What is broadband?
Broadband
is a term used to describe a fast connection to the internet. Broadband
speeds will typically be advertised in the format download speed/upload
speed. For example, the advertised speed 512/128 means the service will
let you download information at a maximum speed of 512 kbps and upload
at a maximum of 128 kbps.
The minimum speed for Broadband is generally considered to be a
download speed of at least 512Mbps.
South Witham Broadband uses at least 4Mbps down/448Kbps upload. In some
places we use bonded ADSL to double both up and download speeds.
What does "always on" mean?
This is a completely new concept for anyone whose only access to the
internet has been via a dial-up line at home. With our system, as soon
as you switch your computer on, it will detect the network and be
connected to the internet – no more waiting for the modem to
dial, and no more worrying about disconnecting as soon as possible!!!
So does that mean that I need to leave my computer on all the time?
No. The hardware we will use to support the wireless network will be on
at all times, and so will the internet link of course. But you will
turn your computer on and off as you wish in exactly the same way as
before. It's just the internet link that is always on.
What exactly is the speed of the connection?
The speed at which data is transmitted to and from the internet is
measured in kilobits per second (kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps).
Our wireless service offers a download speed of 4 Mbps and upload speed
of 448 kbps. Please be aware that there are some factors which are not
affected by the speed of the internet connection itself for example,
when you request a page and your browser says in the status bar
“website not found, waiting for reply......” This
delay is due to the speed of the website itself.
Why are the upload and download speeds different?
Most Broadband provision is "asymmetric". The bandwidth available is
optimised for download because that is what most people are using the
connection for most of the time.
Is my PC secure/Is the Network Secure?
Your PC - A broadband connection to the internet is no less secure than a dial-up
connection. The only difference is that with a broadband connection you
are likely to be connected for long periods and are therefore more
vulnerable.
To overcome this you must use a Firewall, this can be either of the
software or hardware variety. The firewall when properly installed and
configured prevents an outside attack on your computer.
If your operating system is Windows XP, Mac OSX or most Linux versions
then they come with a built in firewall. If you have one of these
operating systems then you should turn on the firewall when you get
connected. If you are running an older version of Windows or something
else entirely then you'll need to get hold of a "Personal Firewall".
Zone Alarm is ideal for home users and what's more it's available free.
Visit http://www.zonelabs.com
for further information and to download your free copy. However, the
firewall does not protect your PC from viruses and trojans, you must
install anti virus software to protect your computer.
The software works by scanning files on your PC looking for a virus's
signature, a unique string of bytes that identifies the virus like a
fingerprint. If a virus is found the software then "disinfects" your PC.
Makers of good quality anti-virus software keep track of the latest
viruses and issue regular updates which you should download so as not
to fall prey to new viruses. Norton AntiVirus is the award winning
anti-virus software from Symantec.
For further information visit: http://www.symantec.co.uk
Software Vulnerabilities - From time to time software vendors will
release updates that fix security vulnerabilities and other known
problems in their software. It is important that you check for these
updates and install them as necessary. The latest software applications
usually have the ability to download these updates automatically and
prompt you to install them. These features are an essential part of PC
security and we recommend that you use them. Get Net Wise is a useful website
has useful information on how to keep your PC and your information safe
whilst on line.
The SWBB Wireless Network - does not use WEP ("Wired Equivalent Privacy"), a feature of 802.11 intended to provide some degree of security to data traversing the wireless (radio) portion of the network. WEP is unsuitable for use among a large community as it requires publishing "the password" to everyone who might wish to use the wireless network. (A secret which must be published to hundreds of people is no secret.) Since then, WEP's design itself has been demonstrated to be flawed; it is not secure.
As with wired technology, Wireless and Mesh has also have security risks. Locustworld's Mesh encryption is strong. We use 2048 bit certificated encryption throughout the mesh network. The certificates ensure that the mesh is sealed up tight, and the encryption layers are recognized as the best available. The encryption is built into the system, which makes the mesh a highly secure network.
Can I use your system for gaming?
Yes.
Can I have more than one machine at my
house / business?
Yes – however we need you to inform us prior to installation
as our network operates on IP address (additional PC’s may
carry an additional charge). If you are already connected to our
network and wish to connect additional PC’s please email
your request to us, as it is our policy that unknown MAC’s
are blocked.
What Operating Systems can be used
with the SWBB Wireless Broadband Service?
Wireless Broadband will support any operating system which can connect
to the Internet. This includes Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista, MacOs and
Linux.
Is there a contract?
Yes, a 1 month contract, with 30 days notice to leave.
Do Wireless LANs pose a health risk to
the consumer?
Please
see the Health & Safety page.
Who else is doing this kind of thing?
There are a number of projects to bring broadband to local communities.
The first successful project based on a wireless network was setup in
Kingsbridge, Devon.
Mesh networks are not new though. The Military have used these
applications for decades.
Can I set up a VPN through the network?
We do have people using VPN, please talk to us about your requirements, a lot depends on the set up at the other end.
I’m having problems with
Internet Explorer - it seems to have really slowed down, any advice?
If your browser is slow to reach a page or is not functioning properly
it maybe that your cache is full, for instructions on clean up click
here.
I’m thinking of buying a new PC, can you advise me?
Click here
to be taken to a website that explains all the things to consider.
How do I alter my Internet Connection
Settings and configure my computer to connect wirelessly?
If you have previously connected to the internet by any other means,
such as a dial-up modem, you will need to change your internet options
and configure your network settings when you connect with us - Click here
for instructions.
Do you offer support?
Please
see our support page.
We will add more FAQs as they arise.
For those members with a southwitham.net or southwitham.org email
address FAQ’s are on the one and one site.
The most common email problem we see is : "The mail connection to the server has failed. Protocol: POP3, Port: 110, Secure{SSL}: No, Socket Error: 10061, Error Number: 0x8000CCC0E"
Make sure you're not scanning incoming and outgoing mail with a virus scanner. You may need to uninstall and reinstall the AV without the option to make it truly stop. If the problem has vanished, configuration of these products could be the problem
As of Service Pack 2, Windows XP has a firewall built into the operating system which you can disable too and try again.
To do this click on the Start menu and then enter your Control Panel.
Next double click the Network Connections icon.
From here you should be able to identify your dial-up/broadband connection which you need to select
Right-click the connection, and select Properties and select the Advanced tab.
Here you can access the Windows Firewall / Internet Connection Firewall
For other general email problems - good advice is available via the Microsoft site