High-Speed Wireless Internet Service FAQ

    What is Wireless Internet?

    Instead of using phone lines or cable television wires, wireless internet uses radio waves, much like cell phones. Instead of the sound of your voice, wireless networks carry data. Nedernet's office in central Nederland has a high-speed (wire-based) Internet connection, which we re-distribute via a microwave wireless system. All you need to receive the service is a clear view of one of our repeaters, and an antenna that we provide. With the addition of a wireless router, those with wireless laptop computers will even be able to wander around the house surfing the web or checking email. Speeds of up to 3mbps are possible, which is about 40-60 times faster than a common dial-up connection.

    Will I be able to get it?

    Our service covers central Nederland, Big Springs, Hurricane Hill, parts of Ridge Road, Sunnyside. We also offer service in Bar-K Ranch in Jamestown, Allenspark and Rollinsville. For Nederland, refer to the map below; if you are located within the red circle, there's a very good chance you will be able to get service through us. If you're not sure give us a call! Those outside this area are encouraged to find neighbors interested in getting service; it will only take about 5 customers in an area for us to expand our coverage there.

    When will it be available?

    It's available right now! Most installations can be completed within 48 hours. Call 303-258-7922 for an appointment.

    Can I hook up more than one computer?

    Certainly! If you'd like to hook up more than 1 computer, you'll need a router, which we can provide for a nominal fee. We can also run the necessary cabling for you. All the computers you connect can be online simultaneously. You an even buy a wireless router and have your own home wireless network.

    Will my 2.4GHz phone cause interference?

    The majority of cordless phones in use today are 2.4GHz models. These phones, innocent as they may seem, reap devastating effects on 802.11b WLANs. Some 802.11b WLANs have even been totally shut down by somebody simply answering a 2.4GHz cordless phone. Why? The answer lies in the technology. Most 2.4GHz phones use frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology that operates within the 2.4GHz spectrum. FHSS hops from frequency-to-frequency across the entire 2.4GHz spectrum. 802.11b WLANs, on the other hand, use direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS), which transmits within approximately one third of the 2.4 GHz spectrum. Because FHSS jumps across the entire spectrum while DSSS stays in only one portion, a FHSS 2.4GHz will clobber an 802.11b network, causing interference or even failure.

    We strongly discourage the use of any type of 2.4GHz phones in Nederland, due to our dependance upon the 2.4GHz spectrum for our internet service. 900MHz phones are just as good, and less expensive. If you MUST purchase a 2.4GHz phone, look for a "DSSS" phone. Stay far away from the "analog" versions.

    Does Nedernet use WEP encryption?

    Nedernet made the choice in the beginning not to use WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) for a number of reasons:

    • WEP is "broken".WEP keys are easily cracked by someone with enough know-how to monitor your traffic; there are numerous tools available for free that will do this.
    • Performance. The processing overhead of encrypting your data induces a performance loss of around 20%. That means your 512kbps connection would really only be 410 kbps!
    • WEP Doesn't Secure Traffic from Other Users. Since other legitimate users on the same wireless network share the same key, they can see your traffic in the clear.
    • Management Overhead. WEP uses secret "keys" to encrypt data, and these keys need to be changed periodically. This induces extra management tasks, and creates another potential source of problems.

    Most sensitive web traffic is already encrypted at the time it leaves your browser using SSL, and this technique is far more secure than WEP. If you access your company's VPN, all your data is encrypted in a similar manner. So Nedernet suggests making sure sites that ask for sensitive information are using SSL (indicated by the lock icon in the corner of your browser), or using a VPN to encrypt all your data.

Who is Planetmind?

Planetmind is a Nederland-based web hosting and development company. We've been operating since 1999, and since 2002 from our very own solar-powered building in downtown Nederland. We work primarily with bands and non-profits, as well as other ecologically minded artists and small businesses. Our services include web hosting, design and programming. Nedernet was started by the Planetmind crew, and now offers local high-speed wireless Internet service. If you are in need of web hosting or development services, give Planetmind a call at 303-258-1103.