Frequently Asked Questions
What is BeamSpeed?
BeamSpeed is always on, wireless, high-speed Internet access service.
How does BeamSpeed work?
At the heart of the BeamSpeed system is a base station, which consists of a Level 2 wireless Ethernet switch combined with an advanced BRS (Broadband Radio Service formerly MMDS). The wireless portion of the system utilizes new technology which enables the signal to reach its destination within the coverage area, without regard to line-of-sight limitations commonly experienced with other systems. The high-speed two-way data stream is carried over radio frequencies licensed exclusively for this purpose, directly to a small receiver/modem that can be placed indoors virtually anywhere within the BeamSpeed coverage area (see availability below). The modem can usually be placed right next to the computer. The receiver/modem is attached to the computer's Network Interface Card (NIC) with a short Ethernet cable. The computer sees the BeamSpeed system as it would a local area network, enabling the service to be quickly configured, usually in about 5 minutes, always on, very fast.
Where is BeamSpeed available?
With base stations installed in strategic locations such as the top of the Crescent Center, BeamSpeed is available indoors, non-line-of-sight within close range of a base station and with an external installation, as far out as 18.5 miles from any base station. Please see our Coverage Map for more information.
How is BeamSpeed service different from DSL, Satellite or Cable broadband service?
BeamSpeed's indoor connection typically requires no professional installation, eliminating the days or weeks waiting for the scheduled installation and the intrusion of an installer working in and around your premises. Also, BeamSpeed typically will work right on your desktop, eliminating the need for wiring throughout the premises. Additionally, BeamSpeed is portable (see below). But more importantly, BeamSpeed will frequently deliver a more reliable and higher speed service than DSL, Satellite or Cable modems. This is due to the simplicity of the system (no miles of cable and amplifiers to go through) and other design-related factors.
How is BeamSpeed service different from other fixed wireless solutions?
BeamSpeed functions effectively in non-line-of-sight conditions and in most cases requires no outside antenna, where typical fixed wireless services only work with an outside antenna which must be within clear line-of-sight from the provider's base station. The BeamSpeed subscriber unit can be moved to any location within the coverage area with no loss of service, where typical fixed wireless equipment is permanently installed. Also, the BeamSpeed indoor customer equipment is virtually "plug and play", easily set up by the customer in about 5 minutes, while typical fixed wireless service requires the customer to wait for an installer to come, install the equipment on the roof, and run wires from there to the computer.
Can BeamSpeed service be used in more than one location?
Yes. BeamSpeed service is portable within the coverage area. As long as AC power is available for the customer unit, it will operate in most locations within the coverage area. This feature can enable a customer to use the same service both at work and at home.
How secure is the BeamSpeed service?
The Internet is a shared resource and, therefore, inherently vulnerable. However the BeamSpeed system is designed with many measures to ensure customer security. All data carried over the BeamSpeed system is algorithmically encrypted, offering natural data security. In addition, upstream subscriber data is not retransmitted downstream to another subscriber, and downstream subscriber data is only transmitted across the air link to the addressed subscriber unit. This effectively limits the ability to steal unauthorized data. Also, DHCP spoofing, and BOOTP/DHCP spoofing are prevented through the elimination of upstream DHCP broadcasts from any downlink. This makes it impossible for anyone to fool the system into giving them someone else's data. Many cable-type modems employ a bridged architecture which passes and accepts all packets. By comparison, the BeamSpeed system is very secure. In addition, the BeamSpeed signal can only be used by a BeamSpeed modem that has been enabled by our system.
As with any "always on" technology, there is risk of intrusion from the Internet. This can be minimized by "firewall" protection, available through a number of free or inexpensive software packages. For networked computers, most broadband routers provide built-in firewall protection.
Can multiple computers be used on the BeamSpeed service?
Yes. Many Internet users have more than one computer, in both business and residential settings. There are various ways to share the BeamSpeed service. We recommend installing a Broadband Router, either wired or wireless. This solution has many benefits. Please contact us for details about local area networking.
In cases where the usage is exceptionally heavy, BeamSpeed reserves the right to assess an extra charge or place limitations on the total data throughput.
Is the BeamSpeed receiver/modem safe?
Yes. The level of radio frequency radiation from the BeamSpeed customer modem has been thoroughly tested and proven to be well below the federally-regulated levels for human safety.
What are the minimum requirements to use the BeamSpeed service?
The minimum hardware and software requirements for BeamSpeed service are listed below. If you need help in determining whether your computer meets the minimum requirements, please call us.
PC:
Pentium class 133 MHz CPU or greater
64 MB of RAM (128 MB recommended)
Network Interface Card (NIC) or 10BaseT Ethernet port
Windows 95 or newer Operating System
Operating System Software disk or CD-ROM
Macintosh:
PowerMac or higher
64 MB of RAM (128 MB recommended)
10BaseT Ethernet connection
Mac OS 7.6.1 or greater
What if I don't have a Network Interface Card (NIC) or Ethernet connection?
NIC cards can be obtained through a number of local stores and can usually be installed by the customer in just a few minutes. If desired, a BeamSpeed technician will install a NIC card for you. Please contact BeamSpeed for details and costs.
Can I continue to use my current ISP and email address(es)?
Yes. You may elect to retain your current service provider and retain your existing email addresses. You will still benefit from the higher speed and reliability.
Can I establish a Virtual Private Network (VPN) utilizing BeamSpeed service?
Yes. The BeamSpeed system assigns a persistent IP address to each customer, which is functionally equivalent to a static IP address. This enables the BeamSpeed location to be part of a VPN, or to establish a VPN completely through the BeamSpeed system.
Can I obtain a static IP address from BeamSpeed?
Yes. Please call for details on the cost and availability of static IP addresses.
Can I contract for a Committed Information Rate (CIR) through BeamSpeed?
Yes. Please contact us for details and pricing for CIR.
How reliable is the BeamSpeed service?
BeamSpeed is very reliable and here are some reasons why:
- It utilizes licensed radio frequencies assigned for our exclusive use, eliminating the interference problems that can plague shared unlicensed frequencies.
- The radio frequencies and all hardware utilized by BeamSpeed are impervious to weather conditions, sunspots, etc., ensuring continued operation under any conditions.
- The system is engineered to provide redundant base station coverage. In the unlikely event of the failure of a base station radio, the data traffic is routed over an alternative radio without the loss of a single data packet.
- The entire system is backed up by standby power sources, in the event of a power outage at the base station site.
- The system utilizes multiple routes to the Internet and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) routing to ensure the delivery of data in the event of an outage or delays of any one Internet carrier.
Can I use BeamSpeed service as a backup to my existing service or dedicated circuits?
Yes. BeamSpeed can be configured as an alternate route for "hot standby" backup to another access service. Please call for details and pricing for such arrangements.
Can I purchase the BeamSpeed customer receiver/router?
At this time, the BeamSpeed customer unit is provided as part of the monthly subscription fee. The customer is not required to purchase any equipment.
What factors affect the speed of Internet Service?
The actual speed of your Internet connection is affected by many things, including:
- Limitations placed on the service by your service provider.
- Capacity of the Internet connection installed by your service provider.
- Capacity and efficiency of the network installed by your service provider.
- Limitations, Internet connection, and network installed by the service provider of the website you are accessing.
- Unusual or unforeseen traffic loads on your system and the distant website.
- Traffic peaks on the Internet.
For BeamSpeed subscribers, the first three items above are carefully controlled and engineered to achieve availability of the "burstable speed" on our service tiers most of the time. However, as with all Internet services, the other factors are beyond our control, and may result in varying degrees of delay.
How can I measure the speed of my Internet connection?
There are websites that enable you to measure your speed, as you upload or download a file to and from the site. These sites can be found through any Internet search tool. Of course, this measurement is prone to much error, because of the factors listed above. However, it can be a valid method for a general comparison of one access service with another.
Does BeamSpeed offer any guarantee?
Yes. All BeamSpeed services carry a 10-day unconditional money back guarantee. We are confident that you will be very happy with the BeamSpeed service.
How long do I have to wait from the time I order BeamSpeed until it gets installed?
In most cases, BeamSpeed service can be established the same day that the subscriber receives the BeamSpeed modem.
How do I get BeamSpeed service?
You may contact our sales department via telephone, or fill out an online service request and a representative will contact you shortly.
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