Wireless Internet

In the past decade Internet technology has grown rapidly to become the largest data resource in the world. Currently, there are many ways to access the Internet including the popular dial up connection and the recent rise of ADSL, but one of the latest technologies to hit the net now is that of wireless networking. Wireless networking is not a new technology, it has been around for quite some time, but only recently has it been made affordable for home and small business use. Wireless networking simply refers to creating a network with no wires or cables. This is achieved in one of 2 ways, either using radio frequency or an infra-red port connection.

Wireless internet is a new technology and not many internet service providers offer it. Wireless internet refers to establishing an internet connection over a wireless network via an antenna. At West Australian Networks we offer Internet access over a Wireless Network in a number of locations including (but not limited to) Malaga, Belmont, Kewdale, Canningvale, Jandakot and surrounding suburbs in WA .

Benefits of Wireless

A wireless internet connection is very fast and stable as opposed to other broadband solutions. Some areas in the Perth metropolitan area that don't have broadband connectivity would benefit greatly with a Wireless connection. One such area is Kewdale, a thriving industrial suburb of Perth.

Wireless internet does not need to be connected to any main phone line hence the line would be freed for other uses. To connect to wireless internet would just be a matter of setting up a long range antenna which will establish a connection as soon as it can pick up our signal. Wireless internet is also very affordable as opposed to prices 5 years ago and is also very easy to install. It is just a matter of installing all the hardware and software and you'll be ready to access the internet.

Wireless networks are also very efficient. In some instances Wireless Internet has proven to be faster than a broadband connection. Most broadband solutions offer a fixed download/upload ratio, but with wireless, the speed at which you download can be the same as what you upload. Hence you are not restricted to fast download speeds and slow upload speeds. This makes wireless versatile and a worthwhile solution for businesses in demand of fast internet access.

How Does Wireless Internet Work?

Wireless Internet is achieved by sending data on a radio frequency rather than the conventional way through copper wiring (phone lines). This is achieved by using a long range antenna and a wireless network card. The antenna will pick up radio waves from our own Wireless Internet access point and send data to your server terminal through a Wireless Network Card. This network interface differs from the conventional Ethernet network card as it is responsible for converting radio wave signals to manageable computer data.

This concept works similar to watching TV or listening to the radio. As soon as your hardware is up and running a connection would be established. Your computer would then be able to send and receive information on this network.

For wireless Internet to be fully operational a line of sight must be visible between the antenna and our access point. Distance depends on how powerful the antenna is, but typically the closer an antenna is to an access point, the better the reception will be. Hence the transfer speed would be greater. Our access point located at our offices in Kewdale can provide access for the whole Kewdale area.

Upon completion of the application form a West Australian Networks representative will come to your premises to see if it is feasible to install Wireless Internet. A check of line of sight with the West Australian Networks access point is needed to calculate this. For more information please consult the frequently asked questions (FAQ) at the end of this page.

Wireless Internet Locations

To be able to establish a wireless internet connection, an antenna must be within 22kms and in the line of sight of an access point. You will need to contact us and discuss you location, specifically whether you are in one of our coverage areas or not. Vast tracks of the Perth metro area are covered but we do not offer the service out side of the metro at this time. That does not mean we will not do it for you, simply drop us a line with your request and we will look into it for you. Malaga, Kewdale, Belmont, Canning vale and Jandakot are the areas of high demand and these are covered.

Costs of Wireless Internet

The cost for Wireless internet depends on the transfer speed of your connection and how much data you wish to download. Below is a basic price scheme, but it is indicative only, a number of points needs to be confirmed prior to a firm price being supplied so a site visit is required.

The Setup fee (POA Price On Application) is generally in the region of $450.00 for a 36mth contract - $1200.00 for no contract, consisting of an Access Point, Antenna, Mast, Mounting Kit, labour to install and configure, Cable and sundries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wireless Internet?
Wireless Internet refers to accessing the internet by means of electromagnetic waves (radio frequency) instead of conventional copper wiring (phone lines). This is achieved using an antenna with a direct line of sight with a host antenna (access point) that sends Internet data.

What are the benefits of Wireless Internet?
A wireless connection is very fast and stable and would benefit areas where broadband connections may not be possible. Wireless internet is also very affordable and may be a cheaper option for a small business.

Am I able to get Wireless Internet?
Currently, wireless internet is only possible if you are within the line of sight of one of our access points located at (but not limited to) Malaga, Belmont, Kewdale, Canningvale, Jandakot in WA

How fast is a Wireless Internet connection?
Wireless Internet is as fast as a broadband connection, though in some instances it may even be faster. This is because Wireless internet is able to balance the bandwidth for uploading and downloading data. Say you had a 512k Wireless connection; you would be able to download and upload at 256k, but with a 512k ADSL connection you can download at 512k but could only upload at 128k. It depends on your needs which option you chose to go for. The speed of a wireless internet connection also depends on the distance you are from the access point. Working the same way as TV reception, the closer you are to the station the better reception you will have.

What hardware will I need?
The basic wireless set up includes:

• Dish/Antenna - Used to pick up and send radio waves from or to an access point. Consists of a mast and a dish which comes in different heights and sizes depending on your distance from the access point.
• Cabletron Card - Network interface card used to connect to a wireless system. About the size of a thick playing card, is used to convert radio wave data into computer data.
• PCI Converter - Connects to the PCI slot in a computer and has a slot for the Cabletron card to be placed into it. Works as an adapter for the computer and Cabletron card.
• Coaxial Cable - The cable used to connect the antenna to the computer.
• N Type Connectors - Basic connectors which are used to connect coaxial cabling to the antenna
• Pig Tail - A short length of cable which connects the coaxial cable to the Cabletron card. One side is a large coaxial jack and the other is a small connecter for the slim network interface card.

Which plan is best suited for me?
This comes down to the transfer speed and the size of data you wish to download. Fast speed and a high data download limit would be more expensive. The price for wireless internet is very competitive with that of an ADSL connection. If you are in an area which does not have broadband, then wireless internet would be a more feasible option. The amount of data you wish to download will reflect the type of plan you would use. Please check out the pricing chart for an indication of plan costs.

How long does it take to install a Wireless Internet connection?
Installation of all the hardware and software to get your wireless internet up and running will range from roughly 2-4 hours, depending on the size of your antenna. Once a signed contract is received installation woudl be occur normally within 10 working days.

How is Wireless Internet installed?
Our trained technicians will first inspect your site to make sure you are able to get a wireless internet connection. We will then provide a proposal and install the infrastructure if you wish to go ahead. The antenna is first mounted on a roof top or elevated location, the necessary cabling will then be installed and then the hardware for the PC. After all the connections have been made the necessary software and system drivers will be installed on the computer. Your wireless internet connection will then be up and running.

How much does Wireless Internet cost?
A wireless internet connection can be installed with no up front fees with a 12 or 24 month contract plan. Monthly fees are calculated depending on the transfer speed and data download limit. You may also wish to pay for the installation costs up front which would reduce the amount of the monthly fees. Prices will be negotiated in a proposal.

What happens if I choose to cancel my Wireless Internet?
There will be a cancellation fee if you are on a contract plan and that contract has not yet expired. The amount of the fee will depend on the time left you have on the contract. If your link is disconnected within the contract period (normally 12 or 24 mths) then the disconnection will incur a fee of the balance of monthly package fees for the remainder of the contract term.

For more information and a free quote, contact us at 62679130 or email us.