Ichiwawa
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Frequently Asked Questions


Wireless (Wi-Fi) General FAQ'S
1. What is a Hot Spot?
2. What do I need to access the service?
3. Where can I purchase a wireless ethernet card?
4. How fast is the HotSpot?
5. How does it work?
6. Can I access my corporate network using a Hot Spot?
7. Do I need to download or install any special software to connect?
8. How do I secure my connection to the Internet through the Hot Spot?

Wireless (Wi-Fi) Usage FAQ'S
1. I am at an ichiwawa HotSpot location. How do I get on the Internet?
2. What operating systems are currently compatible with the service?
3. How do I install the software drivers for my wireless network card?
4. How do I know if my wireless network card is supported?
5. Can I access my personal email account?
6. Can I connect using a Macintosh computer?
7. Can I connect using a handheld device?
8. What if I have problems accessing my VPN or Corporate Intranet?


Wireless (Wi-Fi) General Answers:

1. What is a Hot Spot?
A Hot Spot is high-speed wireless Internet access located in convenient public locations in office buildings, such as airports, airline clubs and select coffeehouses.

2. What do I need to access the service?
You will need two things to begin using a Hot Spot. First you will need a laptop or handheld with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless capability. Your existing device may already have this capability built-in. If not, you can purchase a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless networking card for most laptops and many handheld's from major electronics retailers or direct from the manufacturer. When your device is wireless-enabled, you will need to set your SSID (or network identifier) to “any”. Refer to your wireless network card documentation for specific instructions on how to make this change. Second, you will need a standard Internet-ready browser on any operating system. No additional software is required.

3. Where can I purchase a wireless ethernet card?
You can purchase a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless networking card for most laptops and many handheld's from major electronics retailers or direct from the manufacturer.

4. How fast is Hot Spot service?
The Wi-Fi 802.11b/g technology allows for speeds up to 54 Mbps, but throughput is governed by the speed at which the device is connected

5. How does the service work?
Ichiwawa installs access points at the HotSpots which transmit a radio signal wirelessly to a user's Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless network card. With a properly installed wireless network card, a user launches their browser from within a Hot Spot . With full connectivity to the Internet, customers can access any Internet resources, as well as any corporate networks to which they haveaccess from the Internet.

6. Can I access my corporate network in a HotSpot?
If your employer has provided you with a virtual private network (VPN) client and a firewall, you can seamlessly access your corporate network. We strongly recommends that its customers take measures to ensure the security of their wireless connections, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), encryption and firewall's. As with any wireless communication, Wi-Fi is not inherently secure and you should ensure you have adequate security safeguards in place.

7. Do I need to download or install any special software to connect to the Internet?
The only software you will need is the software driver for your Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless network card and an Internet-ready web browser.

8. How do I secure my wireless connection to the Internet?
We strongly recommends that its customers take measures to ensure the security of their wireless connections, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), encryption and firewall's. As with any high-speed wireless service, the Hot Spot network is not inherently secure. Furthermore, wireless communications can be intercepted by equipment and software designed for that purpose. Notwithstanding our efforts to enhance security with respect to the service, we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of these efforts and will not be liable to you or any other party for any lack of security that may result from your use of the service or your device. You are responsible for taking such precautions and providing such security measures best suited for your situation and intended use of the service.


Wi-Fi (Wireless) Usage Answers:

1. I am at a HotSpot.. How do I get on the Internet?
If you are in a ichiwawa location and your Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless network card is properly installed, launch your browser.

2. What operating systems are currently compatible with the service?
Our HotSpots are not OS-specific, and will work with any operating systems as long as there is a compatible, Internet-ready browser such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Netscape Navigator.

3. How do I install the software drivers for my wireless network card?
Software drivers differ depending on the specific wireless network card you purchase. Refer to the documentation that came with your wireless network card for specific instructions.

4. How do I know if my wireless network card is supported by an Ichiwawa HotSpot?
An Ichiwawa Hotspot is a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g network; therefore, any Wi-Fi certified wireless network card will work. Look for the Wi-Fi certification on the wireless network card before purchasing it.

5. Can I access my personal email account from a HotSpot?
You can access any web-based email account such as Yahoo.com or Hotmail.com. You can also access corporate email accounts if your employer provides you with a virtual private network (VPN) client and a firewall. ichiwawa strongly recommends that its customers take measures to ensure the security of their wireless connections, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), encryption and firewall's. As with any wireless communication, a HotSpot is not inherently secure and you should ensure you have adequate security safeguards in place.

6. Can I connect using a Macintosh computer?
Yes. Macs with AirPort cards installed usually require little or no configuration. See the AirPort card documentation for specific instructions.

7. Can I connect using a handheld device?
You can connect any wi-fi enabled handheld device such as a Pocket PC. Please note that Palm devices use a proprietary web browser which is not compatible with a Hot Spot or Hot Building network. Any handheld that supports the Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless technology and utilizes a standard Internet-ready browser can be used with a Hot Spot .

8. What if I have problems accessing my VPN or Corporate Intranet?
If you are experiencing any problems accessing your corporate network using a virtual private network (VPN), please check with your company IT department.