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Wireless Networks FAQ

What is an AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot?

An AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot allows locations to provides internet access to mobile computers (such as a laptop or a PDA) without connection cables. Instead, it uses radio communication between the computer and the AirSpot Access Points.

There are several versions of wireless Ethernet in use today. AirSpot locations are fully certified to comply with the popular IEEE 802.11b "high rate" standard (also known as 'Wi-Fi' or 'WLAN'), therefore devices that use this protocol (such as Proxim's Orinoco PC cards and Apple's Airport, and many other devices which work on Microsoft Windows and Linux platforms) will work in an AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot.

Why are we doing this?

The key advantage of wireless Ethernet is flexibility. Your PC does not have to be chained to a network jack. Network access can be found in places previously not available (at a shopping mall, in the street, on the beach, in a public library etc), allowing you to keep in touch while on site or relaxing outdoors . In conference rooms, hotel rooms and other venues, access to the network can be provided for less cost than with wired networks.

How fast is it?

The Wi-Fi standard has a nominal speed of 11 megabits per second (Mbps), which is substantially faster than most dialup, cable and DSL modems.

To put that into perspective, cable and DSL modems are normally 512K (or 0.5Mbps), and a 56K modem connection is .056 Mbps.

Is it secure?

In order to facilitate access to the AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot, most security options are disabled.  While no AirSpot user can connect to any other AirSpot user directly, a malicious user can spy on what traffic is passing through.

You may see literature saying that the 802.11b standard includes provisions for optional 40- or 128-bit link-level encryption over the air, however, current implementations require the encryption key to be shared by all users of the wireless LAN, effectively eliminating the usefulness of this security feature in an open-access environment.

In short, it is no more and no less secure than a regular internet connection, and should be dealt with as such.

Is it safe?

Lucent Technologies makes the following statement:

Because WaveLAN operates at .25 watts in a bursty mode (cellular phones go up to 3 watts and microwave ovens leak more than that), a user is probably in more danger talking on the car phone or cooking dinner than they are using wireless ethernet.

All devices are approved by the EU directive 1999/5/EC

Requirements and Setup

Your first resource should be our Connection Guides.

What hardware and OS platforms does AirSpot support and recommend?

AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspots support any 802.11b, Wi-Fi-certified card or Intel Centrino laptop.  Recommended cards are:

  • Proxim's Orinoco Gold/Silver PC cards for Windows 98/2000/XP
  • Apple Airport for MacOS

How much will this cost me?

If you have an Intel Centrino laptop, absolutely nothing!  The wireless card is already built into your laptop.  Wireless Ethernet PC cards for laptops and PDAs cost less than Lm50 (You can purchase a Proxim Orinoco PC Card directly from Air Wireless. Click here for more info.). 

I have Linux, will it work?

As long as you have the right drivers for your wireless Ethernet card, you will be able to use any AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot.  Linux drivers exist for the Proxim Orinoco PC cards, however due to the large number of different Linux distributions we do not offer support. If you have questions you should read the documentation supplied by your card.

Will the Wireless card conflict with my Ethernet card/modem? Whom do I call for support?

Both devices should function properly if you only use one at a time.  If you encounter problems, first make sure you have installed both cards according to the installation instructions that came with the modem/Ethernet card and the wireless card, then contact the manufacturers for support.

Do I need to register somewhere before I can use an AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot?

No, one simple setting is all you need to connect to an AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot (see below).  Once you set up the wireless link, simply start up your internet browser (eg. Netscape or Internet Explorer) and visit a website of your choice.  You will automatically be redirected to the AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot login page where you will be presented with the login options available.

Can I have a static, public IP/hostname?

No, AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspots do not use public IP addresses.  However, if your laptop/PDA is configured with a static IP address, you do not need to change your settings, as the AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot controller will adapt to your configuration.

It's not working, is there more support available?

Of course, simply call the AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot helpline on (+356) 9944 1166.

Using AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspots

How can I tell if I'm connected to the network or how strong a connection I have?

Macintosh:  
The Airport Control Strip in the bottom left corner of your screen will have lit green dots indicating the strength of the connection. If there are no lit green dots, then you are out of range.
   
Windows PCs
There will be a connection icon in the System tray:
Icon Description Color
If you see green bars, you are connected and have good performance. Green
If you see yellow bars, you are connected, but may have slower performance. If you want better performance, you can move to another location until you see green bars. Yellow
If you see one red bar, you have no connection at all and will need to move to another location to connect. Red

What happens if I move around the location while I'm connected?

Your Wireless card will always try to connect to the strongest signal it can find.  As soon as another AirSpot Wi-Fi Access Point has a stronger signal your connection will switch seamlessly, providing you with uninterrupted service.

What happens if I leave and then re-enter the coverage area?

Leaving the coverage area will destroy your connection. Upon re-entering, in unlikely circumstances, you may need to re-login with your AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot username and password, however most of the time, you will be able to continue where you left off.

Will AppleTalk/Microsoft File-Sharing work?

For security reasons,  AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspots only allow TCP/IP connections to the internet.

Can I print?

Some AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot locations are equipped with printing facilities for public use.  This will be clearly indicated through signage at the location.  Please ask the location supervisor or contact us via e-mail for more information and setup instructions.

Air Wireless policy on Wi-Fi networking

With the rapidly growing popularity of low cost wireless Ethernet come some obstacles to the proper operation and performance of this technology. Due to the shared nature of the rather small 2.4 GHz ISM band, we all must be aware of the potential negative effects of interfering wireless devices.

Examples of wireless devices which can interfere, especially with the 2.4 GHz ISM band which is used for Wireless Ethernet include:

  • 2.4 GHz spread spectrum cordless phones
  • 2.4 GHz consumer short distance wireless video links
  • Wireless Ethernet Access Points including the Apple Airport Base Station and the Macintosh computer operating as a software base station.
  • Any computer operating in IEEE 802.11b Ad-Hoc mode
  • Some scientific equipment.

Devices such as these should not be operated in designated AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot locations without prior written consent of the location owner and/or Air Wireless due to the interference they can cause with the wireless network infrastructure. Air Wireless is committed to supporting the use of wireless networking.  If your organization has the need for wireless networking or the use of other 2.4 GHz ISM or 5.8 GHz U-NII transmitters in close proximity to an AirSpot Wi-Fi Hotspot, please contact us via hotspot@air.com.mt so that we can work together to meet your needs.

Your cooperation is appreciated and will ensure an efficient and well-structured wireless network.
   


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