Frequently Asked Questions?
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Wireless Internet is exactly what it sounds like. Bertram Wireless
connects you to the Internet via a high-speed wireless 2.4 GHz or
900 MHz antenna, all without the need for phone lines. Thus, there
is no need to worry about slow downloads, busy signals, or
disconnections anymore. With wireless Internet your computer is
always on the Internet.
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Using wireless technology, we are able to send information to
various towers throughout our coverage area. That information is
then broadcast out, where it is received by the antenna at your
location. One thing to remember is that this system is dependent on
line-of-sight to one of our towers. This means that as long as you
have direct line-of-sight and are not in a low area or surrounded by
trees, you will have great Internet connectivity. It's that simple!
Initially, it will be connected to one computer. With equipment
called a router that can be purchased from us, you can make your
Internet connection wireless within your home. This is great for
surfing the Internet with your laptop. Our preference in
purchasing a router is the Linksys 54g, 54g2 or Linksys N series. The
Linksys router has far less problems with our system, so this is the
reason for us recommending it. If you purchase a router, please
don't install the software included with the router. If you do, you
may be adding additional firewalls that will conflict with our
system. Let us advise you to lock your router with a pass code, so no one can enter your system. You are responsible for any info that is transmitted from an unsecured router.
Depending on the service package selected, Bertram Wireless uses
wireless technology to provide various connection speeds to you.
Speeds are designated by the tower you connect to.
Check for
availability and speeds
here.
We install a small 2.4 GHz antenna (12" X 3.5" wide, and weighs less
than one pound, unless signal boosting equipment is needed) on or
near the roof of your home or business with a Cat5 Ethernet cable
that is run down into your home to a single point in your PC or
router. Please note that the installer will not deal with networking
from that point to multiple rooms or computers, unless you
specifically hire him or one of our technicians to complete that for
you. Internal networking instructions can be obtained on the
Internet or with documentation on your laptop.
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Your PC must have a working 10BaseT or 100BaseT Ethernet Network
Interface Card (NIC). The minimum platform and operating system
requirements are as follows: WINDOWS: Windows OS (98, ME, 2000, XP,
2003), Pentium-based PC or newer. MAC: Mac OS 8.6 or above, PowerPC
or better, 128 MB of RAM or more. UNIX\Linux: Linux Kernel V2.1 or
above, Pentium-based PC or better, 128 MB of RAM or more.
You can join Bertram Wireless today by calling our office at (920)
994-2388, or by signing up online.
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Cable usually limits you to a couple of speeds, is slower, is more
expensive, and is not offered in many areas. Cable companies usually
advertise at a low price, but after a few months the price generally
goes up.
DSL also usually limits you to a couple of speeds, is slower, is
more expensive, and the service area is much smaller. This is
usually only available if you live within a couple of miles of the
telephone company's phone switch. Wireless service can be installed
much quicker. The speed of DSL
is also affected by the number of people on your block. That
is, the speed is decreased if too many people are using it at the
same time.
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Wireless Internet is great for gaming. Your connection will be much
quicker than with Dial-Up. The server you connect with will be a
factor, but your connection should definitely not cause a problem.
On line gaming will need extra security ports opened on our end and
will be an additional monthly charge of $10. Special plans are
designated for Washington, Fond du Lac, Dodge, Waukesha, Ozaukee and
Jefferson Counties.
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Absolutely NOT!! Our wireless Internet connection is Bi-directional
without the use of phone lines. This means that your unit will send
and receive information through the air waves, making it a complete
and unique solution for Internet connectivity.
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There has been much press recently about the security issues of
Wireless LAN technology, known as or WiFi. Bertram Wireless is not
considered to be in that group. It is true that if a user has a
router and uses the default settings, it is easy for an outsider to
obtain access to your network. However, just changing a few settings
and placing a password on your router, if you have one, can make
your network secure. The wireless system Bertram Wireless uses is
completely different from 802.11 (WiFi) technology. We use the
Canopy Wireless System developed by Motorola. This Motorola system
has 3 features that make it very secure.
Proprietary-The
Motorola system uses completely proprietary technology for the radio
frequency signals, as well as the data protocols. So a potential
hacker would first have to reverse engineer the Motorola radio
equipment.
Authentication-No
Motorola antenna can communicate with our tower without first having
its electronic serial number authenticated against our list of
allowed antennas.
Encryption-The
Motorola Canopy system encrypts the user data over the air using
128-bit DES encryption.
These characteristics make our service at least as secure as DSL or
Cable modem systems.
The effects of weather on Microwave radio signals vary based on the
frequency used and the distance that the signal travels. With the
frequencies and distances in our network, signal degradation due to
heavy rain or snow is negligible. The degradation due to heavy rain
is less than .2db, and our system is designed with at least a 10db
signal fade margin, unlike satellite systems.
No. The technology used by Bertram Wireless operates at very low
power levels, similar to a cell phone and much less than the amount
that is emitted by your microwave oven. Also, radio frequency power
drops dramatically as you move away from the power source.
Typically, our antennas are not placed where any person would be
able to stand right in front of it for any significant period of
time.
Our general lead time for installation is 5 to 10 days. This mostly depends on when you and the
installer are available for installation. It is necessary that you
are present at the install because access to your home and computer
is necessary to complete the process. A good rule of thumb is to
submit as many phone numbers as possible to enable installers to
make contact with you. Remember that the installers work directly
for you and not for Bertram Wireless. Payment for the installation,
plus wire and bracketing is made directly to them. Payment for the
antenna, signal booster and monthly payments will be made separately
to Bertram Wireless by credit card or debit card.
No, the ISP is included as part of our service. We provide the
Internet and email accounts as part of our plans. You may wish to
continue using a dial ISP if you travel frequently.
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Yes, you can. Even though we don't support behind the scenes
installation of these phone systems, they do work well. We suggest
going online and reading all the facts before changing to an
Internet phone system so that there are no surprises.
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Inside installations can be very quick and take only 20—30 minutes.
Exterior installations typically take from one and a half to three
hours. The independent contractors are working for you, not Bertram
Wireless, and complete this task to your expectations.
The Canopy unit is typically mounted on a small bracket that
attaches to the eave or other high place on the building. In some
cases, a tripod and mast on the roof may be necessary to achieve
additional height.
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Yes, you can upgrade to a faster speed. It only takes a phone call
and a 3-minute re-boot. Charges are then prorated to the next level.
Wireless users: Follow instructions here and
Dial-Up users below this.
Wireless Instructions:
1. In a blank browser address line type
powercode.bertramwireless.com
2. Click on the online bill pay option
3. Type in your username and password
4. Click on make credit card payment
5. Enter your credit card or debit card information. If your information is
in the account already, you will be able to make the payment without
entering your card number. Provide all data entered exactly as it reads on
your debit or credit card, including middle initials and correct billing
address.
6. Click Make payment. Type in the amount and then click Ok
Dial-Up Instructions:
1. In a blank browser address line type
dialup.bertramwireless.com
2. Click on the online bill pay option
3. Type in your username and password
4. Click on make credit card payment
5. Enter your credit card or debit card information. If your information is
in the account already, you will be able to make the payment without
entering your card number. Provide all data entered exactly as it reads on
your debit or credit card, including middle initials and correct billing
address.
6. Click Make payment. Type in the amount and then click Ok
Yes, you will get credit only if your friend tells the sales
clerk that you referred them or they add it to the install sheet.
This is the only way that the credit will be given, no exceptions.
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