1. What does DSL stand for ?
DSL means DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER LINE. While you may find many definitions of what this means
on the internet, it is one type of broadband internet access. DSL is the transmission
media type in the same way that ethernet is the media type for a small network or LAN. It
uses higher frequencies than standard phone service which transalates into high speed -
more data, less time
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2. How is that different from all those other ways of connecting to the
internet ?
Connecting to the internet on DSL is a whole new experience from traditional dial up. With
dial up there are limits on the useable frequencies - imposed by the need for dial tone
and telphone equipment design. DSL means leveraging the phone company's network on
entirely different frequencies. Strictly speaking DSL is called "broadband"
because the frequencies used are higher and in a wider range. DSL itself can be thought as
a multi-toned phone service. The process is called DMT - distributed multi tone. Imagine
256 telephone dial tones being carried on one wire pair and you can then appreciate how
much bandwidth can be carried on a single DSL circuit. Of course, the specific DSL
implementation will do different things with the tones - which means that you just can't
go an plug in any modem and expect a useable result. You have to be using equipment which
specifically conforms to the standards used by the provider.
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3. How DSL works ?
Take the phone service. Isolate the dial tone frequencies. Enable a higher range. Plug in
equipment on either side of the line which understand the frequencies, and start sending
data. You can guess by this that the phone company is must enable the required frequencies
on your line before DSL access is possible and you need a high speed DSL modem plugged
into your system.
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4. Can I use Lightning DSL and my telephone on the same line ?
Yes. The frequencies for standard phone service and DSL are not the same. Hence it is
possible to do anything your standard phone service can do CONCURRRENTLY with DSL. That
includes answering the phone, sending a fax, making a call, plugging in a caller ID device
or making a conference call. There is no loss of service or functionality and the internet
connection will be maintained without missing a heartbeat.
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5. Why should I consider Lightning DSL service ?
There are many reasons to consider DSL service. Your downloads are faster than dial up.
Your streaming multimedia experience is enhanced. Your internet will never disrupt or be
disrupted by your calls again. You experience the possibilities of broadband internet
access without any significant installation. And you have the ability to easily share your
internet access. As with any of our services, your Lightning DSL is fully supported by our
customer care professionals.
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6. Can I take my Lightning DSL access home from the office ?
While many of services are portable, your Lightning DSL is enabled on a specific phone
number. You won't be able to carry it around but you can sign up for more than DSL
service.
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7. Can I use my yapjack with my Lightning DSL access ?
No. Net2phone's yapjack is exclusively designed to be used with a dial-up or
"narrowband" connection. Customers with Lightning DSL can opt for our
"pay-you-go" prepaid dial up service for use with their yapjack or switch to
PC-to-PC voice chat on their Lightning DSL connection. At the moment, PC to phone
telephony is not supported on Lightning DSL service.
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8. Is there a difference between broadband internet and DSL ?
DSL is one type of broadband internet access. Other types include cable and unwired
technologies like wireless ethernet and WI-FI. Broadband is the termed used to describe
high speed access because these technolgies use higher frequencies than those used for
standard phone service or "narrowband". However, DSL is probably the easiest to
setup and least intrusive of these technologies because we are using your phone service to
deliver access. All that you require is a high speed modem.
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9. What is the difference between lightning DSL and other types of DSL
available ?
Lighting DSL combines the high availability network provided by GT&T with premium
customer care and value added services. Its core service infrastructure is provided by
GT&T. Lightning DSL uses cutting-edge technologies to deliver easy sharing solutions,
firewall protection and virus protected mail. All Lightning DSL accounts are covered by
backup dial up service. In the event that your Lightning DSL service fails, we will
arrange for dial up service to facilitate your access. Customers can also add service
protection to ensure that their Lightning DSL service is unaffected by equipment failure.
And all Lightning DSL customers have access to our support team when they need assistance.
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10. Will I see Lightning DSL charges on my phone bill ?
No. Your Lightning DSL account service is billed separately by GT&T and your bill is
delivered by mail, just as your phone bill. Billing is post-paid, which mean your first
bill will be received in the month following the turn-up of your service. Your first
month's bill will include charges for the roll-out of the service, including the modem
cost and the adjusted monthly rate for the first month of service, which will depend on
when the service was initially turned up. If you have any questions about your DSL bill,
you can contact any of GT&T's sales offices with your account bill identification
number, which will be issued when your service is turned up and is displayed on your DSL
bills.
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11. Do I need to call the phone company and have them install another phone
line to use with my Lightning DSL ?
There is no need to install a second phone line for your Lightning DSL access. Of course,
you could still opt to do that. However, if you have fixed cell service, you won't be able
to use DSL unless a land line is installed.
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12. Is there any equipment I need to buy ?
You need a high speed DSL modem, ethernet cable and network card at a minimum. A firewall
product is highly recommended and optional internet sharing appliance if you wish to share
your DSL access on a small network.
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13. I have a business with 3 or 4 people using the Internet, sometimes all at
one time. Would Lightning DSL be a good choice for me ?
Lightning DSL offers enhanced connectivity to the internet over your telephone line. There
is no connect waiting. It's on all the time. On average the delivery of streaming content
should be 3-4 times faster. Provided your workstations are networked, DSL is an excellent
option for providing shared internet access for a business. Of course, your DSL service
must match the intended application. The more you share your access, the more bandwidth
your network will require to avoid degraded response time. You do not want to get to the
point when your access is affected by the activity of a single user on your network.
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14. How do I get Lightning DSL ?
Complete the activation form, which requires your address, registered telephone subscriber
name (or company) and phone number (or numbers - two phone numbers are preferable). In
situations where the registrant for the phone service is different from the DSL applicant,
a letter of authorization must accompany the application. No payments are required at this
time. However, the activation charge is a non refundable charge but is currently being
waived for Lightning DSL customers who commit to the service for six months. Provided you
are located within the service area and your line test results are good, the service is
turned on typically within 14 days
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15. Where can I get Lightning DSL ?
Call or visit the Inter.net.works business center. We are open from 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M
on weekdays and on Saturdays from 9:00 A.M to noon. Once you fill in your contract
details, we can begin to process your request for service. The phone company will test
your line (or lines) for service and then activate your DSL access. Depending on your
specific application or requirements, the technical team can arrange a site visit to
ensure that you are ready for this sort of service.
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16. How long it take to get Lightning DSL ?
The line test is usually the longer part of the wait. Line testing typically requires 7-10
working days. This begins when your contract is completed. Provided the service tests
achieve good results, the service turn up is possible within a day.
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17. Is Lightning DSL protected from fiber disruptions on the Americas II ?
Yes. While disruptions on the Americas II cable system do significantly affect available
bandwidth into Guyana, the DSL platform does use satellite provided bandwidth. Service
will be available even in instances of cable disruptions.
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18. Are there different types of Lightning DSL service ?
Right now, there are three flavors of Lightning DSL. Lightning DSL Home, Lightning DSL
Lite and Lightning DSL Business Service. The current service provisions are 256k, 384k and
512k of shared bandwidth to the internet. Higher monthly rate are matched to higher
throughput.
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19. How much bandwidth will I get with a Lightning DSL connection ?
The basic Lightning DSL home offering is a 256k burstable link. The uplink and downlink
are configured synchronously - which means there is no cap on the available upstream. You
can expect a 256k link from your modem to the DSL frame. 256k connectivity is not always
be available (24/7) to the internet. That would be a CIR circuit. Instead this is shared
bandwidth. However, the contention ratio is respectfully low so that your DSL link behaves
much like a 230k leased line. The Lightning DSL business service is a 512k burstable link.
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20. Can I install Lightning DSL myself ?
Yes. Provided you have some experience around your PC, you can setup lightning DSL
service. The key things to check in your installation are secure cabling, grounded power
and effective power protection for your customer premises equipment. On your PC side of
things, it is highly recommended that you evaluate your antivirus protection, windows
patches and firewall configuration to ensure that you minimise the risks associated with
connecting your PC to a full time internet connection.
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21. Can I use any modem with my DSL connection ?
No. Lightning DSL is based on very specific hardware. You cannot install any modem to be
used with your service.
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22. Do I still need to pay for my service if I leave the country on holiday ?
Yes. However, if you are leaving the country for a long period of time, you must inform
our account office if you wish to disconnect your DSL service. A stop-bill instruction
must be sent to the phone company signed by the customer. Customers resuming service are
subject to a reactivation fee.
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23. If my power adapter is blown, can I use a third party adapter to power up
my modem ?
Absolutely not. The performance of your DSL modem is closely dependent on using the
manufacturer's recommended power source. Using a generic or repaired adapter will
adversely affect the DSL signal and could damage the electronics in your modem. If your
modem or DSL appliance fails to power up and you believe that the adapter has damaged,
please immediately contact our technical team for assistance.
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24. What is the difference between a standard 6ft patch cable and a 6ft cross
over cable ?
Most modems require a standard straight-thru Ethernet cable or USB cable to interact with
your PC (or internet router, if you have one). The modem manufacturer provides this cable.
For some scenarios, a crossover cable is needed to allow signal state between the DSL
modem and the network card in your machine (or internet router). If you have some special
requirements for your DSL, please contact our technical team for assistance or advice.
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25. Why do I need frequency filters if I have extensions on my DSL enable
phone line ?
DSL frequencies are only understood by the DSL modem. When the internet is on (and your
modem powered on), higher frequencies are active on your phone line and your standard
telephone instrument won't be able to distinguish dial tone. A frequency filter will block
the DSL frequencies so that only dial tone is available. The DSL modem has a built-in
filter and provides dial tone for one telephone instrument. DO NOT plug your modem into a
filter as this will block the DSL signal. In general, the modem should be plugged into the
first extension on the premises and every other extension should carry a line filter.
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26. How do I know that I have a good DSL connection from the telephone box
and what do I do if I'm not ?
Lightning DSL home delivers a 256k burstable connection to your premises. You can test
throughput with a reliable bandwidth tool. Most firewall appliances also provide
performance statistics which will report throughput across your connection. If there are
line state issues, the modem's diagnostics LEDS will indicate that there is a line state
failure and the impact on your DSL throughput will be immediately apparent. An equipment
failure will also cause the alarm LED to light up. Anything affecting the service delivery
should be reported to our technical department. PC-based problem can be similarly
diagnosed and may require further action to effect a result.
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27. Can I earn discounts on multiple accounts ?
If you purchase two or more Lightning DSL accounts at a single location, you can earn a
10% discount on the total connections and one activation fee.
If you purchase multiple Lightning DSL accounts for different locations, then you will
qualify for a 10% service discount on all except the first account. In this instance, the
activation fee will be applied for each location.
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28. When do I need to pay for my Lightning DSL service ?
Billing for your Lightning DSL service is post-paid. That means, payment for your DSL
service last month will be billed to you in current month. Your payment should be
processed by GT&T no later than the 14th of the month to avoid disconnection.
Disconnected services cannot be reconnected until the outstanding arrears are paid and are
subject to a reconnection fee of $6000.00. Any payments for narrowband services, which you
may have combined with your Lightning DSL are due on or before the 7th day of each month
and must be made to Inter.net.works in the same month in which they are billed. Payments
should be made at our billing center in 233 Camp Street. Alternately, you arrange for
payment through your bank or Bill Express. Unpaid services will attract a reactivation fee
of $1500.00.
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29. What happens if my DSL service goes down ?
Lightning DSL is built on a high availability network. However, service disruptions can
occur for any of the following reasons
- a line fault
- loss of dial tone
- a damaged modem, typically by lightning or electrical surge
- a failed power adapter
- network card or cable disruption
- an overdue phone bill
- a denial of service attack possibly perpetuated by a virus
- a failure inside the DSL network
Should your DSL service be disrupted, you should immediately contact our technical team
for assistance. Customers with service protection will be able to secure replacement
equipment usually within 24 hours of the fault being identified as an equipment failure.
As an alternative, we will provide backup dial up access for customers who have lost
service. Customers with PC induced failure will be liable for any charges associated with
required remedial action such as replacing a damaged network card or removing a virus.
Customers will be provided pricing for these service after an initial assessment is
performed by a member of our technical team.
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30. What is service protection ?
Service protection provides insurance for your service in the event of a DSL equipment
failure. With service protection, Inter.net.works will provide restoration equipment
usually within 24 hours of recieving a report of your service disruption. Replacement
equipment must be used with protected power (UPS, Surge arrest) and our team can visit
your premises to verify that your power confirms to the equipment requirements before you
power up. Customers are liable up to 100% of the retail price for any damage to
restoration equipment. Customers must exercise their warranty or cover the cost of repair
or replacement of their original equipment.
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31. Can I retain my existing e-mail address if I upgrade my service ?
Yes. If you are upgrading an existing account to Lightning DSL service, you can retain
your existing e-mail address. Customers with DSL access also enable additional e-mail
accounts if required.
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32. Should I power off my DSL modem when I leave the house or experience a
blackout ?
Its definitely a good idea to plug DSL appliances into power protection equipment like a
UPS. Your DSL modem is designed to stay on all the time. However, if you are concerned
about powering up your DSL equipment on a backup power source like an inverter or
generator, you should unplug the adapter and phone line before switching to an alternate
power source. It is not good practice to switch your DSL equipment rapidly through on-off
power cycles. This could adversely affect the performance of the equipment and service.
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33. What are the differences between the 2 wire and the 4 wire connected in
the telephone box has to do with DSL ?
The modem has different wire configurations. The standard map is for 2 wires. Of course,
the phone company provides service on two wires so you can't very well use 4-wires. Please
ensure that your telephone cable has two wires (two prongs in the connector) rather than 4
wires.
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34. Lets say that I have a DSL modem and want another computer system to get
Lightning DSL, what are the requirements ?
The essential requirement is to network the machines into an IP-based LAN. Once the
network infrastructure is in place, a router is needed to allow your private IP network to
interact with the public network to which DSL is connected. The router can be an appliance
or a piece of software. The first is preferred because appliances offer great
functionality with the way your access is shared. If its the latter, the workstation
connected to the DSL modem will be the gateway to the entire network and will require TWO
network cards. One for the modem and the other for the internal network. In either case,
other connecting devices such as hubs, access points or switches may be required. Be aware
that the number of workstations connected to your DSL access is a function of performance.
Using less than a dozen machines on the Lightning DSL connection is generally understood
as an acceptable performance benchmark. You do not want activity on one machine to affect
the response time on another system using your Lightning DSL.
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35. Lets say that I have DSL service and Norton Antivirus 2003 on my system.
Do I need firewall protection ?
Virus protection is one thing. Its essential. But equally essential is a competent
firewall product because your DSL connection is always on. A firewall is the only way to
statefully inspect all packet exchange between your machine and the internet. It should
stop known harmful activity, warn about suspect packets and thwart any malicious activity
from inside your machine attempting to use your DSL access.
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36. How many computer systems can run on (1) Lightning DSL service ?
DSL is itself shared access. Depending on how you use the internet, you may discover that
you want all the bandwidth to yourself. Sharing access through a network means opening the
possibility that the action of one affects everyone's performance. A firewall may have
optional usage control policies designed to curb inefficient internet activity. You can
for example, allow only e-mail on one system but full internet access on another provided
your sharing appliance has this functionality. Reasonably, you should not place more than
4 machines on a Lightning DSL home account and a dozen workstations on a Lightning DSL
business connection.
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37. How do we setup a DSL modem on a PC ?
The DSL modem does not go inside the computer. It typically plugs in to an ethernet card
though some modems can also use your USB ports. If your machine does not have an ethernet
card, you will need a card installed in the computer with the manufacturer's drivers. The
DSL modem is a transparent device as far as windows is concerned and requires no drivers
of used with Ethernet. You will need the manufacturer's Cdrom to install your Lightning
DSL on the USB port.
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38. Why can't I use a DSL modem with a Hub to share access ?
Your DSL modem's sole purpose is to transmit and receive blurps of voltage as data. It
does not know what the data is nor does it understand IP. In this respect, your DSL modem
acts like your PC analog modem. All IP addresses must to be assigned to a network
interface - like a network card (or dial up adapter in the case of dial up). Inserting the
modem into a hub will not accomplish sharing because neither the HUB nor DSL MODEM
understand IP. An IP address has to be assigned to every network interface but you are
assigned only ONE IP address with your connection. Every machine on an IP network must
have a unique IP address to be able to participate in an IP network. You need a router
connected to your assigned IP address and the address YOU CHOOSE to assign to share your
access. Unless you have a modem with advanced routing capabilities, you cannot share your
access using a hub.
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39. Lets say my company has 20 computers and we want to setup a network in
which everyone has internet access. Can we use DSL service ?
That sounds more like a CIR circuit or what is called a leased line. With CIR, which means
"committed internet rate", the service provider will deliver exactly the
required bandwidth at a pre-determined cost. In this instance, your bandwidth purchase
must match the number of the machines on the network, desired response time and expected
internet use.
40. I don't really understand how Lightning DSL service is priced. Can you explain the costs ?
Lightning DSL requires unique frequencies which must be enabled on your phone service.
The activation fee is $19000.00 and is applied when the service order for your line is
filed. Currently, this is waived for Lightning DSL customers who commit to 6 months of
seevice. Each Lightning DSL user will need a high speed DSL modem which operates on the
enabled frequencies. The modem retails for about $16,000.00 but can be leased for a period
no less than 6 months at $2800.00 pre month. Some lightning DSL users may need other
equipment and/or wiring which can be priced after an assessment. There are three flavors
of Lightning DSL - Home, Lite and Business. The monthly rates for services are $9,980.00
per month, $200,000 per month and $33,250.00 per month respectively.
Waiver - Lightning DSL home users can benefit from an activation fee waiver provided a
commitment is made to at least 6 months of uninterrupted service.
Summary costs
Activation - $19,000.00
Modem - $16,000.00
Monthly - $9,980.00 (Home), $20,000.00 (Lite) and $33,250.00 (business)
41. I am not hearing the modem dialing. Is something wrong ?
Your high speed DSL modem does not use the standard dial tone on your line. You will not
hear it dialing up and there is no audible indication that the modem is working. However,
you will see the power, Ethernet and line status LEDs on the front of your modem lit solid
while your connection is active.
42. What happens if the phone bill is unpaid ?
Remember that your Lightning DSL service uses features from your phone service. If you are
negligent with your phone bill, your Lightning DSL service will be affected. Customers who
default on their Lightning DSL service and wish to reactivate their account are required
to cover the reactivation fee of $6000.00 before resuming service.
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43. Can I use my alarm system on the same line as my DSL modem ?
This is generally not recommended. Your alarm system uses the standard dial tone on your
line but the electronics in the console and management panel may be affected by the higher
frequencies of DSL. You should check with your alarm system provider for advice on this
question. At a mininum, and if you have no other option, you should use your alarm system
in combination with a LOW PASS FREQUENCY FILTER.
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44. Are there any implications using cordless phones with my DSL line ?
Cordless phones are subject to radio interference but should work with your DSL line
provided you are using LOW PASS FREQUENCY filters. There may be implications for any
cordless phones in either the 900MHZ or 2.4GHZ band if you intend to use unwired sharing
with your Lightning DSL account. You should consult with the manufacturer or vendor before
choosing your equipment.
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45. Can I use my Lightning DSL service with a switchboard ?
Switchboards provide very different signal features from your standard dial tone. You
cannot use a line or extension off your switchboard to share or provide Lightning DSL
access. In any event, you may place the electronics in your switchboard at risk. The
recommended course of action is to isolate the wired pair for your DSL enabled number from
the switchboard . Your modem must be the first device into which the line is inserted.
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46. If I share my Lightning DSL access on two machines, does this affect the
monthly rate ?
No. Your monthly rate remains the same. However, you are required to network the machines
and you may need cabling and internet sharing appliance. Please ask our technical team for
a custom proposal if you have this requirement.
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47. I only use my Lightning DSL at night. Can I get a discount ?
Lightning DSL is billed at a fixed rate each month regardless of how long you are online
or how much your download. The rates are not based on hourly use. Unfortunately, this
means that you will not qualify for discount pricing in instances of minimal use.
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48. Do I really need a UPS with my DSL modem ?
Yes. UPSs provide very uniform power, which is clean from line noise provided your wall
outlet has an effective ground. The electronics in your high speed DSL modem is designed
for "clean" power environments. Unprotected power will affect the integrity of
the DSL frequencies and the performance of your service. A power fault will invariably
cause premature modem component failure. It is essential that you provide the expected
manufacturer's power requirements for the safe operation of your modem.
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49. Does it matter is if use the USB or Ethernet port on the modem ?
Some DSL modems carry USB capability. This is useful alternative in instances where a
network card cannot be installed. Please note that you cannot use the USB port of a usb
HUB to extend the wire length between your modem and PC, or share the access to multiple
systems. You can use the USB and Ethernet ports at the same time to facilitate access on
two machines provided the advanced modem routing features are enabled.
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50. What is DHCP and PPPoE ?
DHCP and PPPoE are alternate protocols used to assign your Lightning DSL account a public
IP address. In every instance where you require access to the internet, you must be
assigned an IP address to exchange information with other IP hosts. Most Lightning DSL
installations use DHCP to assign addresses for a leased period. Usually, you will not need
to do more than plug in your modem and set up line state, before you are assigned an
address. In instances where you power off your modem, a new IP address will be assigned.
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51. I don't have 110v on my premises. Can I use a stepdown transformer with
my DSL modem ?
No. Stepdown transformers do not provide the manufacturer's recommended power profile. The
solution is a 220v modem and/or 220v UPS.
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52. Can I use my Lightning DSL with a wireless router ?
Yes. Wireless technology is well suited for networking premises where running wire would
be difficult, or costly. Connecting unwired to your Lightning DSL offers significant
conveniences, in both home and business scenarios. If you wish to consider an unwired
network solution, please contact our technical team for assistance.
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53. Is Lightning DSL available everywhere ?
Lightning DSL is available wherever LAND lines are available AND the prefix is enabled for
DSL service. New service areas are being rolled out. Please review the list of prefixes
currently served. However, service is not possible for customers using fixed cell (FWS)
and certainly not on the mobile GSM network.
54. I think I read everything here about Lightning DSL but I still have
questions ?
Please send us an e-mail at info@networksgy.com with your question or contact any member
of our customer service team on 225-6845.