Line-Of-Sight Wireless

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. What is Line-Of-Sight Wireless?

  2. Is LOS Wireless secure?

  3. Is LOS Wireless better than ADSL or cable?

  4. What does the antenna look like?

  5. Who owns the equipment?

  6. What's the difference between LOS Wireless and satellite Internet?

  7. Is LOS Wireless better than satellite?

  8. Does weather effect the wireless signal?

  9. How fast is the wireless service?

  10. Why do I need a router?

  11. Do I need to run any cables for the wireless installation?

  12. Do I need to purchase a special modem?

  13. What does "on all the time" mean?

1.  What is Line-Of-Sight Wireless?  BACK TO TOP

Most wireless access is based on microwave frequencies, so you must have line of site in order to use wireless technology. 

Line of sight means there can be no obstructions between your antenna and the broadcast antenna. In other words, if you had a powerful enough telescope mounted on your antenna, you would be able to see the antenna with no trees or any other obstructions in the way.

2.  Is LOS Wireless secure?  BACK TO TOP

Yes. That's all I can tell you. When I e-mailed the company with this question their response was:

"Yes."

3.  Is LOS Wireless better than ADSL or cable?  BACK TO TOP

This depends on how you define "better". It's faster than most "basic" packages offered by ADSL and cable providers and not as fast as the premium packages.

Of course, if no other high speed Internet is available at your location then it's definitely better.

4.  What does the antenna look like?  BACK TO TOP

The regular antenna looks like the photo at right. It is about 12 inches square and about 4 inches deep.

The unit at right is installed on my old TV tower. If a tower is not available the unit is normally installed on the highest point of your roof.

5.  Who owns the equipment?  BACK TO TOP

The wireless company owns the antenna. If you discontinued the service the company would remove the antenna. You own the router etc.

6.  What's the difference between LOS Wireless and satellite Internet?  BACK TO TOP

Lots. Satellite is, at present, quite a bit more expensive, especially the installation.

"Latency" is another satellite issue. When you type in a request (like a Google search) on the Internet the data has to travel about 154,000 Kilometres (round trip) through space. This causes a delay known as latency. No matter what the advertised bandwidth, interactivity during browsing will always seem worse than on a system with lower latency, even though total bandwidth is less than the satellite system.

7.  Is LOS Wireless better than satellite?  BACK TO TOP

Having used wireless for a few months and knowing the inherent issues with satellite, I'd have to say yes. The latency issue described above and the higher cost is enough to make wireless the better choice in my view but there is another thing. My satellite TV has gone down a couple of times over the winter months due to heavy snow and/or rain. The wireless Internet did not go down in those instances. I am guessing that a severe lightning storm would most likely be a problem but I would shut my computers down anyway in that event.

Having said all that, if you can't get wireless service at your location then I guess satellite is better.

8.  Does weather effect the wireless signal?  BACK TO TOP

As previously mentioned, my satellite TV went down a couple of times over the winter months due to heavy snow and/or rain. This is normal with satellite signals under those conditions. The wireless Internet did not go down in those instances. I assume that a severe lightning storm would most likely be a problem but I always shut my computers down during thunderstorms.

9.  How fast is the wireless service?  BACK TO TOP
Standard residential service is 512 KbPS (kilobits per second) downstream and 256 KbPS upstream. This translates to about 20 times faster than dialup. Business packages can be as fast as 1 MbPS both ways.

10. Why do I need a router?  BACK TO TOP

All computers connected to the Internet are subject to attack. Most routers have firewalls that provide considerable protection and an extra level of security and remove the CPU burden from your computers. Some routers support advanced security measures such as VPN, which allow home users to safely log in to their businesses remotely. If you choose a wireless router, you can do away with cables in your home. This allows you, for example, to walk around the house or into the yard with your laptop. Some of the latest wireless routers support WPA-- extremely strong encryption for your wireless data.

11.  Do I need to run any cables for the wireless installation?  BACK TO TOP

Installation includes all necessary equipment, fixtures, cables, labour, etc. up to the designated demarcation point, testing of connection with the wireless equipment, and final connection to your  router.

You can run additional cables to other computers or have the wireless company do it for you but, if you use a wireless router, you shouldn't need any additional cabling.

12.  Do I need to purchase a special modem?  BACK TO TOP

There is no modem required. The cable from the antenna connects directly to your router.

13.  What does "on all the time" mean?  BACK TO TOP

Your Internet connection is always on. You don't have to connect and disconnect like with dial-up. Think of it as dialing up your ISP connection and never, ever disconnecting. The "on all the time" feature is another reason for a good router with a firewall.

If you have a question that you think should be in the FAQs please send me an e-mail.

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