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What broadband wireless access technology is SMART using?
SMART utilizes a fixed wireless technology that uses exclusive digital frequencies to provide secure two-way, high- speed Internet access and data connections to Enterprises.
Users with a "near line of sight" (N-LOS) to the SMART cell site should be able to get direct access. Near line of sight does not mean one need to see the cell site itself, but rather that the signals can find a path between your location and the cell site.
Additionally, SMART’s broadband technology has a unique advantage over other broadband solutions in that your SMART service can “burst” to higher speeds as the need arises.
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What benefits does SMART’s technology offer?
SMART offers high-speed data and Internet access services that provide:
- Quick and easy deployment: Wireless connection can be installed in one week
- Simple implementation and maintenance
- High scalability to meet future Enterprise growth requirements
In addition: SMART’s service has broad geographic reach, with centrally-located towers that can serve large geographic areas, thus can efficiently serve cities and more geographically dispersed markets; and SMART uses longer frequency wavelengths that are more power-efficient and less susceptible to bad weather than the shorter wavelengths used by other wireless solutions.
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Are there other factors, which can affect my Internet connection? Why is it that sometimes my connection seems slower than it should be?
There are a number of other factors that can affect your Internet connection. No matter how fast your connection to the Internet, speeds on the Internet itself can affect download performance.
External factors that affect download speed include the performance of the server hosting the website requested, the bandwidth of the connection between the website's server and the Internet, Internet traffic patterns, router latency and backbone usage.
FTP file transfers will be received at higher speeds than HTML web pages. Certain times of day tend to have higher Internet traffic than others. Components in user's PCs may also impose certain speed limitations.
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How different is your Internet Access service from my dial-up facility?
SMART prides itself on the broadband technology that offers high-speed data transmission and “always on” technology.
Because of the speed and bandwidth your Internet access can achieve, you are assured of greater productivity. With the “always on” policy, you have no worries about getting “bumped off” or being disconnected from your access.
No need to dial up whenever you need to access the World Wide Web and no more busy signals from your ISP’s.
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Can I use the SMART BRO Enterprise Edition service on more than one computer for a LAN connection?
SMART BRO Enterprise Edition can be installed in more than one computer and can in fact support a LAN connection.
Each LAN should have one subscriber unit to connect to the antenna but there is no limit to the number of users who share a Subscriber unit provided they are part of one LAN.
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How reliable is the service?
The network is backed-up by virtually uninterruptible power supplies and generators. Should an interference problem arise, our agile radio transmitters automatically switch to a clear channel without a service interruption.
The radio circuit is engineered to provide generous margins against signal disturbances or stray interference. Should a transmitter at a base station fail, a backup transmitter will automatically take over to maintain uninterrupted service.
With regard to the effect of bad weather conditions, the SMART service is impervious to inclement weather as SMART operates on frequencies that are virtually unaffected by such.
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How secure is the service?
SMART has taken steps to increase the transmission security surrounding our customers’ use and enjoyment of the Internet, both for high-speed Web access and Private Networks.
In particular, SMART Private Networks are characterized by a high level of security, which make them virtually impossible to hack into and their transmissions difficult to intercept. Each unit has an authentication scheme that guards your network from any unauthorized access and only accepts data from the same network.
When sending data, encryption takes place and may only be rationalized and decoded by other authorized subscriber units in the network receiving the information. The subscriber units change frequencies on a per transmission basis, making reception of a specific traffic stream very difficult.
Next, the "switched-packet” architecture of the SMART network ensures that data is only delivered to the subscriber unit to which they are specifically addressed. Many other cable-type modems employ a "bridged” architecture, and will pass and accept all packets.
Note: At any point, the client has the option to get 3rd party security packages such as firewalls, access control devices, additional encryption, and the like.
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How long do I wait from the time I order until the service is installed?
While most other broadband providers can take anywhere from one to six (6) months to serve you, with SMART, you are assured of installation within seven to ten working days from application approval.
Simply ensure that all required documents and payments are forwarded to SMART to avoid possible delays.
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What does the service equipment look like?
There are two (2) major components of a SMART BRO Enterprise Edition connection: the antenna, which may be indoor or outdoor-mounted, and the subscriber unit.
The antenna should be appropriately located with “near line of sight” from the nearest cell site. Typically, the roof of your office building or an office window is the best location.
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What are the physical requirements needed for the service?
First SMART will schedule a primary site visit to ensure that your location has proper line of sight to SMART’s cell sites. Arrangements may have to be made to allow the engineer to evaluate where access may be established i.e. the roof or the window.
Once proper line of sight is assured, SMART will set up a convenient time to return to your location and install the service. This appointment generally takes between three to four hours. The installer will place an antenna in the agreed site, either at an indoor window location or on the outside of your location (usually on the roof) and run cable to the location of your computer or LAN.
The installer will also set up a special indoor subscriber unit that connects to the Ethernet port. We request your assistance in ensuring the antenna conforms to local building standards.
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Where is the service available?
The service is available in all key cities nationwide and potential local areas that has SMART network coverage.