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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beech Grove Wireless?
Beech Grove Wireless is the name of the City of Beech Grove's high-speed wireless Internet service (Wi-Fi1).
I Live in Beech Grove, But on a Boundary or in a Corner - Can I Get Wireless Service?
Yes, the project calls for coverage for all land within the boundaries of Beech Grove.
Who Will Be Building and Operating Beech Grove Wireless?
Beech Grove Wireless is a private - public partnership between the City of Beech Grove (which will own the network), Unplugged Cities (which will operate and maintain the network and provide subscriber services), and Strix Networks (network provider).
How Fast is Beech Grove Wireless Internet Service?
Beech Grove Wireless customers who subscribe to the basic service should experience average speeds of up to 1 Mbps2, which is at least 20 times faster than dial-up connections that generally run at about 50 kbps. However, speed is dependent on several factors, including the number of simultaneous users on the system and the user's location in relation to an access point3 (transceiver). Service offerings of up to 512 Kbps and up to 3 Mbps are also available.
Will There be a Help Desk?
Yes, Beech Grove Wireless customers will have access to technical assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling (317-452-8326). Customer service representatives will respond to calls with greetings recognizing you as a Beech Grove Wireless subscriber.
Do I Need to Sign a Long-Term Agreement?
No. The service agreement allows you to cancel service at any time, requiring you to pay for only the services used by you to the point of cancellation and returning any leased equipment.
You are able to pay monthly invoices using credit cards, automated bank card, or check. Checks should be mailed to Beech Grove Wireless, P.O. Box 581427, Minneapolis, MN 55458-1427.
Can I Connect Multiple Computers to One Beech Grove Wireless Account in My Home or Business?
Yes. An individual account connection can be shared among multiple computers in that household. Of course, sharing your services with others outside of your household is not allowed. Your speed may be affected by multiple computers on the same Gateway.
Is the Wireless Network Secure?
Yes, industry standard security and encryption procedures will be implemented and create protection for subscribers using the Beech Grove Wireless provided Gateway. Use of built-in laptop radios or other devices within your home can create security vulnerabilities. You will need to be sure to secure your network within your house.
Is the Beech Grove Wireless Gateway Required?
No. In fact, most laptops with built-in Wi-Fi radios will be able to connect to the network, especially when outside. However, use of the Beech Grove Wireless Gateway is highly recommended for two reasons: increased security (see above) and stronger and more reliable signal strength to meet your desired speed with indoor use. The Gateway's Wi-Fi radio is typically much stronger than Wi-Fi radios built into laptops. Beech Grove Wireless will be unable to support high indoor performance expectations unless the Beech Grove Wireless Gateway is used.
Can I Purchase the Gateway?
Yes. You may buy or lease a Gateway for the best level of service. A lease option is available for as little as $3 per month for a single zone and $5 per month for a dual zone or buy your own at a great low rate.
Where Should the Gateway Be Located?
This will vary somewhat based upon the layout and materials in which your residence is constructed. Generally the Gateway will need to be above ground in a window aimed toward the nearest neighborhood wireless access point3. Recommendations on best locations will be provided when you subscribe. Subscribers can locate their computers on other floors (e.g., basement), but will often require a cable or wireless router to connect to the optimal Beech Grove Wireless Gateway location. Beech Grove Wireless can optionally provide such cabling and equipment for a service charge. In a few cases, an external antenna will be required to receive desired service.
Is There a Mandatory Professional Installation?
No. Professional installation is optional for all service levels. Most subscribers are able to install the Gateway and start using Beech Grove Wireless by following installation instructions provided when they receive the Gateway.
How Does Beech Grove Wireless Internet Service Compare to DSL and Cable Internet Service?
Depending on service level selected, Beech Grove Wireless speeds will be somewhere between DSL and cable modem speeds. However, Beech Grove Wireless provides the fastest residential upload speeds (sending photos and other larger files) available, and Beech Grove Wireless offers mobility so you may connect throughout Beech Grove on a Wi-Fi enabled laptop.
What Are the Beech Grove Wireless Service Offerings and Fees?
A summary list of offerings and fees are below. More detailed descriptions are available on our Web site www.beechgrovewireless.com. Please note these are subject to change over time.
A range of services levels is available for you to choose from to maximize your Beech Grove Wireless experience.
What Are The Minimum Requirements Necessary for Computers to Access Beech Grove Wireless?
The Beech Grove Wireless system is compatible with most of today's operating systems. Minimum requirements are at least Windows XP for PC users and OS 9 or higher for Macintosh users. Linux operating systems and open source browsers are also supported. Users will also need to have a network interface card (NIC), sometimes simply referred to as a network card, which is a piece of hardware designed to allow communication over a network.
Most computers purchased within the last three years come standard with a network interface built into the motherboard, thus eliminating the need to purchase additional hardware. Most desktop computers may be wired directly into the CPE (see below) using an Ethernet cable.
I Don't Live In The Coverage Area, But I Frequently Do Business In The City. Is There A Limited-Use Plan Or Daily Premium I Can Pay To Use The Beech Grove Wireless Network?
Yes. Beech Grove will offer a one day, one week and one month plan. A monthly roaming plan will also be offered in the future. Limited-use customers can register by calling 317-452-8326 or register online when you are in the Beech Grove Wireless service area.
What Additional Equipment Do I Need At Home To Connect to Beech Grove Wireless?
Telephone modems, cable modems, and wireless Gateways are commonly and collectively referred to as Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). CPEs are the devices located at the customer's premises that Gateway their computer connection to the Internet. Beech Grove customers do not need a telephone or landline to connect to the Beech Grove Wireless system.
Although Beech Grove Wireless users may be able to connect to the system automatically or through the use of other devices, we strongly recommend Beech Grove Wireless customers purchase their necessary CPEs through Beech Grove Wireless The recommended CPE for desktop users is a high-powered (200mW) wireless Gateway customers can lease ($5/month) through Beech Grove Wireless. A purchase option is available.
Beech Grove Wireless also offers a high-powered Wireless PC Card customers can lease or purchase that can be plugged into a PCMCIA5 Type II card5 slot. While many older laptop computers often require a Wireless PC Card to connect to the Internet, newer laptops usually come equipped with the innate ability to detect and connect to wireless networks, in which case a higher-powered Wireless PC Card may be used to enhance signal strength of existing laptop connections.
Will I Have "Always-On" Or 24/7 Connectivity To The Beech Grove Wireless System, Or Will I Have To Log On Every Time I Use It?
For security purposes, Beech Grove Wireless users may prompt you to log in by entering their username and password periodically. Once authenticated, the user should experience an "always-on" connection.
How Do I Set Up And Access My Beech Grove Wireless Email?
Accounts that have e-mail included with them are automatically configured, and are accessible by using your wireless user name and the password assigned during registration. Additional e-mail accounts can be created by going to customer service
To access your e-mail account over the web: http://www.beechgrovewireless.com
You may also access your email using a standards based mail program that supports IMAP or POP3.
If you need assistance configuring your Outlook or other e-mail functions, please contact our 24/7 help desk at 317-452-8326.
What Is The POP3 (Incoming Mail Server) and SMTP (Outgoing Mail Server) for Beech Grove Wireless?
The outgoing SMTP server is: mail.mybeechgrove.com
The incoming POP3 server is: mail.mybeechgrove.com
How do I Remove My "Proxy Settings" From My Computer?
Double click "Internet Explorer," then under "Tools" click "Internet Options." Click on the "Connections" tab, then click on the "LAN Settings" button. Under the proxy settings, ensure the second box labeled "use a proxy server for your LAN: is unchecked.
I'm Not Using A Beech Grove Wireless CPE And I Need To Locate My MAC address. How Can I Find It?
Click on "Start," then "All Programs." Scroll over the "Accessories" option, then click on "Command Prompt." Once the black screen appears, type in "ipconfig/all" then click "enter" or your return key. After a few seconds, another screen will appear which includes your "Physical Address" or MAC address, which is always 12 characters long.
This should look something like the following:
The MAC address is known as the "Physical Address", and in this example it is "00-18-24-09-45-96".
Does The Beech Grove Wireless Network Employ Any Security Measures To Protect ata, Personal Information, Etc.?
Beech Grove is committed to ensuring a pleasant Internet access experience for all Beech Grove Wireless customers. To this end, Beech Grove Wireless implements the network and systems components using standards-based technology. This includes using encryption and firewalls when appropriate. The core systems are protected by an external firewall and, where appropriate, sensitive data is encrypted while transmitted from your location to our core systems. Beech Grove Wireless customers can be assured our system will incorporate multiple layers of data encryption and security.
Although we have taken a number of steps to protect our systems, your PC is not protected by these systems. To protect your system from unauthorized Internet access you will need to install a personal firewall. We have made available Zonealarm free of charge for your use. It is also a good idea to consider using a broadband router/firewall in addition to the Gateway supplied by Beech Grove Wireless. All Internet users should protect themselves by installing firewalls, Anti-Virus, and malicious program protection software.
How Do I Configure My PC Connection To The Beech Grove Wireless Network?
You'll have to make just two connections to connect your desktop computer to the Beech Grove Wireless system. The Beech Grove Wireless wireless Gateway must be plugged into a regular electrical outlet and connected to an Ethernet port on your computer with the connect cable (supplied with Beech Grove Wireless Gateway) in order to connect to the Beech Grove Wireless network.
Since wireless signals dissipate or lose about half their power indoors, we suggest placing the Gateway on a main or upper floor, preferably near a window, and if at all possible, not in a basement. Just like cell phone or radio reception, which can improve or weaken when devices are repositioned, Beech Grove Wireless customers can ensure optimum signal strength by experimenting with the placement of their wireless Gateway.
A diagram showing a basic connection to a desktop personal computer is shown below.
I'm Planning To Subscribe To Beech Grove Wireless As A Residential Customer, And I Have Three Computers In My Home. Can I Connect To Your System Through One Account, Or Would I Have To Purchase Three Separate Accounts?
By installing a broadband router/firewall, you can share your one Beech Grove Wireless connection with another computer in your home. This type of router also provides protection between your personal computer and the Internet. These devices generally sell at most electronics stores for about $40 and up. Finally, although many routers are virtually "plug-and-play" devices, it is important to protect your router by following the directions for configuration included with these devices.
For assistance with configuring your Beech Grove Wireless system to function in conjunction with a router, see the diagrams below.
"Hard-wired-Configuration" with Router
Configuration with Wireless Router
I Have A PC And A PDA (Personal Data Assistant6), And Am Planning On Becoming A Beech Grove Wireless Customer. Will I Be Able To Use My PDA Within The Coverage Area? Also, Would I Need To Acquire Two Different Accounts In Order To Use Both?
If your PDA6 is 802.11b or Wi-Fi enabled, you will be able to access your PDA in the Beech Grove pilot areas. You will only need one Beech Grove Wireless account to support both devices. Broadband Internet service can also support applications like Bluetooth®7 devices and VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol phone services, a technology that sends and receives voice data via the computer. VoIP services like Vonage are emerging as an alternative to traditional phone services because they allow broadband Internet users the flexibility of being able to make a phone call from home, work, or any hotspot, like a hotel, airport, or in Beech Grove!
Does Beech Grove Wireless Offer Internet Services In Surrounding Areas Like Indianapolis, Greenwood And Beyond?
Not at this time. Beech Grove Wireless Internet service is available to residents and businesses in the coverage area within Beech Grove city limits. Beech Grove Wireless is open to roaming agreements with any other community that builds a wireless Internet service.
I'd Like To Subscribe To Beech Grove Wireless Internet, But I Don't Want To Give Up My Current E-Mail Address Or My Dial-Up Capabilities. Is There A Way To Keep Both Options Without Paying Full Price?
If you have a Web-based free e-mail address such as MSN, Yahoo! or G-mail, you can continue using those addresses while navigating Beech Grove. Many dial-up providers, like America Online (AOL), offer less expensive broadband pricing plans, which often allow users to keep their e-mail addresses while providing limited dial-up options. Check with your current provider to determine whether there is a less expensive plan available for you.
1Wi-Fi, short for wireless fidelity, is meant to be used generically when referring to any type of 802.11 network. 802.11 refers to a family of specifications developed by a working group of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The 802.11b specifications apply to wireless Local Area Networks (LAN's) and operate at frequencies in the 2.4-GHz region of the radio spectrum.
2Actual connections speeds will vary depending on network traffic, number of active access points3, and the user's system hardware. All Beech Grove Wireless customers are subject to bandwidth restrictions. Please refer to the Beech Grove Wireless Acceptable Use Policy (UAP) for more information on transfer speeds and bandwidth limitations.
3Access points refer to the number of wireless devices that can be simultaneously connected to one Beech Grove Wireless account. Connecting more than one device will affect upload and download speeds.
4An IP address is a number assigned to an individual machine, account, or user by an ISP; there are both fixed or static and changing or dynamic IP addresses. With a static IP address, a computer's virtual location always remains the same, which offers some unique advantages such as the ability to support a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or run a local e-mail server.
5PCMCIA stands for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association, a group of some 500 companies that have developed standards for such devices. Originally designed to add memory to portable or laptop computers, the PCMCIA standards have been expanded, and today, the devices are commonly used to connect to the Internet or to enhance signal strength of existing laptop Internet connections.
6PDAs, also referred to as palmtops, hand-held computers, or pocket computers, are handheld devices that combine computing, telephone, fax, Internet, and networking features. Today, one of the most popular brands of PDAs is the series of Palm Pilots from Palm, Inc.
7Bluetooth® wireless technology refers to standards, specifications, and devices that allow short range radio links between mobile PCs, mobile phones, and other portable devices. Bluetooth certified devices operate at 2.4 GHz and are capable of transmitting voice and data at the rate of 1 Mpbs. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is an industry group consisting of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, and networking industries that are driving development of the technology and bringing it to market. Products with Bluetooth technology must be qualified and pass interoperability testing by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group prior to release. Bluetooth's founding members include Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba.
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