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Troy Lions Public Internet Wireless Hot Zone--Frequently asked questions

• What is wireless Internet service?

Wireless service allows the user to connect to the Internet without having their computer physically connected to the network.

Widely called "Wi-Fi", wireless Internet service uses radio communication to connect a wireless-enabled device (computer, laptop, or PDA) to an "access point", where a further connection to the Internet is made. Users must have a Wi-Fi network adapter installed in their device in order to connect to the access point and Internet.

• What is a "hot zone"?

The Troy Lions Club Public Internet Wireless Hot Zone is the first hot zone in any rural Idaho community.

• The Hot Zone access point is located atop the Troy Lions Community Center at 415 South Main Street in Troy, Idaho, with coverage for several blocks in any direction. Coverage is best if line-of-sight to the access point is maintained.
  
  Isn't a hot zone the same as a "hot spot"?
  
  No. A hot spot provides wireless Internet service, but is usually limited to a single building or business.
  
  
• How do I connect to the Troy Lions Public Internet Wireless Hot Zone?

You need a Wi-Fi enabled laptop computer, PDA, or other device. In technical terms, these devices are 802.11b or 802.11g compliant for wireless network connections.

• Start your device, and scan for wireless services.
• Connect to "TroyLionsHotZone"
• Open your browser, read and agree to the conditions of use, and you're online!

If you need to enter your wireless settings manually, use the following::

SSID: TroyLionsHotZone
Security/encryption: Disabled
Network type: Access point (infrastructure)
TCP/IP properties: Obtain IP address automatically (DHCP)

• Is there any charge to use the system?

Users may connect to the Troy Lions Club Public Internet Wireless Hot Zone free of charge. Our firewall and authentication server limits each connection to one hour. Users are permitted to reconnect as many times as they wish, again for no charge.

We use open-source technology from m0n0wall to operate the Hot Zone. Click on the logo to learn more about their products.

• Are my data and computer secure when using the Hot Zone?

Any data transmitted over an unencrypted wireless link can be intercepted. The Troy Lions Club Public Internet Wireless Hot Zone is an unencrypted system. This simplifies connecting to the network.

Users should take precautions when using a wireless Internet connection. All users should have a personal firewall and antivirus software installed on their devices.

User software (email clients and web browsers) may also provide encryption (such as SSL) that increases data security. All shared folders and files should be disabled to prevent other users from possibly accessing your data. You may consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data.

Any security or computer questions regarding your devices should be addressed to your computer professional. The Troy Lions Club, Troy Television Cable, Inc., and Technology Services LLC do not provide support for user devices, and are not responsible for any damages arising from the use of the free Troy Lions Club Public Internet Wireless Hot Zone.

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