Voice 209.543.1800
Toll Free 800.905.FIRE
Fax 209.545.1469

Email
General questions:
info@fire2wire.com
Support questions:
support@fire2wire.com

 

 


Support

Residential Wireless
 
What kind of hardware equipment do I need?
Minimum requirements are a Pentium processor with 32 Meg of RAM.  We lease all antennas, routers, and other connectivity hardware.
 
What does the equipment look like?

 The most visible piece of equipment is the antenna(or grid dish). The antenna, shown right, receives the radio signals that send information between your computer and your wireless ISP.

 
Where do the "signals" come from?
 

We have a number of towers that send signals to our customers using point-to-point wireless.

More accurately, it is point to multi-point. We have a central antenna that transmits to a number ofdifferent locations, like this.


The tower shown on the right is our Hughson tower.
 
What operating system do I need?
Anything that will support Ethernet and TCP/IP including Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000, Unix, Linux, and Macintosh computers.
 
What kind of technical support do you provide?

Free phone tech support is available 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Onsite support for warranted equipment is no charge.
Onsite support for non-warranty issues is $95 p/hr.

 
What does upload and download mean?
Upload is the process of sending files from your computer to another. Download is the process of receiving files from another computer (website).
 
What does upload speed and download speed mean?
Upload speed and download speed is the rate in bps (bits per second), Kbps (kilobits per second) or Mbps (megabits per second) at which information is passed between two computers.

Example: A 56k modem can theoretically transfer or download files up to 56,000 bits per second and a wireless connection can transfer those same files (if the website is fast enough) from a rate of 384,000 bits per second up to 1.5 megabits per second.

 
Do I need a router?
If more than one computer is involved then you do. We supply one with our service.
 
Can more than one computer use the Internet at one time?
Yes. You will need a network with a router to share your connection.
 
Is the Wireless Connection Secure?

Not by default. Like any public network, security risks exist. We help to minimize the risks we support 128bit SSL access to our servers. We also setup NAT1 on the router that we provide.

1 - Network Address Translation

 
Is my network protected from intrusion?
We do not provide any firewall solutions as standard equipment. We can provide these services to you at an additional cost.
 
Will my IP address be Static or Dynamic?
It will be statically assigned by DHCP.
 
What speeds are currently available?

192 kbps down / 192 kbps up
384 kbps down / 384 kbps up
768 kbps down / 384 kbps up

 
If I order wireless service today, what is the average turn-around time for installation?
Due to the tremendous response for our services, we are initially creating an installation list to accommodate all inquiries. We will be contacting all customers via email updates followed by a callback to setup an appointment for installation.
 
Who sets up my wireless equipment?
A licensed and bonded antenna installer will come to your location and install the pole (1-1/2"), antenna (see picture) and other exterior hardware. He will also place a wire from the antenna to the inside of your house. We then install the rest of the hardware in your house going to your network and/or computer.
 
Does location or distance from the tower change the quality of my connection?
Yes. The equipment requires line of sight for optimum performance. Any obstructions that deter line of sight can degrade the signal. When we do a site survey, we will determine the quality and speed you can receive.
 
Can I use this wireless on my laptop when I am traveling on the road?
No. It is point to point, not roaming.
 
Does weather affect the Wireless connection?
Most weather conditions have no effect on the wireless equipment and/or service. Lighting storms may have a slight effect on the signal (Warning: at any time using your computer during electrical storms can result in possible electrocution!)
 
What is the setup fee?
There is a $299.95 setup and installation fee for residential service. See the Business Wireless FAQ for information on business service.
 
Is there a minimum length of service?
There is a one-year minimum contract.
 
If after a few months I cancel my service is there a penalty?
There is a $300 early termination fee.