Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
I already have my own existing wireless hardware, can I use it?
A: For signal quality and
compatibility reasons, we highly recommend purchasing
a Cisco 350-series card from us or another reseller.
Most "Wi-Fi" compliant network cards and devices
are compatible with our network. Coastal Wave
customers may use network cards from other vendors.
However, we cannot provide support for connections
via such devices.
Q:
Is spam filtering included?
A: All coastalwave.net e-mail accounts include spam filtering.
All incoming e-mails are first checked through three different
spam notification services before being delivered:
If an e-mail is flagged by any of the above services, the
sender is informed that the message is blocked, and is given
a web address to go to for more information.
Q:
Can I share my wireless connection with other users
on my network?
A: Yes! Our business wireless packages offer the
option to share the connection with a local network.
Additional hardware and installation costs would
be required to place a routing and firewalling server
at your location and configure it for your network.
Q:
Do I need any type of personal firewall software?
A: We do not feel that it is necessary. We implement
several levels of security throughout our network.
We filter dangerous ports at various points in our
network, prevent windows file sharing connections,
and disallow unauthorized incoming connections.
However, if you are very concerned with security,
you may wish to investigate such a product. Coastal
Wave does not provide support for such products.
Q:
Is this cellular technology?
A: No. We use 802.11b networking technology.
Q:
Can I access my corporate network or corporate e-mail
through Coastal Wave?
A: This depends on your employer. If your employer
provides access to these services over the Internet,
then you will be able to use the services through
Coastal Wave.
Q:
Does this service require any special software or
client adaptors?
A: The service itself does not require any type
of special software. Our login system is web-based.
That is, it works through your existing web browser,
such as Netscape or Internet Explorer. Your wireless
network card, just as any other computer hardware,
does require driver installation. Your card includes
documentation for installing drivers. Or, if you
purchased a card through Coastal Wave, our support
department can assist you.
Q:
Do I need to subscribe to telephone or cellular
service?
A: No. Coastal Wave's network is completely independent
from telephone and cellular networks. No additional
services are required.
Q:
Is e-mail available?
A: Certainly! When you sign up with Coastal Wave,
a mail account will be created for you. The format
will be username@coastalwave.net. After you log
in to our system, you have an option to check your
mail using our web-based interface. You can also
use popular e-mail programs, such as Outlook Express,
to check your e-mail. Of course, you can also check
any outside e-mail accounts you may have through
other ISP's or online services.
Q:
There has been a lot of controversy lately about
the harmful effects of cellphone radiation. Is this
a concern with wireless internet?
A: Digital cellular phones emit on average 3 watts,
or 3000 milliwatts, of power. A Cisco wireless card
puts out either 30 or 100 milliwatts. Even our tower
sites put out a max of 1 watt, which is only one
third the power of a cellphone. And, of course,
you don't hold your computer near your head. Thus,
you do not have to worry about harmful radiation
from CoastalWave wireless service.
Q:
I really like the start page that comes up when
I log into CoastalWave. I would like to use it from
home as well. Can I access it from another ISP?
A: Yes! Simply set your home page to http://my.coastalwave.net.
-Return
to Coastal Wave
