Q and A on Planet Connect Wireless

Q: Does weather affect the wireless signal?

A: No. The frequency of the microwave signal is 2.4 Ghz. If it was up near 12 Ghz. Frequency used by small digital satellite systems it would fade out during heavy rain.

Q: Does the system require a phone line to complete the two way link?

A: No. The wireless system is two-way since it transmits and receives. No phone line is required.

Q: Can the antenna be moved around to use the Internet in a mobile situation?

A: As long as you see the tower with clear line of site, you can use the radio anywhere. We’ve used a laptop on the lake with no connection to anything, not even a 110 volt power supply. If you want to use your account at work and at home you can use two antennas and move the radio from one site to another to use your account on the move.

Q: Will the radio cause interference with other 2.4 Ghz. devices such as portable telephones and video senders?

A: The wireless Internet signal is sent and received with an antenna that is mounted outside the home or business. The antenna is directional which means the signal is directed away from the interior of the home or business. This reduces the potential for interference with phones or other 2.4 Ghz. devices.

Q: Is the signal open to ease-dropping like CB radios and the older cell phones?

A: The signal is encoded to keep unauthorized users from connecting with the system unless they are admitted by the central tower system. If required an encryption radio can be used which offers a very secure 56bit level of encryption.

Q: If I have a few small trees in my line of site to the tower, can I shoot the signal through them?

A: If you are near the tower as in 1 or 2 miles away you may be able to shoot through a few tree limbs and still get an acceptable signal. If you are within 1/2 mile you can get the signal through several trees.

Q: Does the height above ground help the reception quality like it does with other radios and TV antennas.

A: The extra height will only help if it gets you into an area where you have line of site reception. The reception quality will be the same whether the antenna is up high or down low as long as you have line of site.