Resort Wi-Fi Facts
By Doug Kennedy,
www.kenneco.com
We welcome you to our Wi-Fi Internet access at Inn!
To enter the network, you will need a WEP encryption key code available at the
front desk.
Overview
Several high power access points have been strategically placed to cover the
resort, from the Ballrooms to the Hotel Rooms, to provide you with WEP encrypted
Internet access. All you need is a
built in wireless connection on your laptop or a plug-in Internet PCMCIA card to
receive and transmit the signals, and the correct WEP encryption code.
As you walk around the resort, your signal will be transferred automatically
from Access Point to Access Point, thus making your Internet access appear
seamless to you just like it does a cell phone.
Omni-Directional antennas are mounted on a tower behind the lodge which
transmits signals to the lodge rooms as well as some of the surrounding area.
Due to the fact that the Wi-Fi transmission is line-of-sight, we
sometimes are affected by dense tree foliage and inclement weather conditions.
Every effort is being made to enhance the Wi-Fi signal for your use and
enjoyment.
Operation
To access the Internet, simply open your laptop and make sure that your local IP
address, and DNS address is set to DHCP, (Dynamic Host Control Protocol).
This means that your laptop will receive an automatic IP address from one
of the Access points. (See below
for details.) Upon booting, please be sure to give your computer several
minutes to acquire the signal from one of the access points.
If you computer is not equipped with a PCMCIA Wi-Fi card, they can be
purchased at the resort. If you
can’t log in and require individual technical support, please contact Doug
Kennedy at Kenneco Corporation, 770-449-0074 (office) or 770-572-4658 (cell
phone). We maintain a local
computer store in Young Harris at 706-379-2141.
We are here to help!
Detailed Wi-Fi Windows Setup
Windows 98
Windows 2000 and XP
Special Instructions if Windows XP is your Operating System
Windows XP does not automatically recognize all of the "Guest" settings. Please
follow these steps..
o
Choose "Wireless Networks" in task tray
o
"Guest" appears as a security enabled wireless network
o
Click "Connect"
o
Windows attempts to detect settings and connect
If Windows does not connect...
§
Choose "Advanced Settings" and select either
§
Choose "Wireless Networks" tab
§
Select "Guest"
§
Choose
"Properties"
§
Network Type: Open
§
Data Encryption: Disable
§
Click "OK"
§
Click advanced button at the bottom right.
Choose...
§
"any available network"
--or--
§
"access point (infrastructure) networks only"
§
Click "Close"
§
Click "OK"
Windows NT
From Control Panel, select Network
Locate the TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties
If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with
your wireless adapter.
Select "Obtain and IP address from a DHCP server" and click OK
Macintosh
OS 8 and 9
OS X
Special Instructions if Mac OSX is your Operating System
Some wireless devices are set up to default to a network connection via
telephone modem, which will not allow a device to connect to our network. To
determine the appropriate connection setting, click on the Assist Me
button at the bottom right of the Network window...
I can receive e-mail, but I can’t send it from Outlook or Outlook Express.
Your outgoing SMTP mail service must be changed to
authmail.alltel.net.
This will allow you to send outgoing e-mail while you are at the resort.
Naturally, you should change your outgoing mail settings back to the original
setting upon returning to your home base.
I can't get a Wi-Fi signal, but the person next to me can.
Not all Wireless cards are the same. The quality of your card versus your
neighbor's can be quite different.
Do all PDA's support wireless?
While not all PDA's support wireless, several manufacturers have adopted the
802.11b standard.
Will my Macintosh work with wireless?
Yes, as long as it supports 802.11b or 802.11g wireless.
Do I need special software or drivers to connect?
While you won't need special software, up-to-date drivers have remedied many
connection problems. The drivers included with the card may be several
generations old. Updates are usually available on the vendor's website.
What is the difference between 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc?
802.11a (aka Wi-Fi5) – Theoretical speeds up to 54 Mbps (with a fallback to
48Mbps, 36Mbps, 24Mbps 18Mbps, 12Mbps, 9Mbps, 6Mbps) in the 5 GHz band, however
not compatible with 802.11b. 802.11b (aka Wi-Fi) – Theoretical speeds up to 11
Mbps (with a fallback to 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band, most
popular standard with the majority of Hotspot locations and equipment utilizing
this. 802.11g – Theoretical speeds
up to 54 Mbps (with a fallback to 48 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 12 Mbps,
11 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band,
extremely fast AND compatible with 802.11b.
What do all the acronyms mean?
AP – Access Point
ISP – Internet Service Provider
SSID – Service Set Identifier
VPN – Virtual Private Networking
WEP – Wired Equivalent Privacy
WI-FI – Wireless Fidelity
WISP – Wireless Internet Service Provider
WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network
Can I print web pages or files from my laptop using the public printer near the
restaurant?
No, at this time, the wireless network is not connected to a public printer.
I don't have a laptop computer. How can I use the network?
Unfortunately, we do not have laptop computers for loan. You may contact
Kenneco Computers in Young Harris or
What kind of wireless card do I need?
You need an 11Mbps 802.11b or 802.11g Wireless Network Card. Many new laptop
computers have wireless built in them so you will want to check with your laptop
manufacturer for your options.
How long does my connection last?
We have not implemented any sort of time limit presently; however, we reserve
the right to do so at a later date.
Please refrain from downloading
large files, movies or music files.
Do I need to Update
Windows
for wireless?
You don't need to update Windows specifically for wireless but it is always a
good idea to keep your software fully patched and up to date. You need to make
sure that Windows remains safe when you are on the wireless network (or any
internet connected networks). Microsoft recommends that you install all the
"service packs." For your version of Windows, visit
www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com for more information. Make sure that
you have anti-virus software and that personal firewall software is running on
your machine
I can't get XP to connect with your wireless.
Two very common problems are:
On some XP laptops with both wireless and wired (Ethernet) connectivity,
vendor’s ship with the "
I can't use your wireless with Windows 2000.
A machine with an integrated wireless card and running Windows 2000 might stop
to work after installing SP3. Microsoft Knowledge Base article 327947
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=327947, states that Windows 2000
SP3 turns off PCMCIA-to-PCI IRQ routing, which causes problems for integrated
Lucent/Orinoco wireless adapters. You need to follow the instructions in the
Microsoft Support document to re-enable the card.
Will Bluetooth transmissions interfere with my Wireless connection?
It is unknown whether Bluetooth transmissions will interfere with Wireless
connections at this time. Bluetooth does transmit in the same frequency range as
Wireless so it is possible that the transmissions may interfere with each other.
Does a wireless card reduce battery life?
The wireless card does use the battery more since it is constantly radiating a
signal to the access point.
I have problems connecting with Internet Explorer - IE
In some cases, the proxy server setting is present in your browser. On a public
network, it's important that you turn off proxy servers. The wireless network
cannot allow unauthenticated connections to external proxy servers for security
reasons. To check proxy setting, go under Internet Options, Connections tab,
verify that the Dial-up and Virtual Private Network settings are set to "Never
dial a connection"
Under Local Area Network (LAN) Settings, uncheck each of the following:
"Automatic Detect Settings",
"Use Automatic Configuration Script", and
"Use a Proxy Server for your LAN"
I own a Cisco, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, Nortel, or SMC a/b/g wireless card and
am having throughput (slow connection) problems.
Check with the manufacturers for resolution. Some cards are more problematic
than others but upgrades are regularly available for the popular cards.
Can a cell phone interrupt my connection?
A cell phone probably won't interrupt your connection, however there are
cordless phones and microwave ovens that operate within the frequency range of
the CPL Wireless (2.4 GHz and up) that can cause interference with the
connection.
What else can interrupt my connection?
Wireless connects using radio waves. Those things that can cause interference of
radio can also interfere with your Wireless connection. The largest offenders
however are those things containing water. Wood, people, fish tanks, walls all
can cause the signal to be interrupted or lessened. If you experience a
connection problem try moving to a different part of the room or within sight of
the Wireless Access Point.
Why does the wireless network data transfer rate vary?
There are several possibilities including:
1.
Your distance from the Access Point (AP). You can see variable rates ranging
from 45Mbps to 1 Mbps depending on how close you are to the AP.
2.
Since a wireless network is a shared network, its data transfer capability
depends on how many users are using the same AP. If more people use the
same AP then users might see slower connections.
I think I got a virus from your Hotspot.
Hotspots do not produce viruses. They come from the Internet, often as
attachments to e-mail. It is strongly recommend that all users have virus
protection and a personal firewall installed on their Laptops.