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WiFi FAQs

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi, or Wireless Fidelity, is a term that is used generically to refer to any product or service using any type of 802.11 technology. Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz radio bands, with an 11 Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11g) data rate, respectively.

Wi-Fi enabled devices (laptops or PDAs) can send and receive data wirelessly from any location equipped with Wi-Fi access. How? Access points, installed within a Wi-Fi location, transmit an RF signal to Wi-Fi enabled devices that are within range of the access point, which is about 300 feet. The speed of the transmission is governed by the speed of the pipeline fed into the access point. Sacramento 's network is equipped with a 4 T-1 connection running to the access points.

How does the service work?

Access points are throughout each service location, which transmit a radio signal wirelessly to a user's Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless network card. With a properly installed wireless network card, a customer launches their browser from within the airport.

How does this deployment differ from other airports?

SMF has a single common-use Wi-Fi infrastructure that can be used by all airport constituents. This is a forward thinking approach and will allow SMF to maintain proper control over the use of the unlicensed spectrum within SMF, thus ensuring that airlines, airport operations, concessionaires and the traveling public can all use Wi-Fi technology as they see fit.

Will the airport, airlines or TSA be able to use this network?

Although the network is initially targeted towards public usage, we recognize that other airport constituents are already utilizing and developing applications that require or may be enhanced through the use of the wireless network. In these cases, we anticipate that these constituents will use the network.

How fast is the service?

Sacramento 's Wi-Fi network has 4 T1 connection, which provides users with speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps. The Wi-Fi 802.11b/g technology allows for speeds up to 54 Mbps, but throughput is governed by the speed at which the device is connected.

What sort of equipment has been deployed to create this network?

The installed system is a combination of 802.11b/g Wireless Access Point s c onnected to a standard LAN ‘backbone', the wired infrastructure necessary to support the network. This in-building backbone connects the APs, ‘Gateway Device' that functions as the billing/roaming gateway device, switches and routers. The Gateway device i s c onnected into a WAN router, which is in turn connected to the Internet.

How much does WiFi cost ?

WiFi access in all public indoor areas is free.

Is there any way that this system will interfere with air traffic control communications?

No. This network uses unlicensed frequencies in the 2.4 ghz. Spectrum and it will not interfere with air traffic control.

Can the session be transferred to the next airport I will be traveling through?

No.

How do I know if I can access the wireless Internet at Sacramento International Airport ?

If you have a Wi-Fi enabled device you should be able to access the network.

I have a laptop, can I use the system?

Not necessarily. While most new laptops are Wi-Fi enbled, yours may not be. If this is the case you may need to purchase and install a 802.11b/g PCMCIA card which can be purchased in most electronics and computer stores for around $60.

If you have a Wi-Fi enabled device, browser and credit card you should be able to access the network.

If I have a phone with Internet service, can I use the system?

No. Eventually, cellular phones may operate in this wireless spectrum, but for the immediate future the answer in no.

If I have another wireless data (Internet) provider, do I need to use the system at the airport?

No. There are other wide area internet access technologies that have been adopted by many travelers. While these services are much slower than Wi-Fi, this network does not interfere with them in any way.

Do I have to be in a certain area of the airport to get the service?

All public areas within both the airport terminals offer coverage.

How much does the service cost?

Service in all indoor public areas is now free,

Is the system secure to use? Can anyone tap into my wireless transmissions?

With any wireless transmission, the actual signal is not secure and it can, with effort be “sniffed” by other parties. It is up to the end user; therefore, to take the security options that they feel are appropriate, e.g. using a VPN tunnel.

What operating systems are currently compatible with the service?

The airport network is not OS-specific, and will work with any operating systems as long as there is a compatible, Internet-ready browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.

How do I install the software drivers for my wireless network card?

Software drivers differ depending on the specific wireless network card you purchase. Refer to the documentation that came with your wireless network card for specific instructions.

How do I know if my wireless network card is supported?

The airport network is a Wi-Fi 802.11b/g network; therefore, any Wi-Fi certified wireless network card will work. Look for the Wi-Fi certification on the wireless network card before purchasing it.

Can I access my personal email account through this network?

You can access any web-based email account such as Yahoo.com or Hotmail.com. You can also acces s c orporate email accounts if your employer provides you with a virtual private network (VPN) client and a firewall. We strongly recommend that customers take measures to ensure the security of their wireless connections, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), encryption and firewalls. As with any wireless communication, the Sacramento Wi-Fi service is not inherently secure and you should ensure you have adequate security safeguards in place.

Can I connect using a Macintosh computer?

Yes, the network supports Macintosh users. Macs with AirPort cards installed usually require little or no configuration. See the AirPort card documentation for specific instructions.

Can I connect using a Palm handheld device?

No, Palm devices use a proprietary web browser which is not compatible with the Sacramento WI-FI network. Any handheld that supports the Wi-Fi 802.11b/g wireless technology and utilizes a standard Internet-ready browser can be used to access Sacramento International Airport 's Wi-Fi network.

 


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