a is a different standard for wireless LANs operating in the 5 GHz frequency range with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps. Another draft standard, 802.11g, is for WLANs operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency but with a maximum data rate of 54 Mbps. Other task groups are working on enhanced security (802.11i), spectrum and power control management (802.11h), quality of service (802.11e), etc.

How does Wi-Fi work?

If you want to understand wireless networking at its simplest level, think about a pair of $5 walkie-talkies that you might purchase at Wal-Mart. These are small radios that can transmit and receive radio signals. When you talk into a Walkie-Talkie, your voice is picked up by a microphone, encoded onto a radio frequency and transmitted with the antenna. Another walkie-talkie can receive the transmission with its antenna, decode your voice from the radio signal and drive a speaker. Simple walkie-talkies like this transmit at a signal strength of about 0.25 watts, and they can transmit about 500 to 1,000 feet.
Let's imagine that you want to connect two computers together in a network using walkie-talkie technology:

• You would equip each computer with a walkie-talkie.
• You would give each computer a way to set whether it wants to transmit or receive.
• You would give the computer a way to turn its binary 1s and 0s into two different beeps that the walkie-talkie could transmit and receive and convert back and forth between beeps and 1s/0s. This would actually work. The only problem would be that the data rate would be very slow. A $5 walkie-talkie is designed to handle the human voice (and it's a pretty scratchy rendition at that), so you would not be able to send very much data this way. Maybe 1,000 bits per second. The radios used in Wi-Fi are not so different from the radios used in $5 walkie-talkies. They have the ability to transmit and receive. They have the ability to convert 1s and 0s into radio waves and then back into 1s and 0s. There are three big differences between Wi-Fi radios and Walkie-talkies: Wi-Fi radios that work with the 802.11b and 802.11g standards transmit at 2.4 GHz, while those that comply with the 802.11a standard transmit at 5 GHz. Normal walkie-talkies normally operate at 49 MHz. The higher frequency allows higher data rates.
• Wi-Fi radios use much more efficient coding techniques that also contribute to the much higher data rates. The radios used for Wi-Fi have the ability to change frequencies. 802.11b cards can transmit directly on any of three bands.

Schedule? When can I sign up, and where is access available?

Please check this web site to check on our progress deploying the network.

What type of equipment do I need to receive the wireless network?

An 802.11b/g wireless networking card for most laptops/desktops and many handheld devices can be purchased from most major electronics retailers or directly from the manufacturer. For indoor use, you may require a device with a better antenna (wireless bridge, range booster, etc.) to pick-up the signal.

How is this better than any other high speed Internet service?

Most DSL and Cable Modem Internet services are location fixed base. Wireless technologies allows high speed mobile Internet access from anywhere within the City boundary.

Is Wi-Fi Secure?

Customers are exposed to no more risk than other standard Internet access services (ISP). The services provided by the ISP should not increase security threats to customers' equipment and information on their laptops and PDAs. This Internet access service is similar in concept to the thousands of other service providers worldwide. Customers should enable personal firewall software or features on their device. Windows XP has these options within the operating system but personal firewall software is also available separately for this and other operating systems. Wireless security is important, and Wi-Fi wireless networks can enable WPAT, a sophisticated encryption technology that protects data flowing between Wi-Fi radios and access points. Make sure you enable it on your network. Some Wi-Fi CERTIFIED access points or gateways also provide access control function to restrict access to your Wi-Fi network.

How do Wi-Fi and WiMAX relate?

Wi-Fi and WiMAX will coexist and become increasingly complementary technologies for their respective applications. Wi-Fi technology was designed and optimized for Local Area Networks (LAN), whereas WiMAX was designed and optimized for Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN). WiMAX typically is not thought of as a replacement for Wi-Fi. Rather, WiMAX complements Wi-Fi by extending its reach and providing a "Wi-Fi like" user experience on a larger geographical scale. In the 2006-2008 timeframe, it is expected that both 802.16 and 802.11 will be available in end user devices from laptops to PDAs, as both will deliver wireless connectivity directly to the end user - at home, in the office and on the move.

Can I mix and match Wi-Fi components, or is it better to stay with a single manufacturer?

Yes; if the component is Wi-Fi CERTIFIED for the same frequency band (e.g. 2.4GHz) and features (e.g. WPA), you can mix and match wireless LAN products produced by different manufacturers. The Wi-Fi Alliance tests all products independently before they receive Wi-Fi Certification to ensure they are interoperable with all other Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products of the same frequency band and features, regardless of manufacturer. While a Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 802.11b (2.4 GHz) product will not interoperate with a Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 802.11a (5 GHz) product, a Wi-Fi CERTIFIED dual-band product will interoperate with all Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products.

How do I use my Wi-Fi laptop when I am traveling?

Just find a Wi-Fi network to which you can connect. These networks are becoming common in cities and towns worldwide - Internet cafes and coffee shops are popping up everywhere! - as well as in public areas like airports, hotels and convention centers or anywhere people gather. Some wireless HotSpot networks require you to manually configure your access connection; others work with your Wi-Fi radio to automatically log on. In addition, many large businesses and universities are providing wireless access to visitors and guests at their locations.

What is the difference between a wireless gateway and a wireless access point?

Sometimes there is no difference; sometimes there is a big difference. There is no official definition of what a gateway is. Many manufacturers call their wired broadband modem/router connections gateways. However, in general, a wireless gateway is an access point with NAT routing and DHCP server. An access point is a wireless gateway without NAT routing and DHCP server. An access point essentially functions as an extension from an existing wired network to a community of users with wireless laptops and desktop computers. Most homes and small offices use wireless gateways because they need the NAT routing and DHCP server that enables them to share a single Internet connection among all the computers in the home or office. Most enterprises and large businesses use access points, not gateways, because their wired network (their "backbone") already has NAT and DHCP server supplied by an industrial strength router or hub. Many access points also have extra network management and advanced user functions and security capabilities built into them. Gateways may also offer specialized security functions like firewalls. In general, access points and gateways do the same thing: they function as base stations connecting various wireless laptops and desktop computers, ensuring that wireless data gets shared and transmitted among them as needed.

Why do I need to know what NAT and DHCP are?

NAT stands for Network Address Translation and enables your Wi-Fi gateway to share a single Internet connection among all the computers in your home or business. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is what enables your network to use TCP/IP to connect the different components. There are various networking protocols. Most Wi-Fi gateways for homes and small businesses provide both NAT and DHCP. In general, if you are setting up a stand-alone wireless network, you want NAT and DHCP. If you are adding a wireless gateway to an existing wired network, you probably want to turn off the NAT and DHCP functions built into your wireless gateway and have it function as a wireless access point.

How do I hook up a network using computers with different operating systems?

Most Wi-Fi networks will work with a wide range of Windows operating systems including Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows CE. Some Wi-Fi systems will also work with Apple Macintosh, Linux, and other operating systems. Check the data sheets and manufacturer specifications.

How do I add Wi-Fi to my desktop computer? (How to get connected?)

You can use either an external adapter like a USB Wi-Fi adapter or an internal Wi-Fi card. An external USB radio plugs into your desktop computer's USB jack. To use an internal solution, you need to open up your desktop computer and insert a Wi-Fi card in the PCI slot.

Can I use Wi-Fi with my Apple Macintosh?

Yes. Most newer Macintosh Computers have a slot for an Apple AirPort Wi-Fi module. If you didn't order it when you bought your Apple computer, you can still buy the module and put it in.

If you have an older Mac laptop with a PC Card slot, you can choose from among several different manufacturers who make Apple-compliant PC Card radios. USB adapters for Apple are also available.

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TERMINOLOGY

802.11b/a/g/n (see Wi-Fi)

Access Point - also known as a "wireless access point" or WAP, this is a Wi-Fi network device which connects Wi-Fi enabled computers and PDA's to traditional ethernet networks; a WAP typically has a range of 300 feet, but can be used in conjunction with other WAP's to extend the range of a Wi-Fi network.

Bandwidth - the amount of data which can be transferred in a given period of time; Internet connection speeds are rated in "bits per second" and vary by connection type:

• dial-up modem access is usually rated at 56Kbps (or slower)
• ISDN at 128Kbps
• cable or DSL access can be 256Kbps to 3Mbps

Broadband - broadband is a generic term for high-speed Internet access; in general, to be considered broadband an Internet connection must be rated at least twice the speed of the fastest traditional modem connection speed.

CPE - Customer Premise Equipment. This is non network equipment such as Wi-Fi access point routers, range extenders, and gain antennas that are purchased and installed by the customer (Wi-Fi network user).

Hotspot - an area serviced by a wireless access point; a hotspot is an area where users with Wi-Fi network devices can connect to a WLAN; City hotspots, also known as "nodes", are used to provide network, Internet, and VPN access to subscribers.

Hotzone - a large geographic area seamlessly serviced by a group of hotspot access points; seamless hotzones can span across city blocks, neighborhoods, or the entire city.

ISP - Internet service provider; company which provides a connection to the Internet at a home or business.

LAN - local area network; a network generally consists of a group computers and network-enabled devices (such as printers, copiers, network appliances, etc.) which are connected to one another via network interface cards (NICs) and network cable; devices on a network are able to share data with one another; a local area network is a private network which may or may not be connected to the Internet or a WAN; a LAN is typically confined to a single physical location (an office, for instance).

NIC - network interface card; also known as a network adapter, a NIC is used by computers to access networks; traditionally a NIC requires a physical connection to the network (i.e., a cable); Wi-Fi network adapters use wireless technology to connect to a network. locations to access the corporate LAN via the Internet; a VPN connection is encrypted, meaning that data is securely passed back and forth between the user's computer and server.

Node (see hotspot)

PC Card - also known as PCMCIA; a form factor designed specifically for laptop and notebook computers; portable computers often come equipped with a "PC card slot"; in order for a laptop to connect to a Wi-Fi network, it will generally need a PC card wireless network adapter.

PDA - personal digital assistant; PDA's are handheld computers, the most common of which run either the Palm OS or Microsoft Windows CE; most mid-level and above PDA's are capable of connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

SSID - service set identifier; this is the name of the Wi-Fi network, as configured on a WAP.

VPN - virtual private network; a business which allows VPN access to its server(s) is allowing users in various remote locations to gain access to corporate/business network thru secured access method.

WAP (see access point)

WAN - wide area network; a WAN generally consists of a group of LAN's which are interconnected and able to share data with one another; an Internet connection grants access to your ISP's WAN.

WEP - wired equivalent privacy; this is a method of encrypting a wireless network connection to provide a level of security for the transmission of data.

Wi-Fi - "Wireless Fidelity"; an international standard for wireless networking, Wi-Fi is a radio-based networking technology; often using the same frequencies as standard cordless phones, Wi-Fi is an evolving technology with a range of networking standards:

802.11a - this standard, not widely adopted, is also a high speed wireless standard similar to 802.11g; however, 802.11a equipment does not work with 802.11b or g devices

802.11b - this is the original Wi-Fi standard, and the most common and affordable one to date; it has a transmission rate of 11Mbps (far faster than most broadband Internet connections).

802.11g - a more recent standard, 802.11g allows transmission rates of up to 54Mbps, and is backward compatible with 802.11b, meaning network devices for the "g" standard can function on a "b" network.

802.11n - this is an upcoming industry standard for high-speed Wi-Fi networking. 802.11n allows transmission rates greater than 100Mbps. The City's Wi-Fi network will provide 802.11g access but has no plan (at this time) to provide 802.11n access. 802.11n is compatible with 802.11g/b/a and may provide improved network "connection" range and performance.

WLAN - a wireless LAN, or local area network; a WLAN is a LAN which has one or more WAP's installed (aka Hotzone). Wireless Range Extender (Expander) - A wireless range extender works as a relay or network repeater, picking up and reflecting Wi-Fi signals from a network's base router or access point. Several different forms of wireless range extenders are available. These products are sometimes called "range expanders" or "signal boosters."