Our FAQ is made up of three sections.
About
Freedom Wireless
Who are Freedom Wireless?
How long does it take for Freedom Wireless to provide
a wireless system?
How long does it take to install a wireless system?
What geographical areas does Freedom Wireless cover?
Does Freedom Wireless guarantee its work?
Do you supply just hardware?
Can you fix my Wireless problem even if I didn’t
purchase the hardware from you?
I’m not sure what broadband line I need; can you
help me find the right provider for me?
I don’t know which wireless equipment I need to
cover my building; do you carry out surveys?
Do you have a showroom? Can I come and visit you?
Do I need to have a PC/laptop already or can this be
provided by Freedom Wireless?
What are your payment terms?
Why is your complete cover package compulsory on your
Business and Education products?
My wireless network was not installed by Freedom Wireless.
Can I purchase Complete Cover?
Who are Freedom
Wireless?
Freedom Wireless are a UK wireless solutions company
based in Milton Keynes, which is 45 miles north of London.
We cover all aspects or wireless networking including
the supply, installation, set-up and support of home,
business and public sector wireless networks.
Tell Me More About Your Products: Home,
Business and
Education.
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How
long does it take for Freedom Wireless to provide a
wireless system?
It can vary depending on the size of the network, our
engineer’s availability, and stock levels. Usually
we can install within a week !
Find out right now: If you are in the UK phone us free
on: 0800 7816968
Or just complete our enquiry
form now.
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How
long does it take to install a wireless system?
It can vary depending on the size of the network. Most
home systems can be installed within a couple of hours,
however larger business and education systems can take
a few days. If you want to find out how long it will
take to install your system why not call us right now.
If you are in the UK phone us free on: 0800 7816968
Or just complete our enquiry
form now.
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What
geographical areas does Freedom Wireless cover?
Freedom Wireless can cover all areas of the UK. However
we are based in Bedfordshire and we may charge a premium
to customers where we have to travel a long distance.
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Does
Freedom Wireless guarantee its work?
All equipment comes with the standard 12 months manufacturers
warranty unless otherwise specified. Some equipment
comes with 3 years warranty. All our systems installed
by our engineers come with 1 month of our complete cover
support package. This can be extended with
Complete Cover for business and education customers.
For home customers we offer
Extra Help.
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Do you supply
just hardware?
Freedom Wireless are not “box shifters”.
We do not run a mail order website. Our products are
made up of installation, supply and support. However
if there is a particular piece of hardware you require,
please call us and we will try and help you.
If you are in the UK phone us free on: 0800 7816968;
Or just complete our enquiry
form now.
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Can you fix my Wireless problem even if I didn’t
purchase the hardware from you?
Yes. We will endeavour to help you over the phone (charged
at £1.00 per minute) or if you prefer you can arrange
an engineer to visit and help you on-site. We charge
for these services at our standard rates.
If you need help, call us now. If you are in the UK
phone us free on: 0800 7816968
You can obtain free support from
www.wifi-help.com
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I’m not sure what broadband line I need; can you
help me?
Yes. We are partnered with Tiscali and will happily
advise on the best package. If you have another provider
in mind we are also happy to help as best we can. For
more information on Tiscali click
here.
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I don’t know which wireless equipment I need to
cover my building; do you carry out surveys?
Yes. We would be happy to visit your premises and carry
out a wireless survey* to ensure that your
network gives you access where you need it.
Arrange an appointment now. If you are in the UK phone
us free on: 0800 7816968
Or just complete our enquiry
form now.
*site survey is £250, this is a 1 man walkabout survey.
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Do you have a showroom and can I come and visit you?
We are not open to the public but you are welcome to
visit us if you arrange an appointment first. Our offices
are equipped with conference and meeting facilities
so we can look after our visitors.
If you would like to arrange an appointment to visit
us and discuss your wireless requirements call us now.
If you are in the UK phone us free on: 0800 7816968
Or just complete our enquiry
form now.
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Do I need to have a PC/laptop already or can this be
provided by Freedom Wireless?
We are able to provide any type of IT hardware. We
can recommend Laptops and PCs and also provide your
with a quotation with the option to buy from us. However
you are under no obligation to buy any hardware from
Freedom Wireless.
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What are your
payment terms?
We have different payment terms for our Wireless Home,
Wireless Business and Wireless Education. We accept
Cash, Cheque, and Major Credit and Debit Cards.
Our Payment Terms;
Wireless Home: Full payment on completion of installation
paid to engineer when you are completely satisfied.
Cards are accepted.
Wireless Business: A deposit of 50% is required before
work commences. After work is complete a term of NET
7 will be offered on the remaining balance.
Wireless Education: Full payment on completion of installation.
After work is complete a term of NET 7 will be offered
on the remaining balance.
We are prepared to be flexible. If you feel that these
payment terms are not satisfactory phone us free on
0800 7816968 to discuss your individual circumstances.
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Why is your complete cover package compulsory on your
Business and Education products?
At freedom wireless we always give our customers the
best value for money. From past customers we have learnt
that a level of support is always required on wireless
networks when they are used within these sectors. In
the past we have charged on an ‘ad-hoc’
basis which leads to increased costs for our customers.
This method of support does not give any peace of mind
or level of service.
If you would like more information on our support services
call us free on: 0800 7816969
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My wireless network was not installed by Freedom Wireless.
Can I purchase Complete Cover?
Yes. Our Complete Cover support package is available
on any wireless network. We will come to visit you to
inspect your current set-up and provide you with a quotation.
If you would like more information on our support services
call us free on: 0800 7816969
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About
Wireless Networks
What equipment makes up a wireless network?
What is the difference between a wireless gateway and
a wireless access point?
Why do I need to know what NAT and DHCP are, and what
are they?
Can I have a wireless network using computers with different
operating systems?
Can I add wireless to my desktop computer?
Can I use wireless with my Apple Macintosh?
What is the range of a wireless network?
Can I use access my files and printers across wireless?
How reliable are wireless networks?
Can I mix and match wireless components, or is it better
to stay with a single manufacturer?
How do I use my wireless laptop when I am travelling?
What hardware do you supply?
Are wireless networks dangerous?
Does the equipment make any noise?
Will my microwave oven or cordless phone interfere with
my wireless network?
What equipment makes up a wireless network?
A wireless network is made up of a wireless access
point or base station. This device transmits the network
across the air. Computers then connect to the network
using a client access card. These cards vary depending
on the type of computer. For example a laptop would
probably use a PCMCIA wireless Adapter card (Credit
Card sized interface).
If you need help, call us now. If you are in the UK
phone us free on: 0800 7816968.
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What is the difference between a wireless gateway
and a wireless access point?
Sometimes there is no difference; sometimes there is
a big difference. There is no official definition of
what a gateway is. Many manufacturers call their wired
broadband modem/router connections gateways. However,
in general, a wireless gateway is an access point with
NAT routing and DHCP server. An access point is a wireless
gateway without NAT routing and DHCP server. An access
point essentially functions as an extension from an
existing wired network to a community of users with
wireless laptops and desktop computers.
Most homes and small offices use wireless gateways
because they need the NAT routing and DHCP server that
enables them to share a single Internet connection among
all the computers in the home or office. Most enterprises
and large businesses use access points, not gateways,
because their wired network (their "backbone")
already has NAT and DHCP server supplied by an industrial
strength router or hub.
Many access points also have extra network management
and advanced user functions and security capabilities
built into them. Gateways may also offer specialized
security functions like firewalls.
In general, access points and gateways do the same
thing: they function as base stations connecting various
wireless laptops and desktop computers, ensuring that
wireless data gets shared and transmitted among them
as needed.
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Why do I need to know what NAT and DHCP are, and what
are they?
You probably don’t! But if you really want to
know…
NAT stands for Network Address Translation and enables
your wireless gateway to share a single Internet connection
among all the computers in your home or business. DHCP
(Direct Host Configuration Protocol) is what enables
your network to use TCP/IP to connect the different
components. There are various networking protocols.
Most wireless gateways for homes and small businesses
provide both NAT and DHCP. In general, if you are setting
up a stand-alone wireless network, you want NAT and
DHCP. If you are adding a wireless gateway to an existing
wired network, you probably want to turn off the NAT
and DHCP functions built into your wireless gateway
and have it function as a wireless access point.
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Can I have a wireless network using computers with different
operating systems?
Yes. Most wireless networks will work with a wide range
of Windows operating systems including Windows 95, Windows
98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP
and Windows CE. Some wireless systems will also work
with Apple Macintosh, Linux, and other operating systems.
However, once you have your wireless network up and
running, it should be able to talk to and exchange files
with other wireless networks.
If you need help, call us now. If you are in the UK
phone us free on: 0800 7816968
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Can
I add wireless to my desktop computer?
Yes. An internal wireless PCI card can be installed
within a desktop computer. To help with signal strengths
an additional external antenna can also be added.
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Can
I use wireless with my Apple Macintosh?
Yes. You have two options. Most newer Macintosh Power
PCs, G3s and G4s have a slot for an Apple AirPort Wi-Fi
module. If you didn't order it when you bought your
Apple computer, Freedom Wireless can supply you with
one. . If you have an older Mac laptop with a PC Card
slot, you can choose from among several different manufacturers
who make Apple-compliant PC Card radios. USB adapters
for Apple are also available.
Once set up and configured, a network consisting of
combined Apple and Windows computers and access points
will work together. Of course, unless you are running
an emulator program, you won't be able to run Windows
programs on your Apple computer and vice versa. However,
your wireless network devices will talk to each other
and enable you to share an Internet connection and transfer
files among the various computers.
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What is the range of a wireless network?
Range varies in a wireless network depending on the
type of equipment you have, whether or not you use special
antennas, and whether your network is in an open environment
or in a building with lots of walls and furniture. The
composition of your walls and floors can also have a
major impact. Wireless is a very low powered radio signal
and does not penetrate metal, water or other dense materials.
Freedom Wireless does not measure or compare different
products and their range. However, we have found that
a wireless network generally provides a range of about
75 to 150 feet in a typical home or office. In an open
environment like an empty warehouse or outdoors, a wireless
network may provide a range of up to 1,000 feet or more.
With the right antennas and optimal placement, a range
of up to a mile is possible.
With Wireless technology (802.11g or 802.11b), a "gradual
degradation" in range occurs. This means that,
instead of stopping all together, your data transmission
rate just becomes slower as you move farther away from
the access point. For example, with wireless 802.11b
technology, within 100 feet of the access point, the
wireless radio in your laptop computer will get about
11 Mbps data rate. As you move farther away, that rate
will drop down to 5.5 Mbps, then to 2 Mbps and finally
to 1 Mbps. Considering that many DSL and cable Internet
connections are less than 1 Mbps, this connection speed
is still very good.
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Can I use/access my files and printers across wireless?
Yes. Once a wireless network is installed you can access
files on other computers and print to any printer. Using
security built into your operating system, access can
be restricted to prevent unauthorised users accessing
your network.
If you need help, call us now. If you are in the UK
phone us free on: 0800 7816968
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How
reliable are wireless networks?
A correctly installed wireless network will provide
a reliable and stable connection for many years to come.
However, unlike cabling wireless networks run on software.
Like all software, a reboot once in a while is sometimes
required. This is usually a case of powering down the
access point and then switching it on again.
Environmental factors can also influence wireless communications.
External wireless networks are most at risk from this
and some customers have reported a loss in performance
during times of bad weather.
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Can I mix and match wireless components, or is it better
to stay with a single manufacturer?
Components that comply with the 802.11(a/b/g) standards
should all work fine with each other. However some manufacturers
do use some proprietary technologies, such as repeating
and Super G (giving up to 108mbps).
If starting a network from scratch we would recommend
using equipment from a single manufacturer.
If you need help, call us now. If you are in the UK
phone us free on: 0800 7816968
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How do I use my wireless laptop when I am travelling?
Just find a wireless network to which you can connect.
These networks are becoming common in cities and towns
worldwide — Internet cafes and coffee shops are
popping up everywhere! — as well as in public
areas like airports, hotels and convention centres or
anywhere people gather. Some wireless HotSpot networks
require you to manually configure your access connection;
others work with your wireless card to automatically
log on. In addition, many large businesses and universities
are providing wireless access to visitors and guests
at their locations.
If you have a building with public areas and would
like to offer internet access to your visitors you need
a Public Hotspot.
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What hardware
do you supply?
Freedom wireless are not tied to any one manufacturer.
We are constantly testing and evaluating the latest
products from all wireless manufacturers.
We currently supply equipment from 3com, Belkin, Cisco,
Corega, D-link, Linksys, Netgear, Sitecom, SMC, US Robotics
and Zyxel.
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Are
wireless networks dangerous?
There is no evidence that wireless networks cause any
damage to health.
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Does
the equipment make any noise?
No. Wireless equipment is a solid state and has no
moving parts.
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Will my microwave oven or cordless phone interfere with
my wireless network?
Microwave ovens and many cordless phones operate in
the 2.4 GHz spectrum, the same radio spectrum used by
wireless networks. That means they can cause interference
— but in most instances this will just slow down
the wireless connection; it won't stop transmission
or break the connection.
To reduce interference, you can move a 2.4 GHz cordless
phone away from your wireless equipped computer or base
station. Interference usually only happens with older
microwave ovens. You can also try changing the channel
on which your wireless network operates. In addition,
some manufacturers have developed and implemented special
technologies that can minimize interference from cordless
phones and ovens.
If you need help, call us now. If you are in the UK
phone us free on: 0800 7816968
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Wireless
Security and Troubleshooting
Security
- Questions
How do I know if my wireless network is secure?
What is the best type of wireless encryption?
Is shopping on-line safe using a wireless connection?
What is a firewall?
Do wireless routers include a firewall?
Can you help me to protect my computer from Viruses
and Spyware?
I’m concerned about my Childs safety on-line,
can you help?
What happens when I disable SSID (network name) Broadcast?
Am I more secure?
If you have any other questions regarding security
why not post them on our support forum –
www.wifi-help.com.
Troubleshooting- Questions
We have many more troubleshooting questions and answers
on our support forum. If you question isn’t mentioned
please post it. Register at
www.wifi-help.com.
My wireless network appears to have stopped working.
How do I perform a reset?
My wireless connection seems to stop working periodically
and I have to reset. Is there anything I can do to fix
it?
My wireless connection shows connected with a good signal
but I’m not getting an IP address and can’t
browse the internet. What is wrong?
How can I increase signal on my wireless connection?
I think my cordless telephone could Interfere with My
Wireless LAN. Is there anything I can do?
Security Answers
How do I know if my wireless network is secure?
When you scan for networks using windows or your cards
wireless utility. If there is a padlock or a mention
of encryption it is likely your network is secure. If
you are prompted for a key or pass phrase when connecting
to your network, it will be using WEP or WPA authentication,
preventing eavesdropping.
If you would like help with the security of your wireless
network call us free on: 0800 7816968
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What is the best type of wireless encryption?
WPA is beginning to become the common form of wireless
encryption as more manufacturers begin to support. WPA
offers a more secure solution than WEP and can use passwords
rather than keys making it easier to configure and use.
When WPA is linked to a RADIUS server it provides and
excellent authentication system.
If you would like help with the security of your wireless
network call us free on: 0800 7816968
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Is shopping on-line safe using a wireless connection?
Yes. Its just as safe as using a wired connection.
Your credit card details are set to secure websites
via an encrypted tunnel between your web browser and
the websites server. This is the same no matter what
connection you use.
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What is a firewall?
A firewall is a barrier to keep destructive forces
away from your property. In fact, that's why it’s
called a firewall. Its job is similar to a physical
firewall that keeps a fire from spreading from one area
to the next. A firewall is simply a program or hardware
device that filters the information coming through the
Internet connection into your private network or computer
system. If an incoming packet of information is flagged
by the filters, it is not allowed through.
A firewall is essential in keeping your computers safe.
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Do
wireless routers include a firewall?
Yes all wireless routers include a firewall. However
Windows XP includes its own firewall. This can be left
on to ensure extra protection. Most routers include
a firewall which offers all the features you’d
expect such as port forwarding and VPN pass-through.
If you would like help with your wireless firewall
why not register at www.wifi-help.com
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Can you help me to protect my computer from Viruses
and Spyware?
Yes. We are able to advise you on all aspects of safety
on-line. We can also supply you with any protection
software your require. If you have a question on viruses
and spyware why not register on
www.wifi-help.com.
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I’m concerned about my Childs safety on-line,
can you help?
Yes. We can supply and install child protection software
depending on your needs. If you already have child protection
software we will ensure it is configured correctly.
The internet can be a dangerous place for young people
and freedom wireless make your childs safety our number
one concern.
If you have any concerns regarding on-line safety call
us free on: 0800 7816968 or register at
www.wifi-help.com
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What happens when I disable SSID (network name) Broadcast?
Am I more secure?
You really CAN NOT turn off the SSID field in the beacon.
The SSID is a mandatory to send field in the BEACON
and PROBE RESPONSE. So for systems that did not have
the concept of an SSID, they allowed for a NULL SSID,
i.e. x00 in all 32 bytes of the SSID field.
Also, you cannot turn off the beacon. You can vary
its periodicity, but not eliminate it. The beacon provides
the timings and other parameters need to run a BSS.
The NULL SSID option was included in the original spec
for some vendors products that did not even have the
concept of SSIDs. This allowed for reasonable migration
to everyone using SSIDs.
Of course this "feature" was never taken
out, and then, Enterasys came up with the idea that
they can make their customers think they are better
off by using NULL instead of the real SSID.
Then ISS jumped up and claimed that the SSID was a
password sent in the clear, and the rest is history.
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Troubleshooting Answers
We have many more troubleshooting questions and answers
on our support forum. If you question isn’t mentioned
please post it. Register at
www.wifi-help.com.
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My wireless network appears to have stopped working.
How do I perform a reset?
Most wireless devices can be reset by switch them off
for a few seconds and then back on. This should be carried
out by powering the unit off at the wall.
The smaller reset button most units have will perform
a factory reset causing the device to lose its configuration
data. This should only be pressed if you know how to
re-configure the unit.
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My wireless connection seems to stop working periodically
and I have to reset. Is there anything I can do to fix
it?
This problem can be caused by your wireless routers
DSN cache becoming full. You can bypass this by entering
your ISPs DNS servers into you wireless network connection
within windows. Another way to change them is to alter
the DNS server entry in your routers DHCP configuration.
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My wireless connection shows connected with a good signal
but I’m not getting an IP address and can’t
browse the internet. What is wrong?
This can be caused by a number of things. The first
thing to try is a repair on your network connection.
This can be done by pressing the repair button (windows
XP only). You can find this button by double clicking
on your wireless connection and selecting the support
tab.
If your connection still doesn’t work it could
be caused by interference. Try moving your antenna or
moving to a different location.
An authentication error can also stop information being
transmitted. Check your WEP or WPA passwords and renter
them.
If you need more help register at
www.wifi-help.com or ring is free on: 0800 7816968
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How can I increase signal on my wireless connection?
Listed below are suggestions for increasing your signal
strength and range:
-
You may want to consider changing your router to
channel 1, 6, 11. Channel 6 is the most commonly
used channel for 2.4 Ghz devices (including cordless
phones, wireless keyboards and mice). In most cases
you will get the maximum range on channel 1.
-
Make sure that the router in question is positioned
in the highest point available. For example, if
the building is two stories high, you need to place
the router on the second floor - not the first floor.
-
Make sure the antennae on your router are positioned
vertically to allow maximum horizontal range. To
receive the greatest distance vertically, position
the antennae horizontally.
-
Check to make sure you are using your manufacturers
Configuration Utility to connect and monitor your
client connection. Some cards are not compatible
with Windows Wireless Control and you will not achieve
anywhere near the maximum range if you allow Windows
to have control of the card. Also, you should monitor
your client through the manufacturers configuration
utility as the Microsoft monitor (and pop-up bubbles)
do not always accurately measure the D2D signal
strength.
-
When testing your router to determine how far your
range will be, turn on your computer as close to
the router as possible and then proceed to test
the maximum distance you will achieve in your environment.
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I think my cordless telephone could Interfere with My
Wireless LAN. Is there anything I can do?
Here are some tips for problems with cordless phones.
-
Avoid 2.4GHz phones and stick to 900MHz or 5.8Ghz
If you do get/have a 2.4Hz phone, some DSS 2.4Hz
phones are clearly designed to hop around wireless
network frequencies without interfering, while others
are not designed to do that. There is no correlation
between price and this feature. Some of the more
expensive models are also the worst for interference.
-
Look for some clear indication from the manufacturer
that the phone is "wireless network friendly",
like the sticker on some boxes
Buy from a place that will accept returns. Unpack
it very carefully so that you can repack it and
return it if it turns out to interfere or not perform
well enough.
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Have a question that isn't mentioned?
If your question is regarding our company, products
or service please call us free on 0800 781 6968 or
contact us online.
If your question is of a technical nature please post
it for free on
www.wifi-help.com
Tell
Me More About Your Products: Home,
Business and
Education. |
