What Equipment Do I Need for My Wireless Installation?

Sep 8, 2013

Whether it’s fixed wireless or cable, having the right equipment is essential to get you up and to run without aggravation or anxiety.

If you are new to fixed wireless Internet or not, knowing what you need will save you time before your install. We get asked all the time, what does our equipment look like and what equipment do I need to install service? In this blog post, we will discuss two common questions about the equipment used and needed for each install.

What’s Involved With An Installation?

Fixed wireless Internet access, provides a home connection shared throughout the house. A small externally mounted radio and antenna housing connects your location to an access point (often called an AP) sometimes located up to 15 miles away.

The antenna mounted is used to achieve a point-to-point connection with Etheric Networks’ extensive collection of APs. This is the reason our installation process is preceded with a free site survey to establish the presence of a clear line of sight to one or more of our tower locations.

What does the equipment look like at my house or business?

Here is the outline of what is involved in a basic installation:

  • Mounting of an antenna and radio transceiver (testing of equipment for proper orientation)
  • Weather sealant for connections and structure penetrations (if required by the installation considerations)
  • Routing of cable from transceiver to one computer system or router via a single wall penetration (including up to 300’ of CAT5 Ethernet cable)
  • Grounding of system components
  • Connection of power interface
  • Configuration of TCP/IP settings
  • Testing internet browser to ensure adequate connection and installation.

Once an installation is complete, the Internet connection can be distributed throughout the house either using pre-existing wiring or wirelessly with inexpensive equipment that combines the function of a router and a WiFi access point. Which brings us around to the next question?

Do I need a Router?

Technically a router is a device that forwards data packets between two or more networks. Which networks? Well, for a household, the Internet and the internal network of the home often referred to as the LAN or local area network. You don’t need a router for a home set-up, but there are some advantages:

  • Security: it supplies a layer of separation between your computers and the Internet at large.
  • Multiple devices: a router takes the single connection that Etheric Networks provides and enables multiple computers and a host of other gadgets and gizmos to use the connection all at the same time.
  • So, if you don’t already own a router on the date of installation, you’ll probably want to acquire one. Many consumer grade routers include a wifi access point capability which is our next term of endearment.

Examples of Routers:

Wifi access point – Most times strange words like LAN, WAN or TCP/IP are acronyms… not so for wifi. Wifi started out as a marketing term for devices that used “Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ (IEEE) 802.11 standards” – Yep; that’s a mouthful…. those standards and the desire to never say them aloud begat “wifi.”

Now, a wifi access point allows you to use a collection of devices (computers, phones, tablets nowadays even TVs) on your internal network without having to have wires for connecting them up. Of course, today, devices like phones and tablets wouldn’t be able to connect without wifi even if you had the wires because they are designed from the outset to use wifi technology.

We get often asked, “Do you have a list of preferred routers?” We don’t have a list of favorite devices as we’d never be able to keep up. New devices are regularly released with features stacked high upon their data sheets. We could write a blog about home routers! (As a side note, if you start one we’d be happy to reference your blog.)

The rest of your network devices are up to the specifications of your needs and desires. No matter whether you are looking to be “edge of the envelope” or to avoid licking envelopes, we’re here to help!  Still have questions, chime in below or give us a call.

The Digital Divide for Millions Looking for Reliable Internet

Aug 18, 2013

The internet is a way of life and not just a matter of convenience; it is something everyone wants.

We use the internet for everything from connecting with friends, family, school to running a business. But in an era when accessing the internet is essential to jobs and global competitiveness, it is no surprise that millions of households still have no internet. For rural residents, unreliable internet it is just a way of life.

Often, companies claim that there aren’t enough customers per mile to make it worthwhile for fiber, DSL or cable companies to run their infrastructure to rural areas. They expect more density per mile or they won’t build out. It becomes very expensive leaving underserved areas with limited options.

Typical Challenges

Some problems put connectivity to the test; natural and artificial obstacles such as foliage and terrain present significant communications challenges for customers in underserved areas.

If you’re higher up on the mountain, away from the city, the more likely it is that the service is nonexistent or inadequate. With Wireless Internet, there is no need for underground copper, fiber, or other forms of commercial cabling. Wireless internet has emerged as the leader to get broadband into rural areas.

How are we solving this problem?

We’re coming to you. We know there are underserved areas in our community and we want to bring the internet to areas that otherwise can’t get any service at all. With Fixed Wireless internet you get high-speed Internet access with connections to service providers that use radio signals and not cables.

Fixed wireless broadband utilizes transmission towers (ground stations) that communicate with each other and with the subscriber’s location. From there we install equipment to homes to connect our towers.

Find out more about Etheric Networks services by contacting our sales department at 650.399.4200 Ext 2 or sales@ethericnetworks.com.

Increase Productivity and Profitability with Wireless Internet

Aug 8, 2013

Minutes count when it comes to running your business and having a powerful tool for boosting productivity and collaboration is essential. Partnership and sharing information has become increasingly crucial in today’s fast-paced world.

Indeed, it is arduous to imagine a business environment that wouldn’t benefit from a wireless network. Companies are increasingly implementing wireless networks in record numbers from manufacturers, retailers, construction, hotels, service facilities, and schools.

What are some Best Practices to Increase Productivity and Profitability with Wireless Internet?

Boosted Collaboration and Mobility

Employees can benefit from using Wireless Internet to roam from office to different floors without the loss of connection. Teams can meet for conferences to share documents, collaborate with up-to-the-minute communication and work together more efficiently.

Enhanced Responsiveness

Wireless Internet (network) improves your customers experience to connect staff to the information they need.

Scalable

Install an access point and be connected instantly. Your wireless network will grow as you need, with no cable to connect and determine where or how many data ports are.

Boundless Productivity

Wireless Internet gives your employees freedom to move from office to office for meetings or face time without losing connectivity. This provides flexibility for hard-working employees to work where they need to work and better overall cost-effectiveness.

Security

If you have a small or large office building, wireless internet service can be set up to meet the requirements to maintain a desired level of security. Wireless internet can ensure safety and protection to its users by providing services ranging from auditing, network marketing, firewall configuration and intrusion detection.

Reduced Overall Cost-of-Ownership

Wireless internet overall cost-effectiveness is only accelerated in fast-changing and evolving industries which require frequent moves. Without the need of cables, wireless service provides a quick install in short off, the need to pull wires through walls and other barriers, which saves time and external costs of installation.

Act NOW! To get more information about Etheric Networks personal service, please contact us at sales@ethericnetworks.com