With the multitude of service types and technologies available, trying to figure out which one will best suit your needs can be confusing. Cirra Networks understands this and is providing this guide to help you simplify the decision making process. Or, you may give us a call at any time.

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 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.

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.

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.

• 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 Cirranet DSL service. You may inquire with Cirranet with your location address information to determine if DSL can be obtained before you consider establishing phone service with AT&T.

Fixed Wireless Broadband

• 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).