Frequently Asked Questions
What is fixed wireless broadband connectivity?
Our network uses mostly microwave radio technology to transmit data. The basic technology has been around since the mid 1900's. Recently, with the increased demand for broadband internet microwave technology has been improved for high-bandwidth data connectivity applications. "Fixed" means an outdoor mounted antenna directed at one of our tower locations is required. "Wireless" means NO wires, just air between you and our network. "Broadband" means transferring data at speeds no less than 200kbps according to the federal government. To us, and to you, it means data speeds of no less than 5Mbps in both directions. Yes, up and down is important.
Where is our network?
Our network is wholly owned and operated by Florida High Speed Internet throughout Florida. We interconnect with and run parallel to the Internet at several locations throughout the network. The advantages of wireless connectivity are as limitless as the skies themselves. Our service is an alternative and more cost effective way to get connected -- offering lower latency, blazing speeds and coverage to many areas where wired services are unavailable.
Does bad weather degrade your wireless services?
No. Florida High Speed Internet currently uses various frequencies between 900 Mhz and 5.8 Ghz for a majority of the subscriber connections. All of these frequencies are immune to the effects of adverse weather conditions. While frequencies above 10 Ghz can be affected by weather conditions (rain fade), Florida High Speed Internet engineers any such links utilizing these higher frequencies by distance, location, or redundancy to avoid any such problems. In addition the radio equipment we utilize uses advanced adaptive modulation technology the adjust for weather conditions to keep the connection up.
Are your wireless services the same as satellite-based Internet services?
No. Fixed wireless is much faster and more reliable due to its design. Our terrestrial (land-based) fixed wireless network is made up of access points located on commercial towers or building roof tops across the network. Our subscribers must be within line of sight (LOS) from one of these access points. Fixed wireless is a low latency service because of its closer proximity to an access point, unlike satellite services which deliver high latency and poor web browsing performance because of the sheer distance between the subscriber and the satellite.
Can service be affected by high winds?
The equipment must be properly installed to maintain antennae alignment. Our professional installations are and the equipment used are engineered to handle wind loads exceeding or equivalent to their supporting structures. To date, an incident has never been reported where our service has been adversely affected by wind. Interestingly, snow has been known to improve the performance of the equipment, but we have yet to experience these propagation qualities in our service area in Florida.
A friend told me his wireless wasn't reliable, how come?
Wireless has evolved to a mature technology and when engineered correctly is the most reliable service available on the market today. Our fixed wireless broadband has been engineered for maximum reliability and proves it daily. Unfortunately all wireless networks have not been created equally and their design is left up to the providers. In your friend's case the most likely problem was with the provider and not the technology. There is a science to radio technology and not everyone has adequate experience or training to properly engineer reliable systems. We see this too often. Budget constraints may prevent a service provider from using the right equipment for the job. Limits may have been exceeded in trying to install in an environment that just wasn't suited for wireless technology or the equipment chosen. Our equipment and installation is reliable enough for city fire departments and police departments to use it, even for dispatching.
Is wireless more susceptible to network intrusion?
No. We believe our wireless network is more secure than any wired alternative offered today. Because our wireless equipment uses a proprietary algorithm, connectivity requires using one of our supplied radios that has a hardware imbedded key to unlock access to our network. To protect data further, VLAN & VPN Tunneling protocols are often used. Our network was built from the ground up during a time when Internet attacks happen constantly, every hour of every day. Every reasonable step has been taken to protect our network and our customers.
How redundant is Florida High Speed Internet's network?
Redundancy is as important to us as it is to you. These days everyone's internet access is "mission critical." Our network has been designed from the beginning to provide redundancy. We employ automatic route-redirection and fail over specifically to deliver redundancy. Our core network operates as a mesh network and interconnects with neighboring access points to offer shortest path redundant routing.
Does Florida High Speed Internet offer telephone service?
Yes. Important to Florida High Speed Internet is and important to our success and yours is the ability to offer internet and telephone services. We offer both VoIP and Hosted PBX voice services. The high bandwidth and quality of the connection we provide means digital voice services perform exceptionally well and are fully supported on our network.
What is a Hot spot?
A Hot Spot is a public area that people can go to and connect to the Internet wirelessly. Florida High Speed Internet operates Hot Spots and can be found in airports, hotels, parks, cafes, libraries and many other places. Our Hot Spot when you log on will automatically redirect your web browser to a signup page where a credit card can be entered and you may use any of our Hot Spots.
What would prevent me from getting wireless service?
Wireless service is not available everywhere, it requires line of sight (LOS) to an access point (AP). The most common barrier is dense foliage. Whether an installation can still occur depends on overcoming a blocked line of site and factors such as distance, technology and budget will affect the ability to achieve connectivity. If you are interested in our service and wonder about coverage please inquire. Better to have an accurate answer from us than to assume we can't supply you with outstanding broadband internet service.
What is a SIP Trunk?
A SIP trunk is a voice over internet phone call (VoIP) that is routed over your internet connection by the phone carrier using VoIP technology. SIP trunks are used in conjunction with an IP-PBX and are a replacement for traditional "copper lines" whether they are PRIs, POTS lines or other analog circuits.
What is the difference between a SIP Trunk and a traditional PRI?
SIP trunk’s primary difference over traditional PRIs is cost savings. Florida High Speed Internet’s SIP trunks typically cost significantly less than traditional PRIs. When you also consider SIP lines include unlimited inbound and local calling along with inclusive domestic long distance calling the cost savings can rise significantly. SIP trunks are a very cost effective way for a business to save money. Another benefit of SIP trunks over PRIs is that SIP trunks can be installed in increments of 1, whereas PRIs have to be purchased in increments of 23 channels. This allows for much greater scalability for a business using SIP trunks versus PRIs.
When should a business consider a SIP?
All business should look into SIP/VoIP to potentially save on their local and long distance telephone costs. Additionally, hosted PBX solutions can save businesses the capital costs of a PBX or multiple PBXs, as well as the maintenance and/or programming costs associated with the traditional PBX.
What is the difference between a SIP Trunk and a hosted PBX solution?
SIP trunks are “lines” delivered to your premise based PBX system. Just as a transitional PRI or analog line interfaces with your PBX, so too does a SIP trunk. A business should look into purchasing SIP trunks when they decide that their needs are best met with a premise-based system. This system is often referred to as an IP-PBX. If a business is smaller or multi-locational and does not want to initially purchase am IP-PBX or maintain it then a hosted solution may be the better choice. In a hosted solution the addition or employees or “lines” is accomplished by the service provider without the need for additional equipment or upgrades (except a potentially handsets for the employee to use). A hosted solution also permits continuity of the company’s PBX systems and programming or intercompany extensions even across cities or counties.
Will I need more internet bandwidth should I choose SIP trunk or VOIP services?
SIP trunks are virtual circuits delivered over the Internet connection. Depending on the number of SIP trunks, your current bandwidth available and/or utilized a review of the excess Internet connectivity available for the voice traffic should be made. Florida High Speed Internet will ensure that both the voice traffic (VoIP or SIP trunks) will maintain priority on the internet circuit when needed while not adversely affecting the data internet experience. , businesses should talk to their internet providers and consider purchasing more Internet Access. Please contact us to learn more about our SIP hosted solutions and VoIP services.