How does S&A COMMUNICATIONS Internet service work?

S&A COMMUNICATIONS provides an Internet connection via Metro Ethernet system. A Network Switch is installed on your roof with an attached Optical Fiber Media Convertor  This media convertor is connected through Optical Fiber Cable to a Core Network Switch. When you send and receive information over the Internet, it goes over the Distribution Switch to Media Convertor and then to Core Switch. From there that information travels over our “backhaul,” which is a point to point Optical Fiber link to a hooked directly to the Internet. S&A COMMUNICATIONS service has very low “latency” (or delay) compared to satellite Internet, where signals must travel thousands of miles into space. S&A COMMUNICATIONS is well suited for digital phone (also known as Voice over Internet Protocol/VoIP) and other uses such as VPNs or gaming. 

How is it wired into my home?

S&A COMMUNICATIONS professionally mounts an network switch on your roof, then runs a CAT 5 wire down the outside wall of your home (we try to follow a rain gutter to hide the cable). We then bring the wire into your home by drilling a small hole or following an existing entry into the home such as a duct or prior cable. An Ethernet jack is then installed on the Cat5 cable (your computer should have an Ethernet port ‐ all new computers do. An older computer may need an adapter). If you need additional inside wiring to extend the connection into your home, you may need to hire a wiring contractor or may want to consider using a wireless router (available at computer stores) to distribute the connection throughout your home. 

How do I connect multiple computers to the connection?

S&A COMMUNICATIONS will install a single Ethernet jack inside your home. If you have more than one computer, you will need to purchase your own wireless router. A router acts as a splitter, allowing up to four computers to be plugged in directly, and it also wirelessly sends your Internet signal throughout your home to any computer or laptop with a wireless card. An 802.11g wireless router typically can be purchased from any computer or office supply store.

Does weather affect the service?

Weather will not cause a degradation of service even in many severe storms. Your connection will remain stable even during heavy rains that are continuous over several hours/days. Only lightning may cause a degradation of service.

What are the computer requirements for S&A COMMUNICATIONS Internet?

Recommended requirements: Pentium 233mhz or higher; Windows 98 or higher; 64MB RAM or higher; 100MB free hard drive space. You need to have an Ethernet port on your computer or a wireless router with a wireless card in your computer to receive our service. All newer computers have an Ethernet port; for an older computer you can purchase a card at any computer store to add an Ethernet port. You can also purchase wireless routers and cards at a computer store. 

How does S&A COMMUNICATIONS Internet access differ from standard dial‐up?

Unlike dial‐up, our service is always on. This means that there is no dialing, no waiting, and no need for a second phone line. In fact, our service doesn’t require a phone
line at all. There is also a dramatic difference in speed ‐ S&A COMMUNICATIONS is over 100 times faster than dial‐up service. 

How long will it take to set up service?

We can typically have service installed within several days of placing an order. Once we’ve determined that the service will work at your location, it takes about 2‐3
hours to complete the installation.

Can I do the high‐speed Internet installation myself?

Not at the present time.

What about e‐mail accounts?

If you already have free e‐mail accounts (i.e., Yahoo!, MSN, Hotmail, G‐mail, etc.) you can access these accounts over the S&A COMMUNICATIONS Internet connection. S&A COMMUNICATIONS also provides e‐mail accounts that are included with the Internet service, and they can be accessed via the web or from a PC based e‐mail program such as Outlook Express or Thunderbird.

 

For further information, please call us at 8080805853