What is Wi MAX?

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WiMAX actually stands for Wireless Fidelity at maximum speed and is the new term used to describe a wireless network based on the international 802.11 standard for local area networks. Typically WiMAX is coupled with the term HOT-SPOT.

What is the HOT SPOT?

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A HOT-SPOT is a geographic area or zone that is enabled with high-speed wireless Internet access. HOT-SPOTs are generally available at many convenient public locations such as airports, cafés, hotels, and restaurants. Using either a laptop or handheld PDA that is WiMAX 802.11 wirelessly-enabled, you can access the Internet or your corporate intranet at speeds up to 50 times faster than dial-up.

What is 802.11 and what does it mean to me?

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IEEE 802.11 is an international standard for wireless networking. It permits different devices to communicate with one another using this standard. There are different versions of this standard and Tower Center has chosen the most common one, 802.11b. Your laptop or PDA device must be enabled with an 802.11b network card or chip in order to communicate with Wifi.

How does the service work?

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Tower Center has installed wireless access points throughout the three levels of the mall, which transmit a radio signal wirelessly to a user's WiMAX 802.11b wireless network card. With a properly installed wireless network card, a user launches their browser and receives a login page to begin. Once they ok the Terms of Use Statement, they are able to connect to public Internet resources. With full connectivity to the Internet, users can access any Internet resources, as well as any corporate networks to which they have access from the Internet.

Where can I purchase a wireless network card?

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Unfortunately, Tower Center does not sell wireless network cards. However, these 802.11b cards are easily obtainable at any computer specialty store or electronics stores or our retail store.

How fast is the WiMAX HOT-SPOT?

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WiMAX connects to the Internet via a dedicated T1 circuit or 1.544 mbps. The WiMAX 802.11b technology allows for speeds up to 11 Mbps, but actual throughput (speed) is governed by the T1 and how many users are connected at one time.

Can I access my corporate network using WiMAX?

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If your employer has provided you with a virtual private network (VPN) software client you can seamlessly access your corporate network via the Internet. Tower Center strongly recommends that its patrons take measures to ensure the security of their wireless connections by employing encryption as well as firewall software.

Do I need to download or install any special software to connect to the WiMAX network?

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The only software you will need is the software driver for your WiMAX 802.11b wireless network card and an Internet-ready web browser. The HOT-SPOT service requires no additional software.

How do I login to use the service?

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Turn on your computer, allow it to fully "boot" up, and set your wireless network card SSID to "WiMAX". Launch your web browser. The WiMAX Log-in page should appear. A wireless "disclaimer" page will appear with Accept and Decline buttons located on the bottom of the page. After reading the disclaimer and logon agreement, click the Accept button. You are now good to go!

What operating systems are currently compatible with the service?

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The WiMAX HOT-SPOT is not OS-specific, and will work with any operating systems as long as there is a compatible, Internet-ready browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator

What if I have problems using the service?

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If you experience difficulty connecting to the wireless network, click the "Support" link located on the Welcome Page. The Support area of our Web site contains helpful troubleshooting documents as well as a complete "User Guide" for your reference.

Where can I connect within Tower Center?

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The general range of an 802.11b wireless network is approximately 3 k.m. Several 802.11b Wireless Access Points have been distributed throughout Tower Center to provide wireless service to most open areas of the mall on all three levels. Some special areas have been designated for WiMAX use but access is available wherever a seat can be found. Some of the outlying areas of the Food Court may not be covered to avoid conflict with patrons looking for dining space.