Why can I not see the Wireless Oakland signal?
I have a compatible wireless network adapter, why do I not see the Wireless Oakland signal?
Why can I not connect? I can see the Wireless Oakland signal.
Why do I have to log back in after a period of inactivity?
Why does my connection to Wireless Oakland keep dropping?
How do I sign up for the free Internet service?
What is the cost for the upgraded service?
What kind of security will the Wireless Oakland network have?
How do I know I am connecting to or using Wireless Oakland?
What technology will be used to create the network?
What will I need to use the Wireless Oakland network?
I live in a pilot area; how do I get access to the network?
I'm just outside a pilot boundary; can I still get service?
Why can I not see the Wireless Oakland signal?
The most common reason that most people can not see the Wireless Oakland Signal is because they do not have a compatible Wireless Network card. To connect to Wireless Oakland you must have an 802.11 b/g network card installed.
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I have a compatible wireless network adapter, why do I not see the Wireless Oakland signal?
**Note: There are many reasons why one can not see the Wireless Oakland Signal
- Location of the computer/laptop in the home.
- The interior make-up of the home: such as concrete walls and floors.
- Distance to the closest servicing access point: Access Points are most successful when connected within a six hundred feet.
- Outside of the initial coverage area.
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Why can I not connect? I can see the Wireless Oakland signal.
Note: There are varying reason as to why one can not connect to Wireless Oakland. The most common one is an incomplete set-up process:
- Make sure that your pop-up blockers are turned off.
- Select Tools
- Select Pop Up Blockers
- Select Turn Pop-Up Blockers Off
- Close Browser
- Launch Browser
- Log into Wireless Oakland with your user name and password.
- Select the pop-up that states: manage my account.
- Select add a package to your account.
** Other possibilities: firewall blocking our connection, incompatible wireless network adapter, extremely low signal strength.
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Why do I have to log back in after a period of inactivity?
After 15 minutes of inactivity Wireless Oakland automatically logs the user off. You must simply log back into the network. This is a system wide setting that can not be changed by the individual user.
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Why does my connection to Wireless Oakland keep dropping?
The most common reason that one experiences a drop in signal strength is due to the location of their computer in the house. If your computer is in the following areas:
- In the lower level (basement) you may want to move it to the main level or 2nd floor
- Placed in the corner of the room and has an internal wireless adapter that is in the rear of the Computer. Simply pull the computer out of the corner and move it to a central non-blocked area in the room.
- In the attic area where there is fiber/insulation products in the ceiling. Move your computer to the main floor in your home.
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How do I sign up for the free Internet service?
When the service is available the first time you attempt to access the network you will see a splash screen (web site) where you will create your own user name and password. You will then login with the username and password. This username and password will allow you to freely surf the internet. You will not need to contact MichTel or the County to sign up for the free internet service.
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What is the cost for the upgraded service?
A full list of residential service offerings can be viewed here. The service offerings for businesses may be viewed here.
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What kind of security will the Wireless Oakland network have?
Whenever you communicate over the Internet you need to ensure that your private communications and files are appropriately protected. If your transmissions are not secure, you take the risk of others intercepting files and records.
How secure you want your Internet connection to be depends on how you use the Internet. If you are surfing to do research, email or watch movies, you may not care if anyone picks up part of your transmission, but that's up to you.
If you are banking or purchasing items on the internet, those financial transactions are usually protected by a technology called Secure Socket Layer (SSL). SSL is commonly built into banking and commerce websites and encrypts information sent across the Internet. Click here to find out how to tell if a website is SSL encrypted.
If your data is confidential or if you want additional levels of security, there are several technologies you might consider implementing. Remember this is a personal or business decision, and we encourage you to use at least some level of security to deter intrusion.
In order to make Wireless Oakland easily accessible to a large number of WiFi enabled devices, the network is an open-access wireless network. Wireless Oakland's free internet connections are not encrypted from your computer to the access point in your neighborhood. This means your information could be intercepted in transit if it is not encrypted by a technology such as SSL.
We recommend that all users run a personal firewall or VPN so your information is secure from WiFi attacks. Please note attacks will not come from within the Wireless Oakland network as users will be firewalled from one another.
For more information on how to secure your information while using the Internet you can review the following websites:
http://www.staysafeonline.org
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security
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How do I know I am connecting to or using Wireless Oakland?
The Wireless Oakland network will be named Wireless Oakland. Once you connect to the network you will be directed to a Wireless Oakland Splash Screen where you will register to use the free internet.
There may be several networks in your area even before Wireless Oakland is available. Many people set up home networks by connecting a wireless router to their cable or DSL line. This broadcasts an Internet signal throughout their home for their own use. These networks are often named LinkSys or Netgear, which are brand names of home wireless networking equipment. If one of those networks is not secured and you are close enough to it, you may be able to connect to it and even use it to surf the internet, however if you do this you would be stealing your neighbor's internet.
If the network is not named Wireless Oakland, and you are not funneled to a Wireless Oakland Splash Page, you are not using Wireless Oakland.
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What technology will be used to create the network?
As a general strategy, the Wireless Oakland initiative will support consumer-based wireless technologies so the cost for the public to use the internet service is minimized. The first phase of the build-out will be done with wi-fi (wireless fidelity) technology. Migrations to future technology will coincide with their availability in the marketplace.
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What will I need to use the Wireless Oakland network?
You will need a computer with a wi-fi (802.11b/g) card. Wi-fi cards may be built in to your computer, or you may purchase an external card at any retail computer location.
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I live in a pilot area; how do I get access to the network?
If you are in a pilot area you will receive a notice via a mailer sent to your home when your area is online so you know when you can take advantage of the service. Once your area is complete, you can access the network by using a wi-fi enabled computer, laptop or PDA.
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I'm just outside a pilot boundary; can I still get service?
If you are just outside the pilot area, there is a possibility that you may see a signal from the Wireless Oakland pilot. If you do see a signal, the service will not be of the same quality as the actual pilot area. Your area will be officially covered during the full county build out of the network.
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