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HickoryTech wireless capability is an added convenience for our subscribers and built into the DSL modem1. The wireless router/modem combo unit is capable of handling up to 5 connected devices (a combination of wireless/wired) to your Internet service. If you choose to not use this added convenience you may connect your own router to the DSL modem for home networking. Subscribers choosing to use their own device will require configuration and our Technical Support Representatives can assist you with the configuration of the HickoryTech owned equipment.
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How Wireless (Wi-Fi) Works
The DSL router/modem combo unit transmits a radio frequency that wireless (Wi-Fi) capable devices can connect to in order to transmit and receive data. The benefit to users is the ability to network devices and share the DSL connection without having to run wires throughout their home.
Gaming Consoles & Other Wireless Devices
Many gaming consoles, laptops, net books, tablet PCs, and smart phones have built-in wireless capability that will allow the device to connect to a wireless network. HickoryTech wireless will be compatible with most devices.
Note: HickoryTech Technical Support does not connect or offer support for gaming consoles, or other devices which may not have a dedicated web browser. While we do not support these devices we will attempt to assist our subscribers with basic support.
Range
Wireless (Wi-Fi) uses a radio frequency for connectivity. Each home is different and some factors may impact your wireless range. Keep in mind that the wireless signal degrades over distance just as a radio station signal does as you travel out of an area. Architectural or environmental factors such as steel reinforced concrete walls, metal (such as heating ducts), interior walls, devices that generate EMF (electromagnetic fields) etc. may create interference or “dead” spots within your home that will affect the wireless range. While we will attempt to troubleshoot we may not be able to solve wireless range issues given the number of structural and environmental variables involved.
Security
HickoryTech Technical Support will help you to set up the wireless (Wi-Fi) security features that are built into the DSL router/modem combo unit. The unit is capable of using several standards recognized by IEEE 802.11 such as WPA (wireless protected access) and WEP (wired equivalent privacy). These standards provide security for your wireless (Wi-Fi) connection with easy to use settings on the HickoryTech DSL router/modem combo unit2.
HickoryTech Minimum System Requirements (PC or Macintosh)
Compatible Windows Operating Systems: Windows (2000, XP, Vista, 7). Macintosh OSX 10.1-10.7
Processor Speed: 600Mhz processor or faster
Physical Memory (RAM): 256MB for Windows 2000, XP - 512 MB for Windows Vista or 7
Hard Drive Space: 250 MB of available space
CD-Rom: Preferred
USB/Ethernet Port: Recommended
Range: The DSL router/modem combo unit will provide wireless connectivity at ranges that will vary in each subscriber’s home (see explanation of Range above).
General FAQs
Q: What is a wireless network?
A network can be one computer connected to the Internet, or two or more computers connected to each other (and also to the Internet). In a wireless network, the computers are connected by radio signals instead of wires or cables. Advantages of wireless networks include mobility and no unsightly wires. Disadvantages can include a slower connection than a wired network and interference from other wireless devices, such as cordless phones.
Wireless network with a shared Internet connection
Q: Am I likely to receive signal just about anywhere?
The HickoryTech DSL router/modem combo unit will broadcast a radio frequency throughout your home when wireless (Wi-Fi) functionality is turned on. Range capabilities will vary depending on where the unit is located and the architecture of the home. Some subscribers may find their use requires additional wireless access points or a dedicated wireless (Wi-Fi) to broadcast signal throughout their entire home.
Q: What hardware does my computer need to be on a wireless network?
Your computer needs an internal or external wireless network adapter. To see if your Windows OS computer has a wireless network adapter, do the following:
- Open Network Connections by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, clicking Network and Sharing Center, and then clicking Manage network connections.
- The adapters installed in your computer are listed.
Q: How fast will my wireless connection be?
The DSL connection provided to your home will be at the service level you subscribe to. Keep in mind when networking devices or having multiple devices online that this connection will be shared between them.
Q: I have multiple devices that I would like to have networked with wireless DSL. Can HickoryTech help with the set up?
HickoryTech Technical Support does not connect or offer support for gaming consoles, or other devices which may not have a dedicated web browser. While we do not support these devices we will attempt to assist our subscribers with basic support.
Q: Can I expect the same speed across all wireless devices?
The achievable speed for each device with wireless (Wi-Fi) capability will depend on the chipset within the device.
Q: Why is my wireless connection so slow?
The speed is dependent on what each wireless (Wi-Fi) device is capable of and also the number of devices currently connected and active on the DSL connection. Remember the DSL connection is shared between all connected devices.
1 Where available.
2 While these standards are widely recognized and in use there is no security standard available to date that is 100%.