What connection speed can I expect?
Though the Wireless Link supports signalling rates beyond
the 48 Kb/sec maximum practical capability of dialup
modem standards, the connection speed you experience
depends upon several factors, any of which can limit
performance: Noise and low signal level over the 'phone
line between your location and the ISP's (internet service
provider's) site; your modem's maximum signalling rate;
operation at the fringe of the Wireless Link's coverage
area; and shielding and electronic noise sources intervening
between the Wireless Link's base-station and remote unit
are considerations.
Though ranging in speed up to 56 Kb/sec, the Wireless
Link's connections are, in general, slightly slower than
those attained by a wire-connected modem. Connection
speeds typically range from 33.3 to 44 Kb/sec.
My computer sometimes indicates 56 Kbps connection speed when I use the Wireless Link. Is anything wrong? Since I've never encountered this speed with my direct-wired modem, how is this possible?
Your computer, modem and Wireless Link are operating properly. It's possible to attain higher connection speeds with the Wireless Link included in your system than without it. This doesn't happen often, so Nebo does not promote this as a major product feature.
A "handshake" process between your modem and its counterpart at the ISP sets the connection speed. (That strange noise you hear just before your computer has connected to the ISP is the handshake.) Nebo's Wireless Link participates in the process with its own microprocessor, which adjusts key parameters in its circuitry in an effort to further optimize the connection. In some cases, the microprocessor's mediation results in a better, faster connection than the modems are able to arrange by themselves.
Over what
distance can I expect the Wireless Link to operate?
An indoor / outdoor radius of at least 300 feet around
the Wireless Link's base unit can be expected in most
settings. In an open space, the Wireless Link can reach
up to 1500 feet.
If you plan on using the Wireless Link at the fringe
of its coverage area, try an experiment before purchase:
Start a conversation over a 900 MHz cordless telephone.
Carry the handset away from the telephone base unit.
Note the point at which you encounter noise or interference.
The Wireless Link might not provide satisfactory results
at this point: It might support a lower signalling rate,
or the computer's modem might refuse altogether to set
up a connection.
In contrast against many "WiFi" products, the Wireless
Link's connection speed remains relatively constant over
large variations in distance between its base and remote
units. At some point, communication drops out altogether
rather than slowly degrading.
Does the Wireless Link work with my current application software? How about my [Windows®, MS-DOS®, Linux®, UNIX®, Mac OS®.....] operating system? Must I load or modify any new software, such as drivers, in order to use it? What will happen when I upgrade my software?
If your current and planned software work properly with a wired dialup connection, they will work properly with the Wireless Link. No driver installation or other software changes are necessary. The Wireless Link operates independently of particular operating systems, web browsers, application programs etc. Since it simply replaces the wire from your dialup modem with a high-quality microwave radio link.
I'd like to use the Wireless Link with a number of computers. Some have rather slow 9600 bps modems embedded in them. Others run MS-DOS. Still others run MS-Windows, which accomplishes some modem control functions in software. Does the Wireless Link work properly for these cases? Must I adjust anything as I move the Wireless Link from one computer to another?
The Wireless Link works without adjustment with all present and historical modem standards, including everything from 300 bps Hayes products to those based on V.34, V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis, V.22, V.90/92 modem protocols. Nor is any adjustment required to move the Wireless Link from connection to a hardware-based modem on an MS-DOS machine to a software-based modem on an MS-Windows machine.
How do microwave
ovens, cordless 'phones or other potential interference
sources affect the Wireless Link?
Microwave ovens and many cordless 'phones operate at
frequencies higher than the 900 MHz frequency used by
the Wireless Link, which therefore is not sensitive to
them. Other 900 MHz devices, such as some cordless 'phones
or a second Wireless Link, should be kept three feet
away in order to avoid interference. Just as cordless
'phones do, the Wireless Link minimizes this problem
by automatically shifting communication frequency.
If you're concerned about sources of potential interference,
try an experiment before purchase. (See above Over what distance can I expect
the Wireless Link to operate?
802.11 WiFi suffers from weak and dead spots in its coverage area. How about the Wireless Link?
The Wireless Link works at least as well as WiFi in difficult environments. Indeed, you may find that the Wireless Link works perfectly well for you in environments in which WiFi fails.
The Wireless Link's microwave radio is narrow-deviation FM (frequency modulated) and operates at 900 MHz rather than at a higher frequency. Narrow deviation concentrates the Wireless Link's power for better signal-to-noise ratio. FM, as opposed to AM, rejects variations in signal amplitude (as you may have noticed in switching between noisy AM and quiet FM signals on your car radio). As explained above, the 900 MHz band is immune to several potential interference sources. And finally, the relatively long wavelength of the Wireless Link's 900 MHz signals allows them to diffract around many obstacles, thus providing more uniform coverage.
Does government
require that I license my Wireless Link?
No licensing is required for Wireless Link operation
in the United States and its possessions.
Are my communications
via the Wireless Link secure and private?
The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of the United
States outlaws either interception or disclosure of "wire,
oral or electronic communication," and many states enforce
similar legislation. Nonetheless, some folks can't resist
snooping.
The Wireless Link's matching base and remote units assure
privacy with over 260,000 randomly assigned digital security
codes.
The Wireless Link does not depend upon IP (Internet Protocol) packets.
In addition, Nebo's patented Lock-InTM
technology makes it virtually impossible for snoopers
to tap into your data communications.
These inherent security features foil "packet sniffing" and
theft-of-service problems experienced with shared WiFi "hot
spots," making your wireless web surfing a safe and secure
experience.
Why are
the base-station and remote units provided in matched
sets? Why can't I interchange the units from another
Wireless Link set?
Matched base-station and remote units is part of the
Wireless Link's privacy and security design. It also
helps prevent interference from other nearby 900 MHz
devices.
I've damaged
or lost one unit of the matched set. What do I do?
Please e-mail a description of the problem to Nebo Wireless
(support@nebowireless.com). Though we are happy to quote,
the cost of repairing, handling and two-way shipment
is generally greater than purchasing a new Wireless Link
set.
Can I also
dial up my computer using the Wireless Link?
No. The Wireless Link supports outgoing dialup only.
Can I send
a Fax via the Wireless Link?
Yes. However, you cannot receive a Fax using the Wireless
Link.
Does the
Wireless Link support pulse dialing?
The Wireless Link does not support pulse dialing. Use
it with a modem and telephone line capable of tone dialing.
My telephone
service provides the call-waiting signal. What happens
if a call arrives while I'm online?
If call waiting service currently disrupts your wired
modem connection, it will do the same with the Wireless Link.
However, many modem manufacturers offer a solution based
on the V.92 international standard. With a V.92-compliant
ISP (internet service provider), a V.92-compatible modem,
and software supplied by the modem manufacturer, it's
possible to put your modem connection "on hold" when
receiving another call This allows you to either arrange
to call back later and resume use of the modem connection
or to drop the modem connection and proceed with the
new conversation.
V.92 modem-on-hold works with the Wireless Link. However,
it may be of limited practical use: Since you may be
roaming with your computer far from your 'phone set,
you may not be able to pick up the 'phone to speak to
the new caller. Should you carry a cordless 'phone handset
with you, be sure to separate both ends of the 'phone
and the Wireless Link from one another by at least three feet.
I have two
'phone lines in my home. Both lines are available via
a single jack. How do I use the Wireless Link in this case?
Connect the base unit of the Wireless Link to your phone
jack. Then use the switch on the side of the base unit
to choose whichever line you want to use with the Wireless
Link. Note that you cannot both talk and carry on communication
via modem over the same line at the same time, regardless
of whether the modem is connected to the 'phone jack
directly by wire or by the Wireless Link.
Use your second line for another independent connection.
You can use the second jack on the base unit to connect
to your other device. This connection could be used for
'phone conversation to another person or Internet connection
via another modem, perhaps with a second Wireless Link set.
To avoid interference, maintain a distance of at least
three feet between the Wireless Link and any 900 MHz
cordless 'phone units.
Can I share
my Wireless Link with several users at the same time?
You cannot share a single Wireless Link set among multiple
users. Recall that the Wireless Link's base and remote
units are provided in matched pairs for reason of security.
However, some operating systems, such as Microsoft Corporation's
Windows 98SE, 2000, XP, and ME include Internet connection-sharing
capability. This allows a single modem to share an ISP
connection with a local-area network of users. The sharing
capability functions identically regardless of whether
a direct wired connection or a Wireless Link connection
to the 'phone is in use.
If I own the Wireless Link,
are other charges required in order to use it?
You make one outright purchase in order to own the Wireless Link. There are no periodic subscription charges. Nor are there any software updates for which you might otherwise be asked to pay. There are no ongoing cost of using your Wireless Link beyond the dialup access charges you already pay your internet service provider.
Must I notify my
ISP that I'm using the Wireless Link?
There is no need to notify your ISP (internet service provider) that you're using the Wireless Link. Your ISP is unaware that the Wireless Link is in use, and it does not affect the ISP's operations.
More Questions ? Contact Us by e-mail at
support@nebowireless.com
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