4 Bars or Better

    Commercial Wireless Ltd

  4 Bars or Better -     Commercial Wireless Ltd

FAQ

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What is a Wireless/Wi-Fi Network?


A wireless network allows customers to connect their laptops or other mobile devices to the Internet without having to plug into a network port.


What do I need to use wireless?

 

You will need a Wi-Fi-compliant 802.11 b/g/n wireless device installed in your laptop or a laptop with built-in Wi-Fi capability.  Most Wi-Fi equipment will be compatible but “4 Bars or Better” cannot guarantee the compatibility of your equipment with the wireless network.  You will need a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, or Chrome. Set your TCP/IP properties to ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’.  It is highly recommended you have a fully charged battery in your laptop or other mobile device.  You must have a valid voucher to login onto the wireless network.


How do I connect to the wireless network?

 

Every wireless card is different but here are some general instructions:  Open your wireless card/adapter’s software.  In your software you will be able to scan for any wireless networks.  Your software should present you with all the wireless connections in the building.  Choose ‘activate’ or ‘connect’ to the desired network, depending on the manufacturer of your wireless card.  Now you are associated with the wireless network.  “Associated” is the wireless term for connected.

 

Open a web browser and you will see a “4 Bars or Better” powered Wi-Fi location web page with the guidelines (Terms of Service) for wireless usage.  A login/password (voucher) section is located at the bottom of the page. Type in your password (voucher) in the login field. Click ‘Submit’.  If you have correctly typed in your password (voucher), you will log into the network.

 

If the login screen returns, carefully type in your password (voucher) again.
If you are using a notebook or laptop check to make sure ‘num lock’ is not on.
If you do not have password (voucher), please contact facility staff for one.


My built-in Wireless Network Card will not work.  How do I enable it?

 

There may be a button located on the top or side of your laptop. Ensure that it has been turned on.


Whenever my laptop goes into hibernation mode I get disconnected from the network.  How can I stop this from happening?

 

  • Hibernate mode needs to be turned off when using the wireless network as it will disconnect the wireless session. Follow the instructions below to ensure that hibernate is not active on your laptop:

  • Right click the desktop and select ‘Properties’ from the drop down menu.

  • On the Display Properties Window select the ‘Screen Saver’ tab.

  • Click on the Power button.

  • On the Power Options Properties window, select the ‘Hibernate’ tab.

  • Ensure that the ‘Enable Hibernation’ box is not checked.


Is the Four Bars or Better Commercial Wireless Ltd.’s wireless network secure?

 

No, the wireless network should not be considered secure.  Information sent from or to your laptop by way of the wireless access point could be captured by someone else using a wireless device and the appropriate software.  All connected devices are isolated from each other by Access Point isolation.  This prevents any device in the wireless network from seeing each other but does not protect against wireless eavesdropping.  Four Bars or Better Commercial Wireless Ltd. assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the wireless network.


How can I protect my laptop from viruses and spyware?

 

All customers who connect to the wireless network must take responsibility for virus/spyware protection of their own equipment.  It is recommended that customers install antivirus software and anti-spyware software on your laptop as well as ensuring your virus/spyware definitions are current.  When downloading data/files from the Internet and you are unsure of the content of the files you are downloading, it is recommended that you do not download the files onto your computer if you are not sure of the source as they may contain viruses, malware, spyware, worms or other malicious pieces of software.


What could happen if I have a virus?

 

Virus protection is the responsibility of each customer.  If a customer’s laptop or device is attempting to infect other equipment with a virus, access to the wireless network will be removed.


What if I have a Macintosh or Linux based laptop. Can I use it on the wireless
network?

 

Yes.


Will I be able to connect wireless devices such as Pocket PCs, Palms, iPods, iPads, e-readers or Mobile phones to the wireless network?

 

Wireless PCs, laptops and other devices such as Pocket PCs, Palms can connect to the wireless network if they are enabled with an 802.11 b/g/n wireless card.


What is 802.11a/b/g/n and what are the differences/advantages of each?

 

  • 802.11 b/g/n are all different variations of Wi-Fi and are all supported in our wireless network.

  • 802.11b operates at 2.4 Ghz and offers speeds up to 11Mbps.

  • 802.11g is an evolution of 802.11b, still operating at 2.4Ghz but offers speeds up to 54Mbps.

  • 802.11a operates at 5 Ghz and offers speeds up to 54Mbps and generally suffers from less interference then 802.11b/g but requires radar detection circuitry which forces radios to lower power output when required.

  • 802.11n 2.4Ghz devices are fully supported. Higher data rates are achieved and auto- fallback allows for much greater distances at comparable speeds to 802.11g.


Here are some tips to help you use the Wireless Network:

 

  • Set up your wireless card according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • Make sure to set your TCP/IP properties to ‘Obtain an IP address automatically’ (DHCP).

  • If requested, choose Infrastructure mode rather than ad-hoc mode.

  • Turn encryption (WEP) off.

  • Make sure all anti-virus and anti-spyware software are current and definitions are up-to-date.

  • Use firewall software and make sure your operating system has the latest security patches.


Will I be disconnected when moving to another location in the building?

 

Possibly, depending on how far you have moved.  Most devices are capable of disconnecting and reconnecting to the wireless network transparently if you have moved a long distance from your original connection.  If you have any trouble accessing the wireless network after moving a considerable distance, open your Wi-Fi management software and disconnect and then reconnect.  Passcode/voucher input is not required again, you will be immediately re-connected.


Can I use a fixed IP address on the Wireless network?

 

No, you cannot because the IP addresses are allocated dynamically by the server.


Can I use peer to peer applications on the Wireless Network?

 

Yes, Peer to Peer programs such as Bit torrent work on the wireless network. Traffic management software is in place to prevent them from congesting the network.


Can I use MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, or ICQ on the Wireless Network?

 

Yes. MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and ICQ will work on the wireless network.


Can I use a gaming console?

 

Yes, but you must provide your console’s media access control address (MAC) to the facility staff to allow connection to the network.


Can I use VOIP software for data based phone calls?

 

Yes, VOIP is supported. “Four Bars or Better Commercial Wireless Ltd.” cannot guarantee that network congestion will adversely affect latency. Traffic management is in place but only inside the wireless network controlled by “Four Bars or Better Commercial Wireless Ltd.”.