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| Getting Started: |
- What is the Atria Wi-Fi Network?
Our Wi-Fi network is a broadband wireless network offering high-speed Internet access. Atria Wi-Fi allows you to get away from your desk and out of the office. Access your email, your company's remote network, or simply surf the Internet using the same portable devices you already use at the office.
- What do I need in order to connect to the Atria Wi-Fi Network?
Atria WiFi follows the 802.11b wireless networking standard. All you need is a Wi-Fi certified 802.11b or 802.11g card and your portable device, be it a laptop, PocketPC, Palm or Handspring. Most laptops and PDA’s shipped today already have Wi-Fi technology installed by manufactures.
- Why does Atria Wi-Fi use the 802.11b wireless standard?
The 802.11b Wi-Fi standard is so widely accepted that it's, more or less, become the industry default for wireless networking. It's an established and mature standard.
- I don't have a wireless network card. Where can I get one?
Most home electronics and computer stores stock 802.11b and 802.11g wireless cards. Pricing usually varies from $50 to $200.
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| Atria Wi-Fi Locations/hotzones: |
- What is a "hotzone"?
High speed wireless connections work much like a cordless phone. They require a "base" unit, which communicates with wireless devices and connects them to the Internet. A wireless base, or access point in Wi-Fi terms, can be installed just about anywhere to allow nearby users to connect to the Internet. These “Internet ready” sites, whether they be inside or outside are called "hotzones".
- How can I tell if I'm at a Atria Wi-Fi Location?
Your wireless device will inform you of our network once you have performed a scan of the area for Wi-Fi hotzone access points.
- I am at a Atria Wi-Fi location. How do I start?
Assuming your network card is correctly configured and have associated with a Atria access point (visit our Connection Instructions page for more details on configuring your network card), open your web browser before doing anything else. Our network automatically catches you and gently boots you over to our login page. From here, you can register an account, login, and purchase whichever service plan best suits your needs.
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| Services: |
- Can I send and receive e-mails?
Yes. Once Atria WiFi connects to the Internet you can receive e-mail if your e-mail is with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or other e-mail service that allows access from the Internet. Most do.
If your company allows Internet connections into its corporate network, then you can receive e-mails from your company network. If your company has a VPN (virtual private network), you should be able to run your VPN or secure tunneling client software to receive and send e-mail.
- How do I receive the best signal?
For best performance, position your wireless device where there are minimal obstructions within a line of sight path to the intended client operating area.
Please be aware that all materials provide some resistance to the wireless signal. However, very dense materials, such as metals, windows, and concrete, degrade the signal more than less dense materials, such as cloth cubicle panels or vinyl window awnings. Metallized surfaces, such as reflective window coatings, metal siding, metal window blinds, and foilbacked insulation, can also significantly reduce penetration by Wi-Fi signals. The Wi-Fi access point’s signal does go through typical gypsum (drywall) wall materials (with some signal loss) to provide WiFi connectivity in conference rooms or other enclosed areas. However, metal duct work inside the walls, machinery or appliances directly in the signal’s path (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical panels etc.) cause additional decreases in the signal strength and may reduce the data rate to less than the full 11 Mbps.
When accessing Atria’s Wi-Fi network outside, please note that trees and other plants, because of the high water content, can also greatly weaken the Wi-Fi signal when placed between the access point and intended clients. Both mobile and fixed antennas, when used properly, can greatly strengthen a weak Wi-Fi signal. Most home electronics and computer stores carry these types of 2.4GHz antennas.
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| Technical Support: |
- Do I need to load software or change settings on my laptop?
There is no extra software to load - so long as you have an operating system, web-browser and a 802.11b or 802.11g wireless card, your laptop will work with Atria Wi-Fi. You may need to adjust your hardware settings.
- Can I connect to my company's network?
It's actually up to your company. You can connect to your company's network if your company allows remote access. As an extra security measure, many companies use VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks. Atria is generally compatible with this software.
- Can I do everything I would at the office on the Atria Wi-Fi Network?
Yes! Your office comes along with you.
- Is a wireless connection secure?
In short, a wireless connection on a secure web page is as secure as a wired connection. If you are concerned about transmitting personal or sensitive data across the Internet, look for the "lock" symbol on your browser. The lock is an indication that your communicating over an encrypted (secure) connection; it also indicates that the site you're communicating with is actually who it claims to be. For more information about secure connections, please see our Privacy and Security Statements.
- The longer answer is most Internet connections are inherently insecure, and you should always take steps to protect your privacy and the security of your data.
Though the Atria Wi-Fi site has security measures in place to protect our customers whenever sensitive data is submitted, not all sites do the same. All passwords and data requested by the Atria web site are transmitted across encrypted connections. However, others may transmit passwords across the Internet in "plain text", which makes them susceptible to misuse. Atria recommends that all users familiarize themselves with their browsers, and learn to identify and understand the differences between secure and regular connections and be aware of the implications of transmitting personal information over an insecure connection.
Atria strongly recommends that its customers take measures to ensure the security of their data across ANY Internet connection. Like any high-speed service, including fibre-optic, DSL and cable, the Atria Wi-Fi network is not inherently secure. We recommend the active use of security solutions such as personal firewalls, anti-virus software, virtual private networks and encryption. It is the customer's responsibility to evaluate their personal needs and workplace requirements, and obtain and properly configure appropriate security measures.
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