frequently asked questions
1. What are the minimum computer systems requirements?
2. What adapters and wireless cards are compatible with iZones?
3. What software is needed?
4. How do I sign up for the iZones Wireless service?
5. Don't have a WiFi adapter or a wireless PC?
6. How do I maintain my iZones Wireless account?
7. Is my credit card secure when I sign-up?
8. What are your current rates and plans?
9. What if I need an account that supports multiple users?
10. What is my username/password?
11. What if I forget my username or password?
12. How will I be billed?
13. Does iZones ever advertise special promotions?
14. How does iZones's service work?
15. What is an iZones Wireless HotSpot?
16. Do I need a phone line & can I get busy signals?
17. How do I log in?
18. How do I log in with an iZones Wireless Prepaid card?
19. How do I log out?
20. What is an access point?
21. What is VPN? When will you have it?
22. What is WPA?
23. What is WECA?
24. What is WEP?
25. What is Wireless Internet Access?
26. What WiFi standard does iZones use?
27. How do you decide what types of technology to use?
28. Can I have multiple logon sessions?
29. Can I use Instant Messenger?
30. What does a fluctuating signal mean?
31. How can I get a port opened?
What are the minimum computer systems requirements?
- Pentium 133 MHz CPU (or greater) with 32 MB of RAM
- One (1) available ISA or PCI slot or Ethernet connection with Windows, 98SE, NT, 2000, XP, or ME Operating System and Original Operating System software disk or CD-ROM
or
- Macintosh Machines with PowerMac (or greater) 32 MB of RAM 10BaseT
- Ethernet connection Mac OS 7.6.1 (or later)
What adapters and wireless cards are compatible with iZones Wireless' network?
- For Desktops - the recommended adapter is the EnGenius Client-Bridge model NL-2611CB3+ Deluxe. This adapter has been tested and is supported by iZones and is available for purchase from your local iZones Wireless store or contact Sales at 888.496.6371.
- For Laptops - the recommended adapters are EnGenius PCMCIA card model NL2511 CD Plus. This adapter has been tested and is supported by iZones and is available for purchase from your local iZones Wireless store or contact Sales at 888.496.6371.
- For Apple computers, an Airport card is required.
- Some locations may require an outdoor CPE (Customer Premise Equipment) if you are not able to directly receive a signal from the iZones Wireless network. Please contact Sales at 888.496.6371 to discuss the options available.
- Other recommended solutions available from local electronics stores are the Orinoco 11b USB adapter and the Orinoco 11b Client Gold PC card.
Newer laptops have the wireless hardware built-in such as Intels
Centrino mobile technology. If your computer has the required adapter hardware, then the network name "iZones" will appear as a wireless
network that you can connect to.
iZones Wireless networks are 802.11b compatible, and any card with a the WiFi certified logo, which indicates that the product has been tested for interoperability with other 802.11b devices will work on the iZones Wireless networks.
- For Windows XP, will auto-recognize using windows zero configuration.
- For Windows 98SE, NT, 2000, XP & ME, this is a two-step process.
A driver is located on the CD-Rom that came with the adapter. When you start the computer with the adapter installed, it will ask for a
driver. Place the Linksys or Orinoco CD-Rom in the CD-Rom drive; let windows search the CD-Rom for the driver.
After installation of the drivers and adaptor connection manager you will need to use the adaptor connection manager to navigate to the
iZones Wireless network SSID iZones. - For Macintosh or Apple, the software is in the configuration for the AirPort card. See the AirPort card documentation for specific
instructions. You will need to set your AirPort card to select the
iZones SSID to access our network.
How do I sign-up for the iZones Wireless service?
If you have a WiFi/802.11b adapter or wireless PC with an embedded card like Intel Centrino mobile technology and you are located in an apartment / condominium property served by iZones, just power up and set your WiFi adapter or embedded card as follows:
- The network name or SSID (as seen in Windows XP) is "iZones"; Other OS versions: the SSID is "izones" (case sensitive - all lowercase)
- WEP encryption is not enabled for our networks; Help with Windows XP: For details on setting these parameters, please see the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of your WiFi card.
- Once the Window icon indicated a connection, open your browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, etc).
- If you are located in an iZones property, an iZones splash page will be displayed. Simply click the sign-up button and follow the easy online instructions. You will need a valid credit card.
- You can also sign-up at www.iZones.net or contact Sales at 1.888.496.6371.
Don't have a WiFi adapter or a wireless PC?
You may purchase a WiFi adapter at iZones Wireless. Just stop by our local office and pick one up. You may also purchase WiFi adapters at nearly any consumer electronics store (e.g. Best Buy, Circuit City, and Radio Shack). Or you may order one online at www.pcconnection.com or www.cdw.com.
To install a WiFi adapter on your laptop or PC, follow the directions
that come with the equipment. Once installed, open up an Internet
browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, etc.). If you are
located at a property with iZones service, an iZones splash page will be displayed. Simply click the sign-up button and follow the easy online instructions. You will need a valid credit card.
How do I maintain my iZones Wireless account?
Click on the "Manage Account" link located on your splash page or
www.iZones.net.
Is my credit card secure when I sign-up?
Yes. All credit card information is passed through a 128-bit SSL
encryption which is the same level of encryption utilized by the banks.
What are your current rates and plans?
To see the current rates or promotions check your local splash page or www.iZones.net.
What if I need an account that supports multiple users?
We currently offer plans for 1 to 4 users. For details, see
www.iZones.net or contact Sales at 888.496.6371.
You must create your username and password. It must be at least 6 characters and no more than 20 characters in length. It can be a
combination of both numbers and letters.
What if I forget my username or password?
You can click on the "Manage Account" link located on your splash page or www.iZones.net and then click on the Forgot my Username or Forgot my Password link. Otherwise, you can contact Customer Support at 1.888.496.6371.
Once you activate your iZones Wireless service, you will be charged a setup fee & first months service. You will be billed on the same day each month as your original activation date your monthly service fee.
Does iZones ever advertise special promotions?
Yes, we do. Please check our website at www.iZones.net to see what special promotions that we may be offering.
How does iZones's service work?
iZones Wireless installs access points throughout each apartment or HotSpot location, which transmits a radio signal to the WiFi 802.11b wireless network card on your computer. With a properly installed wireless network card, you can launch your browser from within an iZones location and receive a login page to enter your username and password. Once your account information is verified, you will be able to connect to the Internet. With full connectivity to the Internet, you can access any Internet resources, as well as any email accounts, websites and other personal preferences.
What is an iZones Wireless HotSpot?
iZones HotSpot high-speed wireless Internet access is available in
convenient public locations such as cafes, restaurants and your
favorite places to study. Using either a laptop or handheld that is
WiFi 802.11b wirelessly-enabled, you can access the Internet.
Do I need a phone line & can I get busy signals?
A wireless connection requires no phone line making it impossible to get a busy signal.
If you have an account already, or you have a free trial or pre-paid
coupon:
- Start Internet explorer or your browser, you will see the iZones
Wireless login screen. - Enter your username.
- Enter your password.
- Click Go Online.
- Once your account is validated, you will be connected to the Internet.
How do I log in with an iZones Wireless Prepaid coupon?
This coupon is valid for a fixed number of online minutes.
- Start Internet Explorer or your browser, you will see the iZones
Wireless login screen. - On the pre-paid coupon, you will see a username and password.
- Enter the username.
- Enter the password.
- Click submit.
- Once your pre-paid coupon has been validated, you will be connected to the Internet.
Be sure to log out when you are done, your remaining minutes usable until the expiration date listed on the coupon. For example, if you have 2 hour coupon and use 30 minutes, the remaining 90 minutes can be used during a later session.
Your computer will log out from the network when you turn off your PC or go into standby.
Have technical, network access difficulties?
Contact Customer Support at 1.888.496.6371 or online at www.iZones.net.
An access point for wireless Ethernet is a device that communicates with wireless-enabled notebook computers and Ethernet cards to transmit data via radio signals.
A VPN (virtual private network) is used by corporate business
travelers for connecting securely back to the headquarters when
traveling. We currently do not block the use of VPN and support most standard VPN protocols.
WPA stands for WiFi Protect Access. It is an improvement over WEP technology in that it provides better data encryption and user
authentication. WPA works with WiFi products that are WEP enabled.
WECA stands for Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance. WECA promotes
international adoption of the WiFi IEEE 802.11b standard for interoperability in wireless local area networking for enterprises,
small businesses, and homes.
WEP is short for Wired Equivalent Privacy. It is a security protocol
for wireless local area networks. WEP attempts to provide security by encrypting data over radio waves so that it is protected as it is
transmitted from one end point to another. It has been found that WEP is not as secure as once believed.
What is Wireless Internet Access?
Wireless Internet access is one form of Broadband, high speed, Internet access that utilizes radio frequencies instead of phone or cable lines. Therefore, you have greater flexibility to move to various locations, while still maintaining your Internet access.
What WiFi standard does iZones use?
Weve currently standardized on IEEE (Institute Electrical and
Electronic Engineers) 802.11B technology.
How do you decide what types of technology to use?
We use the best technology available. We're continually evaluating new products. We introduce new products into our networks when it addresses real customer needs and when we know the product will support our high quality standards.
Can I have multiple logon sessions?
If you are logged into a computer and then try to log into another
computer your session will be ended on the first computer.
iZones Wireless supports AOL, MSN, and Yahoo Internet Messenger applications. Please be sure to follow the default guidelines for installation on each application.
What does a fluctuating signal mean?
If you are experiencing a low signal or signal fluctuation from 1MB to 11MB, please do not be alarmed. At 1MB, you still have a connection speed comparable to standard DSL high speed service. Signal fluctuations can be affected by many items including location of antenna, 2.4 GHz wireless phones, and your personal adapter card.
Due to the large number of viruses, spam and network attacks, iZones Wireless has enabled a firewall to protect the network and your system from dangerous elements. If you have an application that requires the special use of port access to operate, please forward a request to support@iZones.net and we will evaluate and open the ports in 24 hours. Be sure to include your iZones login and your property name.