Le Chateau Royal Condominium
High Speed Wireless (WIFI)
Internet Access
Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs are written for both the basic and advanced users. Don’t worry if one or more of them seem unclear. You still should be able to get internet access without any real problem with help from a friend or me. wifi@lechateauroyal.net
1. What is the condo High Speed WIFI?
The Condominium Association provides a High Speed Wireless Internet Access, “WIFI”, for its residents. The service is similar to the “free” service available at a local local library, Panera Bread, or Palm Beach Airport for the general public. WIFI allows you to read email, share photos, surf the internet, and much more.
WIFI is built on standard, proven, wireless technology that has been available for several years. It supports wireless "B" and "G" access.
2. Who can access the service?
The condo WIFI is intended for its residents. A Network Access Key will be provided to the residents.
3. Suppose I have several computers can they all access the service?
Yes.
4. Can I get a wired connection?
WIFI provides a robust connection to the internet, and no wired connection should be needed. However, if you feel you require one, please provide more detail on your specific needs.
5. What speed can I expect?
Hard to say. Your speed will depend on the specific location of your PC and the combined usage of all condo users. The condo’s WIFI internet service provider runs at 6Mbps. Owners and tenants should quite pleased with the WIFI service.
6. Can I get WIFI throughout my apartment?
You should be able to get good WIFI reception throughout your unit, but there may be some specific places where the reception will be restricted, specifically in areas right next to metal bi-fold doors and large mirrors that many apartments have. If you get very poor reception throughout your unit send email me with the unit number to wifi@lechateauroyal.net.
7. Can I get WIFI elsewhere in the Le Chateau area?
WIFI is availabe in the Clubhouse and should also be available at pool-side.
8. Is my usage limited?
No. You can use the WIFI as often as you like. However, see the next FAQs regarding streaming.
9. Can I stream audio or video?
Please DO NOT stream video or high-fidelity audio to your PC. It will cause the entire network to slow down.
10.What about other streaming services like quotes or news servers?
They do not usually take a lot of network resources and should be ok.
11.Can I download files from news groups?
You can, but if the file is a “biggy” like 4GB, it will cause some effect on others.
12.How secure is the access?
WIFI should be considered unsecured, just like other public WIFI services.
13.Is there a “firewall” set up?
Yes. The service is behind a firewall.
14.What steps do I need to take to make sure my computer is secure?
Unless you know exactly what you are doing, make sure your computer has sharing TURNED OFF (this is the default setup for most computers), and use the information contained in the next several steps. If you use your PC at the office and they require that you use sharing, remember that you will be on a public WIFI network in the condo.
15. I have one of the common suites of computer protection, i.e., Norton or McAfee. Is this all I need?
Those and others like them do a good job.
16.Do I need a firewall on my computer?
I suggest running a firewall on your computer. For most Windows XP/Vista PCs there is a built-in firewall that can be used. Norton and McAfee usually have a firewall included in their package.
17.Can I use the ZoneAlarm firewall?
Yes.
18.Do I need virus and spyware detection software?
Yes.
19.Can I print to my printer?
Yes. You can print to a printer attached to your computer. Note that if your printer is set for “Sharing”, others might be able to send output to it. I strongly recommend that you make sure your printer is set for No Sharing.
20. What if I have a wireless printer?
At this time I don’t know what support there will be for wireless printers.
21.What operating systems will work on this service?
Almost all current operating systems will work: Windows 98/2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS, Linux and others.
22.Will Apple/Macs work?
Yes.
23.Can I access other computers on the condo WIFI?
I will attempt to restrict access from one computer to another. Remember, the condo WIFI should be considered unsecured.
24.What is the cost to the residents?
At present it is free. Also, there are no installation charges.
25.Will it remain that way?
That is up to the board of directors.
26.What do I need to access the service?
Your computer needs to be equipped for wireless access. See the following for what fits your situation:
a. Laptops: Many are equipped with a built-in adapter. If not you will need to get one that is available from local computer/electronics stores.
b. Desktops: You can get a wireless adapter that fits into your computer.
c. Others: Some of the networking vendors make a standalone wireless adapter that connects to a USB port.
27.How do I access and use the WIFI?
It varies depending on the wireless adapter that you have and the software that supports it. Basically though, it follows this procedure:
a. Make sure your adapter is enabled and set to accept addresses. Some laptops have the adapter, but it’s not enabled initially. If you don’t know, send me email and I will attempt to help.
b. Some laptops have a switch or a specific key that turns on the adapter and/or antenna. Make sure that it is “ON”.
c. Use the software for the wireless adapter to find a network from the condo. The software will find them with names: LeChateauRoyal- with either an E or W and number to designate the building/floor and possibly an “A”.
d. Choose and connect to the network with the best signal strength according to the software you are using.
e. The networks are WEP security enabled. The network key will be given out at separately.
Although this seems complicated it is really quite easy. You don't have to be a "Geek" to use this service. Just walk into any Panera Bread at lunchtime and see the number of computers connected to the Internet.
28.Is there a recommended list of devices to ensure access?
No. But if you look in bestbuy.com and search for “wireless networking” devices you will find many.
29.Can I FAX over the WIFI?
No. But there are internet based FAX providers that can be used.
30. Will I be able to access my email?
Yes. You will be able to access your email as you do normally, such as with a web browser, Outlook or Outlook Express, Thunderbird, other email “clients”, and AOL email via the internet.
If you use Outlook or Outlook Express you may be required to change some settings. If you find you are unable to "Send" email via Outlook or OE, over the WIFI please use your web browser interface and email me which provider is hosting your email.
31. Does the condo supply email addresses?
No.
32. Will I be able to download pictures?
Yes.
33. Will I be able to do other things?
You should be able to do most everything that you do today. If you have some specific questions about what will/not work, contact me at the email given below.
34. Will AOL work?
Yes.
35. Will WebTV work over the WIFI service?
There are some WebTVs on the market that indicate wired and wireless support for a broadband connection. I have not seen any, nor have any experience with them. If a resident has such a device I will attemp to help. Please contact me as indicated below and provide make and model of your WebTV.
A WebTV user should be able to access their email with a PC via the WIFI using Outlook or Outlook Express using - pop.webtv.net or possibly using hotmail.com – although I am not sure about that method.
36. What limitations are being imposed?
You will not be able to run “server” type applications.
37. What about port forwarding and vpn.
If you “must have” a port forwarded please send an email with the port number and description of the application. VPN should work ok if you use it in other public wifi places.
38. What is the current status?
The East, West, and Clubhouse buildings are wired and installed with High Speed WIFI access points. All buildings have users aboard and report no problems.
39. How is the WIFI supported?
WIFI support is enabled through diagnostic information on access point and modem status. Remote access has been activated for real time monitoring.
40. Information captured and privacy.
No information regarding user browsing or history is captured by the WIFI.
41. How do I ask questions or report problems.
Send email to wifi@lechateauroyal.net I will try to get you a response quickly.