FAQs
> What is this? DSL? Cable? Dial-Up?
LiveAir Networks is providing high speed solutions for Internet access via digital microwave delivery from our innovative, carrier-class LiveAir Rural Area Network. There is no need to worry about slow downloads, busy signals, or disconnections anymore, with LiveAir Networks' Digital Microwave services your computer is always on the Internet.
> How fast is LiveAir's Digital Microwave Internet?
You will see speeds that range from 2000-3500 kbps. This is directly comparable to local DSL, wireless, and cable service providers.
> This is radio, right? (Yes) What does that mean for security?
LiveAir Networks, as paranoid as we are about network security, has designed our network to have one of the most secure connections available. All traffic in the Rural Area Network is encrypted, making it very difficult for someone to read traffic traversing the network. We also use multiple different encryption keys to secure different service types and access points, so traffic is always secure.
> I just barely know how to use my dial-up - How will I ever use this fancy new service?
If you already know how to use a Web browser you will find LiveAir's high speed totally transparent. You are always online. You click on your browser icon, and you are online with no delay- no waiting for a free line or a connection.
> What has to go on my house/office to get this?
We will professionally install a panel antenna, about 15 inches square, on the side of your home closest to our nearest network point of presence. Depending on the foliage level around your home and your home's height, we will either use a universal mount on the eave of your home or we may have to install an antenna mast to get the panel high enough to receive our signal to the quality required. Masts and custom construction are extra charges, contact us for quotes.
> Do I need a phone line? What about my modem?
Not unless you want to talk on the phone. LiveAir high speed is completely independent of a phone line or any "wires" other than the antenna cable. No TV cable, no Satellite, no phone line, nothing. You can have your phone back - now that the kids are on the internet through digital microwave! Also, many people have a dedicated phone line for just Internet access. Get rid of it - you don't need it.
> Is this like Cable modems, ISDN, or DSL?
Our service is like cable modems and DSL in that they provide a high-speed connection to the Internet, but that's where the similarity ends. Cable modems only work with a cable provider, of course, which has to be able to provide you cable service. DSL has a distance limitation of just over 3 miles from the "Central Office"- inside a city. ISDN is available in our area, but its immense cost is too much to consider even as a business-grade solution for Internet Access.
> Is this Unlimited Access?
LiveAir high speed is unlimited access to the Internet, connected 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. The only cases that there would not be access is if we scheduled network maintenance, in which case you would receive an email about a week beforehand notifying you there will be a network outage. Normally, our maintenance will occur between 12:00AM and 4:00AM in the morning so as to minimize your perceived downtime. In the unlikely event we ever have to take the network down for an emergency, we will send an email out after the downtime has occured.
> DirecTV/DISH Network offers Internet by Satellite - how does that compare to this?
DirecWay/Starband/WildBlue are 2 way satellite services, but they are unsuitable except for the most dedicated computer user. At a relatively high cost of over $50 per month for a DSL-level service, and a huge "getting started" bill of over $500, satellite internet services are just not feasible for the casual user. Furthermore, hardcore gamers and users that require VPN/work at home services in the area can not use satellite internet because of the "lag" (latency) in the connection. Satellite services also require specialized software to be installed to make the service work.
> Can I run servers on this connection?
Common Access (LiveAir G3, G3+) connections may not run commercial servers on their connections. SmartShot connections are available for clients which need to run commercial servers.
> How long will it take to install?
Professional installations normally take about 2 to 3 hours, and are conducted in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends.
> Is it available in my area?
Please refer to our Coverage Maps to determine this. Also, we must be able to get clear line-of-sight to one of our access points. It probably can be available, just you may require extras including a possible telescoping antenna mast or personal tower.
> How much does it cost?
See our Pricing page.
> How quickly can I get OnLine?
Depending on our installation schedule, we can get you installed and online in about a week-10 days.
> Microwave = Radio Frequency Power = Cancer, right?
Wrong. The level of output power our equipment uses is less than half that of a cellular phone. Furthermore, our equipment operates in "Unlicensed" frequency bands so the FCC regulates our output power to a pretty high degree.
> Is the service affected by weather conditions?
No.
> Can I install the service myself?
No. To ensure the security of the Rural Area Network, we require all installations to be performed by a LiveAir Networks system installer.
> Can I get this service outside the Coverage Area?
In short, no. Although we may be able to use some really fancy equipment and make it work, we won't because we can't guarantee the link quality. See the information below the coverage map for information about getting on our "want list" and possibly "sponsoring" your community's addition to the LiveAir RAN.
> Did we answer your question?
If not, send us your question! E-Mail your questions to info at liveair dot net.
> Why do we write our email address like that?
We write our email address "info at liveair dot net" to stop web page SPAM scanners from getting our address. Simply replace the "at" with @ and the "dot" with "." and you have the email address. Trying to email without replacing the characters will not work.
Monday, March 31, 2008