Support


We can monitor and maintain the Wireless network remotely - If the network needs to go down for short periods to upgrade the system we will endeavour to let members know and give as much advance warning as possible. If however, there is a problem and you can't get a connection please phone us on 01572 898109/768382

You should be aware that Interference from other RF sources in the same frequency range can interfere with 802.11 wireless service. These may include electrical appliances (especially microwave ovens), many cordless phones, Bluetooth devices, RFID readers, etc.  Wireless technology is relatively immature compared with Ethernet technology. 802.11 wireless equipment has been in general use only since 1999, while Ethernet has been in general use since the early 1980s. We expect that given time, new generations of wireless equipment will slowly improve in reliability.

Dedicated volunteers are responsible for delivering the broadband service to you and maintaining the network - If you are interested in volunteering to help out in any way please let us know via email with details of your relevant interests and qualifications/ experience. We are particularly interested in anyone with Linux or wireless network experience.


Change in Weather Patterns.

There is an increasing risk of power failures following severe weather. The particularly strong winds that seem to be a part of the general weather change pattern, have caused a few headaches. May we remind you to check with your Insurance suppliers/brokers to make sure that the antenna installed on your property is covered by your household insurance and remember that Members who joined during the Grant Period are responsible for all the equipment supplied (periods of guarantee are now over). When there are high winds please check that your antenna is safely secured and has not moved. It is especially important to  make this check if you are having a fault and logging a support request.

For PC problems - virus/spyware/health checks see PC servicing

If you cannot get onto the Internet ....

Before contacting us please check that all your cables are connected to your computer and are plugged in, and also try restarting your computer/wireless equipment. Make sure the wifi equipment lights are on then ...

Check your IP settings - In Windows 2000 or XP go to start menu (bottom left corner), select "run".  Type cmd and click OK.  The DOS command prompt window will display.  Type ipconfig /all 

Typically all the information you should require about you PC's  network connection is here.  You will find the IP address as well as your physical address, often referred to as your MAC address and your DNS servers.  

Description VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter
Physical Address 00-40-63-DD-2B-F5
DHCP Enabled Yes
Autoconfiguration Enabled Yes
IP Address 192.168.1.210
Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway 192.168.1.2
DHCP Server 192.168.1.2
DNS Server 192.168.1.2
Lease Obtained 08 October 2005 17:15:38
Lease Expires 08 October 2005 20:35:38

If your settings differ and you suspect this may be causing problems go to please go to our FAQ's page which has details instructions on Network Configuration and Internet Settings.  If you have no Default Gateway, or no  DHCP or DNS  Server then go to Start, Control Panel, Network connections, Local Area Connection and disable then re-enable the connection.

If you have a wireless card there are times when the wireless card or adapter is disabled and thus unable to access the network. To check if the wireless adapter is disabled, follow the proceeding steps:

    * Right-click on My Computer either from your desktop or from your Start menu, depending on whether you have Windows XP or 2000 respectively.
    * Click on Properties
    * Click on the Hardware tab to go to the hardware section of system properties
    * Click on Device Manager and in the next window expand the Network Adapters section.

Here, you should see at least two items (if you have a wireless card). One of them should have "wireless" in the description. If there is a red X on the icon next to the wireless adapter, your wireless card is currently disabled. In order to re-enable the adapter, follow these steps:

    * Right-click on the adapter entry and click on Properties
    * In the window that pops up, make sure that, at the bottom of the window, the drop down menu reads "Use this device (enable)."
Once you have done that, your wireless adapter should be enabled.

If you need help please email network-support AT southwitham DOT net or call 01572 768382

Please also see our FAQ's page which includes detailed instructions on Network Configuration and Internet Connection Settings.

We also have a Yahoo discussion group, talk about digital divide issues, broadband in general, troubleshooting PC problems and more.

Click to join south_witham_bb