EBTech.net
EBTech.netfestivalpros.ca - creating successful concerts
Home | About | Help!
EBTech

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wi-Fi?

Short for 'Wireless Fidelity', it relates to the IEEE 802.11 standard - generally referring specifically to 802.11b.

Wi-Fi enabled devices are able to communicate with each other even if the manufacturer is not the same. Providing blazingly fast connections, without wires, Wi-Fi is an ideal means for which to 'connect' your office without the cost and hassle of running wires.

In relation to EBTech Wi-Fi Hotspots, the technology is utilized to provide high speed Internet access in locations that people may visit and spend time with the need for accessing the Internet.

With our simple to use login servers, accessing any of our deployed hotspots can be as simple as turning on your Wi-Fi enabled computer (by means of adding a card or its wireless integration into the system) and surfing the Internet. When you attempt to access outside the EBTech network, you are redirected to a login page. Enter your username and password and enjoy!

Don't already have an account? Call us today and be connected as soon as your payment is processed - in a matter of minutes! Many locations also offer the ability to purchase network wide access on site.

How do I connect?

To access our network, you must have a Wi-Fi enabled device. Many laptops and personal digital assistants come with Wi-Fi integrated in to the device. Look for either Wi-Fi, 802.11b or 802.11g in your product literature. For many devices, you are able to add wireless capability simply by installing a device such as a PC Card. If you are at an EBTech Wi-Fi location, you may be able to purchase the necessary equipment where you are.
If you have a Wi-Fi enabled device and are unable to connect, make sure you have configured your network card to "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically". If you are not familiar with how to make these changes, contact us at (519) 332-8580.

Depending on the EBTech Wi-Fi location you are at, you may be able to purchase a package on site. Once purchased, your service is activated immediately.

If you are not at an EBTech Wi-Fi hotspot location that offers retail sales of the service, you can sign-up via the telephone during regular business hours (9AM - 5:30PM) by calling 519-332-8235.

If you need wireless equipment or assistance in setting up your device, our well-trained technicians would be more than willing to assist you for a nominal fee. We stock and sell equipment that is compatible with our wireless network.

Wi-Fi enabled devices or those using the 802.11b or 802.11g standard should be able to connect to our service. You are not required to purchase equipment from us to access our network.

What is the range of a wireless network?

Range varies in a Wi-Fi network depending on the type of Wi-Fi radio you have, whether or not you use special antennas, and whether your network is in an open environment or in a building with lots of walls and furniture. The composition of your walls and floors can also have a major impact. Wi-Fi is a very low powered radio signal and does not penetrate metal, water or other dense materials. A Wi-Fi network generally provides a range of about 75 to 150 feet in a typical home or office. In an open environment like an empty warehouse or outdoors, a Wi-Fi network may provide a range of up to 1,000 feet or more. With the right antennas and optimal placement, a range of up to a mile is possible. The EBTech Wi-Fi Hotspots are designed to meet the needs of the location they are intended to serve. In marinas we often use a combination of access points to create a blanket of service over the served area.

What is a "Hot Spot"?

A hot spot is a specific geographic location in which an access point provides public wireless broadband network services to mobile visitors through a WLAN (Wireless Network). Hotspots are often located in heavily populated places such as airports, train stations, libraries, marinas, conventions centers and hotels.

How secure is this service?

The service is protected by a hardware firewall. It is still strongly recommended to have some form of virus/spyware protection on your computer.

Can a friend of mine use my username/password?

Your friend can only use your username and password to connect if they use the same device you use(d) to connect. Our service binds the username and password to an individual wireless access card. Only this card will be able to connect to the service.

Can I send e-mail when connected?

Yes, you can use any web based e-mail interface to send and receive e-mail. If you would like to use your standard e-mail program to collect your e-mail so setting changes may be required. For assistance, please contact EBTech Technical Support at 519-332-8580 or contact the service provider that handles your current e-mail for instructions on setting this up.

Can I use programs like ICQ, AIM?

Yes, there are no restrictions to using chat programs over the connection.

Can I play games?

You can use this service to connect to online game play.

Can I use my favorite Peer to Peer application like 'overnet or kazza'?

Yes, you may use these file share programs over the connection.

How is my Wi-Fi usage monitored?

All connections to the network and all usage associated is logged. Accounts purchased include unlimited connect time for the duration of your package. Package expiration is calculated from the first time you successfully connect to our network. Therefore, purchasing an account in advance means you will still get the full length of your package.

Can I use my Apple notebook?

Yes, any laptop that uses TCP/IP and is equipped with a wireless access card (802.11 B or 802.11 G), can use this service.

I have an 802.11 G card, can I use the service?

Yes, you can use your 802.11 G wireless card for the service. However, the connection rate will only be that of the 802.11 B standards at 11Mb/s in certain areas.

Where can I get a card that will work with this service?

If your computer is not equipped with an 802.11 B or G wireless access card, you can purchase one at each of our hotspot locations. Look for our signs posted at the location for details.

Who do I contact for setup/help?

If you require assistance, please call our technical support line at (519) 332-8580 during normal business hours.

Can I sign up for the service outside of regular business hours?

Yes, any attempts to access the hotspot will automatically direct you to the sign-up page to initiate the subscription process.

Where are the signup locations?

We currently have hotspots in the following areas of Sarnia:

  • Stoke's Bay
  • Bridgeview Marina
  • Sarnia Bay Marina (Sign up online or at Stoke's Bay)
  • Sarnia Sports & Entertainment Centre

Please visit wifi.ebtech.net for other location availability.

If I sign up at SSEC can I use EBTech Wi-Fi at Stokes?

Yes, you can. Free trials will only work at the location that provides the trial. Please refer to the sign in website at any of the hotspot locations for details.

Why do I want Wi-Fi access?

If you are an Internet power user that needs to have access to the Internet for business or pleasure, this is a “must have” service. From business meetings in the restaurant to checking the latest weather patterns from your boat to enjoying a hockey game while checking you critical e-mail messages, this service is designed for you!

I am currently an EBTECH customer. Do I get a discount?

Yes, please call our sales staff at Electro-Byte Technologies for further information and pricing. You can reach us at (519) 332-8235.

Can I be billed monthly for this service like my Internet bill, using automatic withdrawal?

Yes, we can bill your account in the same fashion. Please call our sales representatives for further details. You can reach them at (519) 332-8235.

Will my microwave oven interfere with my Wi-Fi network?

Microwave ovens operate in the 2.4 GHz spectrum, the same radio spectrum used by 802.11b/g Wi-Fi wireless networks. That means they can cause interference — but in most instances this will simply slow down the Wi-Fi connection; it won't stop the transmission or break the connection. Interference usually only happens with older microwave ovens. You can also try changing the channel on which your Wi-Fi network operates. In addition, some manufacturers have developed and implemented special technologies that can minimize interference from cordless phones and ovens.

My signal level is poor. What can I do?

There can be a number of reasons why the connection is poor. Make sure that there are not any obstructions blocking the line of sight to the main antenna (access point). Be sure to ask precisely where the antenna is located where you purchased the wireless access. Some wireless access cards may also not produce enough signal in order to connect to the access point. If this is the problem, purchasing additional equipment may be required. Call an EBTech salesperson or technician to discuss some alternative options.

My signal level fluctuates. Is this a problem?

This is not really a problem. Frequently the access point will refresh the connection which can cause this to happen. It should never cause the connection to disconnect. If it disconnects, try going to an un-obstructed area so that the access point can communicate with your computer easier. You may require an external antenna in some cases to get proper connectivity to the location that you want to use it from. If you would like further details, please call us at (519)332-8580.

I am finding that the connection is not stable even with good signal quality. What can I do?

Microsoft has released a Window XP update known as Service Pack 2 or SP2. This update can correct some or all of the issues that are causing the connection to be unstable. Try installing this update to correct the problem. You can find the update online by using the Windows Update, located under Tools in the Internet Explorer. If you need assistance with this, please call us at our support number at (519)332-8580.

I am prompted for my username and password and they don't seem to work when I enter them. What's wrong?

The username and password has to be entered correctly as it is case sensitive. If there are any changes in the case, it will not allow you to login. You should verify that you do not have the CAPSLOCK key turned on. If it is still not accepting the username and password, verify that you are using the same wireless access card that you signed up with. If you do not use the same card, it will not work. It is also possible that your EBTech Wi-Fi account has expired.

When does the expiry date get assigned?

The expiry date will be assigned when you first connect to the service.

Why can't I choose my own password and/or username?

We want to make the service as accessible as possible. To ensure this service is available after normal business hours, the usernames & passwords need to be automatically assigned. Once you connect to the network, however, you may visit wifi.ebtech.net and log in to change your password.

Did you come across a problem that this documentation does not answer?

Please call us at Electro-Byte Technologies (EBTech) so that we may assist you. We can be reached at our office at:
559 Exmouth Street
Sarnia Ontario
N7T 5P6
Phone: 519-332-8235
Support Phone: 519-332-8580
E-mail: support@ebtech.net

Home | Internet Access | Tech Services | Web Design | Client Services