DerbyNet/Monmouthnet Wireless FAQ’s

Coverage Maps | FAQ's | Webmail

What is DerbyNet Neighborhood Wireless Networking?
DerbyNet Neighborhood Wireless Networking (DNWN) brings high speed wireless broadband Internet access to your home or business using economical equipment, minimal installation, and excellent performance at competitive prices.  This service is best suited for areas where DSL or cable Internet is not available.  We specialize in providing high speed Internet access to rural communities and farms.  This service is also excellent for people who have satellite television or people that have switched to cell phones and have discontinued wire-line service.

How does DNWN Work?
DNWN uses inexpensive 802.11b wireless networking equipment to connect your computer or network to the Internet through DerbyNet’s wireless network of distribution and relay sites.  An antenna needs to be installed to the outside of your home or business and have clear line-of-site to one of DerbyNet’s many distribution sites around the area.  This service gets you connected to the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What will I need for DNWN?
You will need at least one computer with an Ethernet port running Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista. Since this is an always-on connection, we highly recommend you have all the latest Microsoft updates installed and your anti-virus software is current.  We do have limited support for Macintosh and Linux, call for more information.

How much does DNWN cost?
The rate for high speed broadband wireless Internet access for residential use is $50 per month, installation runs $120, and equipment is $100. For installations that require additional time an additional installation fee may apply.  Rates for business-class Internet access starts at $75 per month and increases based on your needs.  Call for more details.

What if I have multiple Computers?
Connecting multiple computers to the DNWN requires that you purchase a router/firewall.  Cat5 cabling needs to be run from the non wireless computers to the router, and each computer needs to have an Ethernet card.  There is no additional monthly fee for multiple computers.

What is a router/ firewall?
A router/firewall will protect all the computers installed behind it from outside attacks.  This stateful firewall is managed equipment monitored 24x7 by DerbyNet.  We are able to provide support all the way to the Ethernet port on the back of the router.  You are able to connect as many PC’s as you like behind a router/firewall.

Can I use my own wireless router?
Yes you can, but we absolutely DO NOT support 3rd party equipment in any way.  We’ll bring your Internet service to the Ethernet port that we provide but will not answer any questions pertaining to the configuration of equipment made by companies like Linksys, DLink, etc.

Do I get email with your service?
Yes, we provide you with one email address (name@monmouthnet.net or name@derbytech.net). People that use email on our mail servers benefit from automatic virus scanning of all email sent and received.  Furthermore, our mail servers’ anti-spam system will keep your inbox clear of unwanted SPAM.  If you desire more email addresses, we provide an additional 5 email addresses for $5 monthly.  Email can be accessed from anywhere on the web by going to http://webmail.derbyworks.net  or http://webmail.monmouthnet.net.

Does your service use a phone line?
No, this service does not use a phone line. The Internet service is transmitted wirelessly over the airwaves between an antenna we install at your facility to one of our many distribution points.

How fast is the service?
DerbyNet’s DNWN uses 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz technology to deliver up performance that is comparable and sometimes exceed that of traditional land-line products. Most users enjoy speeds of up to 1.5 mbps down and 512k up.  Our low latency makes our network ideal for people that compute online.  However, it is important to note that users who abuse the network will be slowed down.  Large continuous downloads, peer to peer file sharing, and any other activities that negatively impact other users on the network are not allowed, and abusers will be traffic shaped.

Do you offer a premium service?
Yes, starting at $75/month you can subscribe to our premium service.  You will receive a real Internet-routable IP addresse (needed for most VPN’s to work correctly) and up to 5 email addresses.  Premium subscribers also receive preferential bandwidth allocation.

I have a tall structure, are you interested?
If your location has a good view of other potential customers, you may quality for Site-Opportunity service.  We will provide the necessary equipment and use your location as a relay point providing service for other neighbors in your area. We will provide your service at a special rate.  If you have such a view, please do not hesitate to contact us – we’re always looking to extend our service reach.

How do I sign up?
Before we schedule an install, we need to perform a site survey to verify that you have line of sight to one of our distribution points.  We verify where the computers are in the home and identify antenna placement and antenna size.  We don’t require anyone to be home for the survey.  Once a site survey is performed we’ll schedule an installation date.  Since we’re working outside our schedule is sometimes dependant on the weather.  A typical installation takes about 2 hours to complete.  Email jefft@derbytech.com for more info.

How do I get support?
Most problems can be solved telephonically and we ask that you call us between 8AM and 5 PM Monday thru Friday at 1-800-83DERBY or (309) 755-2662.  Press 2 for wireless sales and support and then 1 for DNWN Sales or 2 for DNWN support.  We pride ourselves in running a high performance, high availability network and make every effort to respond to problems as quickly as possible.

How do I pay for the service?
The installation fee will be collected at the time of installation.  The equipment fee will come along with your first bill.  Monthly ACH withdrawals can be set up to automatically come out of your checking account.  All other methods of payment will be billed quarterly.  For billing questions dial (309) 755-2662 and press 5.