Frequently Asked Questions
Submitted by punk on Sat, 09/08/2007 - 12:37.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Find answers here before you call tech support.
Q: What is the SPITwSPOTS Network?
Q: Why do I have to enter my user name and password so often?
Q: How do I find my MAC address?
Q: I already signed up but did not enter my MAC address. What can I do?
Q: What if I want to change my password or contact info?
Q: Will SPITwSPOTS sell my personal information?
Q: I do not have a line of sight to the Spit. Can I still get service?
Q: What is the difference between a client bridge, a PCMCIA wireless card and a mesh node?
Q: I have a question that was not answered by these FAQ's. What do I do?
Q: What is the SPITwSPOTS Network?
The SPITwSPOTS Network will allow you to connect to the internet, visit web pages, and receive and send e-mail at high speed without needing any cables or telephone lines. You can use it anywhere within range of the transmitters.
Q: Why do I have to enter my user name and password so often?
A: When you sign up for SPITwSPOTS you are given the option of entering your MAC address. This is used for automatic authentication. In other words, you won't be prompted for a username and password as long as you are using the computer you signed up with.
Q: What is a MAC address?
A: MAC stands for "Media Access Control". It is a sequence of numbers and letters formatted like this: ";00:11:22:33:44:55;".
Every network interface device has a unique MAC address, and SPITwSPOTS is able to use this number in place of your username and password giving you immediate internet access whenever you connect to SPITwSPOTS.
Q: How do I find my MAC address?
A: If you are connected to the SPITwSPOTS Network, you can find your MAC address on our Splash Page. Click here to see your splash page, or go here(joke) instead. It is both in the title bar at the top of the browser window, and in the center column under the Node ID.
If you are a Windows user you can download a small program (click here). Or go to a command prompt and type "ipconfig /all".
The MAC address is sometimes referred to as the "Physical Address".
For Mac OS X users go to System Preferences, Network, select the network interface you are using (i.e.. AirPort, ethernet). In OS X the MAC address is refereed to as the AIRPORT ID and/or Ethernet ID.
Q: I already signed up but did not enter my MAC address. What can I do?
A: The next time you are presented with a splash page click Member's Page. Enter your username and password, then click "change password/edit profile", enter your MAC address in the appropriate space and click "Save Profile". In about 30 minutes SPITwSPOTS will automatically recognize your computer and you will not be prompted for your username/password until it is time for you to renew your subscription.
Q: What is "Wi-Fi"?
A: "Wi-Fi" is the name most commonly used for the 802.11b wireless standard.
Q: How safe are my files?
A: SPITwSPOTS uses 2048 bit encryption for all internal traffic. Also users are Firewalled from each other. That means that SPITwSPOTS users can not access each others computers.
SPITwSPOTS can specifically create a subnet for this purpose, i.e.: Office networks, Gamer Networks, etc. If you require 128 bit VPN security from your computer to the SPITwSPOTS Network please contact administrator@spitwspots.com.
Q: What if I want to change my password or contact info?
A: Go to www.SPITwSPOTS.com scroll down and click Manage Your Account.
Q: Will SPITwSPOTS sell my personal information?
A: SPITwSPOTS will not sell any personal information with out consent.
Q: I do not have a line of sight to the Spit. Can I still get service?
A: Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. It depends on several variables such as your proximity to other SPITwSPOTS nodes, distance from the Spit, and immediate terrain. Click here to view a map of our mesh node locations. If you would like service, send an email to sales@spitwspots.com with a brief description of your location and contact information.
Q: What is the difference between a client bridge, a PCMCIA wireless card and a mesh node?
A: The difference between client bridge and a wireless card is that a wireless bridge is accessed by ethernet. This means that any device that has an ethernet port can connect. Most laptops, desktops, and routers are ethernet ready.
Wireless cards plug directly into your laptop or specially modified desktop computer with a PCMCIA card reader. The wireless cards allow for wireless roaming. This means you can scan, find, and use the best wireless signal available.
A mesh node is a smart router. It offers more stability by being a piece of the of the network. A mesh box allows for users to connect several computers together on their own network within the SPITwSPOTS Network.
Q: I have a question that was not answered by these FAQ's. What do I do?
A: Send your questions to the administrator@spitwspots.com.