FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- How does wireless compare to a Dial-Up
Connection?
Although sold as a 56k connection, a 56k dial-up connection operates at a
maximum speed of 53k; and this speed is only achieved under the best of
conditions. The average dial-up connection has an effective speed of less than
40k. MidNight Solutions minimum speed of 128k will have
an effective speed of three to five times that of a dial-up
connection. And, if you are using a second telephone line for your
internet connection, the cost of our basic connection will most probably be
less than what you are paying for just the phone line, not even considering
what you pay to your dial-up provider.
- How does wireless compare to cable?
In a cable environment, each customer is statically allocated a percentage of
the cable's potential. Because of this necessary allocation, subscribers are
unable to share the full potential of available bandwidth even when it's
available. In a wireless environment, this allocation is dynamic, thus
allowing the customer to use all available bandwidth, right up to their
selected level of connection. Also, a standard residential cable hook up is
non-symmetric, sending information at only 1/4 the speed at which it can
receive. If you are sending out large data files or participate in online
gaming, this disparity is apparent. In a wireless environment, data is sent
and received at the same speed. Our connections are symmetrical.
- How does wireless compare to DSL service.
Although comparable in its ability for high speed connections, DSL service is
distance sensitive. It is often referred to as "last mile technology" because
it generally does not work beyond 18,000 feet. The further you are from the
switching station of the telephone company, the slower the data rate. DSL is
only available in locations where the proper wire and transfer station
infrastructure has been installed. DSL can take 4-6 weeks to provision.
MidNight Solutions offers faster speeds than DSL and can be installed the same
day you order service. Our typical install fees are lower than the setup fees
associated with a DSL setup.
- How secure is wireless?
Our service uses a proprietary wireless technology not based on IEEE 802.11b
which has received a lot of bad press regarding its lack of security. In fact,
the security of our radios is better than that offered by cable modem
providers! Please contact us for specific answers to your Internet security
questions.
- What kind of equipment do I need for service?
MidNight Solutions provides the End-User-Modem, or EUM, and the antenna
needed to connect to our wireless network. Some installations will be able to
use a small indoor antenna and can be easily installed within minutes. Many
locations may require the use of an outdoor antenna for acceptable network
performance.
The only requirement for you, the home user, is a computer with a working
network adapter or Ethernet card. MidNight Solutions End-User-Modem
connects to your computer network via a 10MB Ethernet connection. If you are
not sure if your computer already has a network interface card (NIC), MidNight
Solutions will assist you in the purchase and setup for your computer.
- How much will the equipment cost?
There will be an initial setup fee when you sign up for MidNight Solutions ,
which is a one-time charge for the installation and configuration of the
equipment provided by MidNight Solutions during the course of service.
- What are your technical support hours?
Our technical support staff is available 7 days a week. You can contact us
from 6am to 12pm 7 days a week. If we are unavailable, we will contact you as
soon as we receive your message. Please make sure to leave name, phone number,
short message so we can help you as best as possible.
- Do I need to keep my AOL/MSN/Earthlink account?
No, MidNight Solutions wireless service does not require a dial-up
account. MidNight Solutions is your ISP and replaces AOL, MSN, and
Earthlink as your ISP.
- Do you offer services for my home or office?
Yes. MidNight Solutions offers enhanced services for the demanding
Internet user. MidNight Solutions can install your office or home
network, design and host your web pages, your critical network applications
and your e-mail. We can set up your domain name as well.
- Do Cordless phones interfere with my connection?
Our service uses radio frequencies in the 900Mhz range, and as such we
recommend that 900Mhz cordless phones be seperated from the End-User-Modem by
at least one room or 10 feet, but typically will not cause a problem.
email us at: customercare@mid-nightsolutions.com
