General

• What is broadband internet service?

  Broadband means data transferred at speeds of at least 256Kbps (Kilobits per second) in both directions.

• What kinds of internet services are available from Cirra Networks?

  Cirra Networks uses several technologies in order to provide internet service. They are dial-up, DSL Broadband, and Fixed Wireless. Your location may qualify for more than one service we are capable of delivering. So give us a call to see what services are available to you.

• What are the system requirements for my PC to use Cirra Networks Service?

  Your PC must have a 10 BaseT or 100 BaseT Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC). We do not load any software onto your computer. You do need Windows 95 or newer or Apple's Mac OS 8.5 or greater, and a web browser.

• When I call technical support, do you see what I see on my computer?

  No, we do not see what you see on your computer.

• When I surf the internet do you see what sites I've been to?

  No, but we can see the amount of IP traffic passing on your connection.

• When should I call technical support?

  You should call technical support anytime you can't get online or you have an issue with your email.

• Does your service come with a firewall / anti-virus software?

  No, it is up to you to make sure you PC is secure. We can suggest several internet security programs, click here for our recommendations.

• Does your service limit the amount of time I can spend online?

  We do not limit the use of your connection, surf the internet for as long as you like.

• Will VOIP service such as Vonage work with your service?

  VoIP service needs at least 250Kbps up and 250Kbps down. However, we do not support VoIP networks and we cannot guarantee that they will work for you.

• Why can't I access Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, YouTube, et al ?

  If you are able to connect to other websites, the problem may be that those sites are down. One way to check is to visit: www.downrightnow.com to see the status of those websites.

• Can I keep my AOL service?

  You may keep your existing AOL email addresses. Contact AOL directly for information on this service.

• Can more than one computer share the connection?

  Yes, there is no additional charge for multiple computers. Our service requires a router to separate the customer's network from our network when using multiple computers. The router acts as a firewall to protect the customer's home network from Internet attacks and is an administrative demarcation point that allows customers to build their home network independently.

• Do I have to use a router with your service?

  We do not require the use of a router, you can hook it up directly to a single computer. A router allows you to have multiple computers in your home connected to the internet simultaneously. Additional benefits of the router include an extra layer of firewall protection beyond the typical software firewalls built in to the most popular computer operating systems. If you choose to use a router, any broadband router that has an Ethernet port (10BaseT or 100BaseT) as its WAN or Internet port will work. This includes the wireless routers that are most current and popular.

• What is involved in the installation?

  With DSL, you can choose to have us send you the equipment, and you can install it. It is normally quite simple. You can also choose to have one of our professional technicians install your system.
  
  Wireless internet must be professionally installed. We install a small antenna on or near the roof of your home or business. Then a Cat5 cable is run down and into your home to the computer or router. There is not a self-install option.

• What is the typical lead time to have your service installed?

  DSL takes about 5 business days to activate. Wireless can normally be done within one week, depending on our install schedule.

Fixed Wireless Broadband

• Are there any health or safety concerns with the wireless signal?

  The technology we use operates at very low power levels (4 Watts), similar to a cell phone, and much less than the amount that is emitted by your microwave oven. Also, radio frequency power drops dramatically as you move away from the power source.

• What is Fixed Wireless Broadband?

  Fixed Wireless Broadband is a system that uses mostly microwave radio gear to transmit data. Cirra Networks provides Fixed Wireless Broadband service with download speeds of up to 2.5Mbps and up to 768Kbps upload.

• Will weather affect my Cirra Networks Service?

  The effects of weather on microwave radio signals vary based on the frequency used and the distance traveled. Signal degradation is minimal even in heavy fog or rain due to the frequencies we use.

• How does Wireless Broadband from Cirra Networks compare to Satellite internet?

  Wireless broadband is sometime confused with satellite because they are both forms of wireless communication. The difference is that Cirra Networks uses a land based microwave radio system that uses short-range links is comparable to wired links like DSL so the performance stays high. satellite links have a lengthy delay due to the roughly 23,000 mile round trip to geosynchronous satellites. This latency causes a drop in performance on many online games, and other two-way interactive applications.

• Will I be able to play on Xbox Live with the fixed wireless service?

  Yes, Xbox Live requires a broadband connection. Broadband is a data connection of greater than 256 kilobytes per second (kps).

• How large is the antenna used to provide your service? Will I need a permit or HOA approval to place it on my building or home?

  In most cases the equipment used is smaller and less obtrusive than a TV Satellite Dish. Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 prohibits restrictions on the use of "Over-the-Air Reception Devices" from government (cities or counties) or non-government (landlords or homeowner associations) entities. The ruling pertains to antennas less than 1 meter in diameter and less than 12 feet above roofline. You may still want to contact your homeowners association or landlord for any guidelines they may have on placement of the antenna. For more information, you can get a fact sheet from the FCC at www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html or contact us with any questions.

DSL

• What is DSL?

  DSL or digital subscriber line is a technology for data transmission over a telephone line. It requires an external modem and can download data up to 6Mbps and upload up to 768Kbps. DSL, as opposed to dial up access, allows you to talk on the phone and surf the Internet all at one time. There is no "dialing up" necessary to connect. With DSL, you are always connected. No need for that extra phone line for the computer.

• How does Cirra Networks DSL compare to dial-up?

  With dial-up, you must “dial in” with a modem over a phone line. The speed of dial-up service is between 20kbps to 50kbps. While you are on-line, you are not able to talk on the phone while surfing the net. With DSL, the connection is much faster, always on and you can talk on the phone while browsing the internet. DSL speeds can be as fast as up to 6Mbps in select areas.

• What kind of DSL software would be installed on my computer?

  None! With Cirra Networks DSL service, there is no software to install!

• Is DSL available at my home?

  We would need to qualify your location, please contact our office at (817) 259-1100 and we would be glad to see which of our services are available to you.

• Does DSL require a phone line?

  Yes, DSL is high speed access achieved via a land telephone line. You must have an AT&T telephone number for Cirra Networks DSL service. You may inquire with Cirra Networks with your location address information to determine if DSL can be obtained before you consider establishing phone service with AT&T.

• Is my monthly telephone bill included with my DSL charges?

  No, your DSL connection wil use your existing phone line, but your phone service will still be provided by your phone company. Your regular monthly telephone service charges are not included in Cirra Networks DSL service charges.

Dial-Up

• What is dial-up?

  Dial-up is a form of internet access via telephone lines. The computer uses an attached modem connected to a telephone line to dial into an Internet Service Providers node to establish a modem to modem link. Typically the speed for a dial up connection runs between 20Kbps and 50Kbps.

• What is the fastest speed for dial-up?

  Modern dial-up modems typically have a maximum theoretical speed of 56Kbps (using the V.92 protocol), although in most cases only up to 53Kbps is possible due to overhead and FCC regulation. These speeds are currently considered the maximum possible; in many cases transfer speeds will be lower, averaging anywhere between 21-43Kbps. Factors such as phone line noise, phone line conditions, and weather as well as the quality of the modem itself, if the modem is external or internal, all play a large part in the speed of your dial-up connection.

• Is dial-up still useful?

  Dial-up is an inexpensive alternative to broadband service that is good for general internet browsing and checking email. It is also a viable option that can be used as a back-up to a broadband connection.