What is SSID?

SSID stands for Service Set IDentifier. This is what identifies wireless networks. It is also referred to as network name when speaking of wireless networks. The SSID acts as a login name for some wireless networks allowing you to connect to them. The SSID of accessible networks will display in your wireless configuration software. To access restricted networks you must program your wireless configuration software with the SSID of the network. For secure networks you must also enter the WEP key. For more information, visit: webopedia.com

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What is WEP?

WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. This is a security protocol that enhances the security of a wireless network. If the SSID is the login name, then WEP acts like the password. This is often referred to as the WEP Key. If you are connecting to a router that has WEP enabled then you must enable WEP on the computer you are using to connect to that router. In addition, you must also enter the same WEP key into your computer as the router is using. This helps to ensure that everything connecting to the router is authorized to connect to it.

NOTE: It is highly recommended to enable WEP on your wireless network. Not enabling WEP can allow your connection to be used by others for purposes that may violate the terms of service.

For more information, visit: webopedia.com

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Why would I want a Wireless Network?

Wireless Networking connects more than one computer together to share numerous resources such as your ZoomTown High-Speed Internet Access connection or even your printer. This allows more than one PC to access the Internet at the same time.

A Wireless Network can increase the usefulness of your home computers in numerous ways:

• Share Files - Sharing files between computers gives you more flexibility than using floppy drives or Zip drives. Share photos, music files, and documents and even save backup copies of critical data on a different PC.

• Share Printers - Once your network is up and running, it's easy to set up all of your computers to share the same printer.

• Share your Internet Connection - Use your network to that everyone in y our family can access the Internet at the same time.

• Multiplayer gaming - Many popular home computer games support "LAN mode" where friends and family can play together, if they have their computers networked.

• Computer mobility - Notebook computers and other portable devices are much more affordable than they were a few years ago. With a laptop computer and wireless home network, you aren't chained to a network cord and can work on the couch, on your porch, or wherever in the house is most convenient at the moment.

• Go Wireless - Sure, business can afford to lay cable under their floors or inside walls. But most of us don't have the time or inclination to fuss with this in our homes. Unless you own one of the few newer homes pre-wired with network cable, you'll save substantial time and energy avoiding the cabling mess and going wireless.

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How does a Wireless Network operate?

A network simply connects each computer to a centrally located hub or router. We will supply and configure all of the necessary equipment to get your network up and running.

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Can I have more than one PC on the Internet and still talk on the phone?

Absolutely! One of the main benefits to having a ZoomTown wireless network is that you can have multiple PC's accessing the Internet at blazing fast speeds and still have full access to your telephone to make and receive phone calls.

With a wireless network from Cincinnati Bell, every computer in your home can be accessing different web sites, running shared programs, play online games and print documents to your printer AND you can talk on the phone - ALL AT THE SAME TIME!

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I understand I can share my ZoomTown connection, can I share my printer as well?

Yes. In fact, Wireless Networking from Cincinnati Bell will help you share your single printer with all of the computers in your home.

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Who installs the Wireless Networking equipment?

Our own Cincinnati Bell technicians install you new ZoomTown service along with the Wireless Networking Equipment. If you are already a ZoomTown customer, a Cincinnati Bell Technician will also install your Wireless Networking equipment if you order the service.

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What is an integrated modem?

Cincinnati Bell's integrated modem provides access to the ZoomTown High-Speed Internet service and performs as a wireless gateway all in one device. Essentially, by merging both an ADSL modem and a wireless access point together, Cincinnati Bell is able to offer you an easy to use device that removes gives you fast access to the Net and a wireless network for the rest of your equipment (laptops, printers, etc.).

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How many devices (printers, computers) can I connect?

You can connect up to 10 computers with Cincinnati Bell's Wireless Networking. The number of printers will vary.

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What equipment is needed for a Wireless Network?

Cincinnati Bell supplies the following equipment for a Wireless Network. The cost of these items vary depending on the current offer. Please refer to the pricing tab on this page for detailed pricing information.

• 1 Integrated Modem
• A PC card for each laptop computer
• A USB adapter for each desktop computer

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How far does the wireless signal travel?

Signal quality depends on the environment. Wall thickness or the building materials will affect strength. In most households, Cincinnati Bell's integrated modem will deliver a quality signal up to 200 feet.

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What are patch cables?

Patch cables are the cables that connect your computer to your modem or your computer to your printer. Patch cables are not installed inside the walls of your home.

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Will my Internet speed be impacted when more than one PC is on the Net?

Yes, your speed could be affected but it is unlikely you will notice the difference. There is a total of 5Mbps of bandwidth coming into your home. If two people are surfing the Net at the same time, they would equally share the bandwidth (@ 2.5Mbps ea). However, with bandwidth up to 5Mpbs, both people would have to be downloading an extremely large file to see a measurable difference. In most instances, general Internet surfing will not slow down.

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I already have ZoomTown, can I still get Wireless Networking?

Absolutely. Existing ZoomTown customers with multiple computers in their home will find Wireless Networking to be a perfect partner to their ZoomTown service. If you are an existing ZoomTown customer and would like to have Wireless Networking installed, call 513.565.ADSL (565.2375) to order.

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Will Cincinnati Bell's Wireless Networking work with a Macintosh?

Yes. Cincinnati Bell Wireless Networking is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

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Can I access a Cincinnati Bell WiFi Hotspot?

Yes! Any Cincinnati Bell ZoomTown with Fuse customer has unlimited access to all of our HotSpot locations. The SSID or Network Identifier for our WiFi HotSpots is CBWIFI. When your wireless network is installed, our technician will establish the CBWIFI profile for your. You can take your laptop computer or other wireless device to a HotSpot location, log in using your Fuse UserName and Passored and surf the Net while you sip your coffee.

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What if I need help after I order the service?

If you have questions about your Wireless Network, please call ZoomTown Technical Support at 513.397.HELP (397.4357).

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How do I order?

For information about or to order ZoomTown or Wireless Networking, please call 565-ADSL.

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I need help with My ZoomTown Wireless Modem, where can I find information?

To download the Westell Quick Start Guide, click here.

To download the Westell User Guide, click here.

Both of these user guides are available in PDF format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print either of these guides. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, click the Acrobat icon below.

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