Wireless Beach Access 
Provides Fast 
Adffordable High-speed Internet 


         
Common Questions
How do I connect to the Wireless Beach Access network?
First, you need a WiFi-enabled computer. Most desktops and laptops sold today already have a built-in WiFi capability. It is an easy and relatively inexpensive add-on for older computers - available from most any computer-related retail store. To connect to the Wireless Beach Access network, users will select the "wireless beach access" network ID when searching available wireless networks on their computer. Once connected, users will open their browser and see a Wireless Beach Access registration page where they are asked to register. Users will only need to register once depending on the subscription plan chosen.

 
Can I connect any computer to the Wireless Beach Access network?
, you can connect any computer with wireless access to Wireless Beach Access wireless network. A wireless connection using 802.11 b/g technologies, which can receive the SSID "wireless beach access" with open security and strong signal strength, should connect.

Typical Setup

Operating System:
PC: Windows 95 or higher (Windows 98 or higher recommended)
Mac: OS 9 or OS X
Linux

Windows:
Internet Explorer version 6 or newer
Firefox 1.5 or newer

Macintosh:
Firefox, Safari, or Netscape


Why do I have a weak signal and can I improve it?
The best connection is achieved when there is a clear line of sight between your computer and the access point. If possible, relocate your wireless device near a window facing the general direction of the nearest  Wireless Beach Access’s access point. This should increase your signal strength and overall quality of your service.

If you are within 500 feet of the access point and experience poor signal strength when indoors, we recommend that you purchase a high power wireless modem. Wireless Beach Access recommends the Ruckus MetroFlex Wireless Access Gateway (MM2211) which can purchased from ExpressNets.

My service is slow, can I speed it up?
Maximum access speeds on Wireless Beach Access’s wireless network are 1 Mbps downstream and 256 Kbps upstream.

The best connection is achieved when there is a clear line of sight between your computer and the access point. If possible, relocate your wireless device near a window facing the general direction of the nearest neighborhood Wireless Beach Access access point. If you are within 500 feet of the access point and experience poor signal strength when indoors, we recommend that you purchase a high power wireless modem. Wireless Beach Access recommends the Ruckus MetroFlex Wireless Access Gateway (MM2211) which can be purchased from ExpressNets.

How do I setup my TCP/IP information to connect to Wireless Beach Access?
Set your TCP/IP connection to obtain an address automatically (dynamically) if you are connecting directly to a Wireless Beach Access access point.

What is DHCP and do I need it to use Wireless Beach Access?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enables your computer to automatically receive an IP address from a network. The network will assign and reassign IP addresses to your computer as needed. These addresses may change, which is what is meant by dynamic.

For more information on how to configure your computer’s network settings so that DHCP is enabled in order to access the Wireless Beach Access network click here.

What is my IP address?
Your IP address when connecting to Wireless Beach Access should not start with 169.254.x.x. For instructions describing how to look up your IP address,

What is my MAC address and how do I know what it is?
The Media Access Control (MAC) address is used to provide a unique identifier for your computer on Wireless Beach Access’s wireless network.

Does Wireless Beach Access provide static IP addresses?
Wireless Beach Access only supports dynamic IP assignments; there is no option for static IP addresses.

Why do I timeout?
If you don’t access the network for 20 minutes, your session will be automatically timed out. Wireless Beach Access has established a 20-minute timeout in order to effectively manage its network assets.

If your session has timed out, close your browser and relaunch in order to connect back to the Wireless Beach Access wireless network.

I am able to see your access point or network SSID but am unable to connect.
There are a few reasons why this may be occurring.

a. Distance: If you are too far from the neighborhood access point, you will see the SSID, but will not be able to connect, or have a poor quality connection. In this case, we recommend that you install a wireless modem to improve the Wireless Beach Access signal to your computer. However, if you have greater than 3 bars of signal strength there may be another problem affecting your service.

b. Excellent Signal Strength: If you have excellent signal strength (5 Bars) and are unable to access the Internet then verify that you have selected the Wireless Beach Access SSID, and that you have opened your browser. You should be able to connect and access the internet.

I am looking at your coverage map, but do not see any coverage in my area? When are you coming to my neighborhood?
Wireless Beach Access is deploying access points in several cities located on the Delmarva peninsula at this time and may be coming to your area soon.

Can I get Wireless Beach Access inside my home?
If you are within our coverage area, you may be able to connect to Wireless Beach Access’s WiFi network by simply finding and selecting the Wireless Beach Access network IDs indoors. However, in many cases, distance from our access points and interference from walls and other devises can affect your ability to connect inside. We therefore strongly recommend that you use an indoor “WiFi booster” if you plan to use Wireless Beach Access inside your home or office. There are a variety of products available to boost a WiFi signal. We have tested and can recommend Ruckus MetroFlex.

Where can I access the Wireless Beach Access wireless service?
Wireless Beach Access is currently serving the Rehoboth and Dewey Beach Area, In 2008 we will also be serving starting hot spots in Lewes, Bethany Beach and Ocean City MD. If you live in these cities, reference our coverage maps to see if you have already access in your area.

How fast is my wireless Internet connection?
Wireless Beach Access's service provides access speeds up to 1 Mbps downstream and 256 Kbps upstream.

Is Wireless Beach Access secure? Is my connection secure?
The Wireless Beach Access network operates in 'OPEN' wireless mode. To protect your computer and data, Wireless Beach Access advises you to turn on your personal firewall, turnoff file-sharing and ensure your Internet web sites are https enabled for any transactions. When accessing a secure web site the 'lock' should appear on your browser to confirm you are on an encrypted SSL server.

Can I access my corporate account using this service?
Yes, your company can help you set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to connect to your corporate network from home or a local park using your Wireless Beach Access service.


What type of connections can I make through the Wireless Beach Access service?
Wireless Beach Access customers can telnet, SSH, FTP, VPN or access any other type of connections using a broadband Internet connection.

What is an SSID?
Also known as "Service Set Identifier or Network Name" an SSID is the name of a Wireless Local Area Network. The SSID for Wireless Beach Access is "Wireless Beach Access". The SSID on wireless clients can be set either manually, by entering the SSID into the client network settings, or automatically, by leaving the SSID unspecified or blank and searching for an SSID with your wireless software. 

Does Wireless Beach Access provide email accounts?
Wireless Beach Access can provide email accounts to customers who subscribe to our yearly service plan. If you require an email account, many companies offer free email, pop-up blocker and other services. We list a few of the most popular services here for your convenience:

MSN Hotmail - free
Yahoo! Mail - free
G-Mail (Google) - free
 
What is signal strength and how does it relate to my network speed?
Signal strength determines whether or not you can connect to the Internet as well as your connection speed. You can view your signal strength using a number of different applications. Windows and Mac OS X provide utilities for managing your wireless connection and displaying signal strength. In addition, there are third party utilities for managing your wireless connection and displaying signal strength.

Can I get the service to work with my existing wireless devices?
If you are within 300 feet of an access point, then your computer should be able to directly receive the signal. To use Wireless Beach Access’s wireless network, configure your wireless network connection to access the "Wireless Beach Access" network (SSID). If you are having difficulty, or are not familiar with this process, there are pages which show you step by step instructions for connecting to Wireless Beach Access’s high speed wireless internet service.

How far apart are the access points, and can you install one near me?
Wireless Beach Access neighborhood access points are spaced to provide the maximum amount of coverage for residences in our service areas. If you are concerned that we are not covering your neighborhood please review our coverage maps and contact us for possible deployment in your neighborhood.

What type of emission or radiation does an access point emit?
802.11 radiation or emissions through access points is lower than most cellular phones, televisions and radio transmitters. Wireless Beach Access operates within part 15 of the FCC guidelines and which adheres to radio frequency safety standards and recommendations. Wireless Beach Access believes 802.11 is safe for use by consumers because these standards and recommendations were developed from the scientific community who still continually review and interpret an extensive amount of research.