Usage Guides

Wireless Web Zones

Wireless WebZone. What is it?

A NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone” is a zone found inside certain establishments that allows wireless high-speed Internet access.

Where are these establishments located?

A NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone” can be found in the following location:

FAQ

What is a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”?

It is a public place where a wireless Internet connection has been installed. This NorthernTel service uses WiFi technology to provide high-speed Internet access at a speed comparable to a residential high-speed connection.

What kind of speed does a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone” offer?

The connection speed in a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone” will vary, depending on the zone's location and local conditions. Nevertheless, the service should allow you to access the Internet at a speed comparable to that of a residential high-speed Internet connection.

How much does it cost to connect to the Internet in a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”?

Currently, the Internet connection is free.  The owner of the establishment hosting the NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone” may however, at his discretion, require you to purchase one of his products or services.

What equipment do I need to access the Internet in a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”?

> All you need to use the connection in a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone” is a laptop computer equipped with a WiFi wireless network card and a web browser.

How do I know if my laptop is WiFi-compatible?

Check your laptop's user manual, or ask your company's IT department if the laptop is owned by your employer. Please note that many laptops with integrated functions have switches to enable or disable the WiFi function. Please consult your laptop user manual for more information about this function.

Can I add a wireless WiFi network card to my laptop?

If your laptop doesn't have one, you can purchase a compatible network card at most electronics stores. The NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone” is compatible with all WiFi-certified 802.11b wireless network cards.

How do I configure my WiFi-certified wireless network card to work in a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”?

Once you have made sure that your laptop is WiFi-compatible and is working correctly, use the WiFi software installed on your laptop to check the following settings:

Please consult your WiFi network card manual for details on how to configure the SSID and encryption parameters.

Which browsers are compatible with the Internet access service in a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”?

compatible browsers are:

Make sure that your browser’s "JavaScript", "cookies" and "pop-up windows" functions are enabled and that the "proxy" settings are disabled.

How do I access the Internet when I am in a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”?

  1. Make sure your laptop is equipped with a functioning wireless network card.
  2. Launch your wireless network connection application.
  3. If your computer does not automatically find the wireless network name “WebZone”, display and update the list of available networks and then choose this name.
  4. Start your web browser.
  5. Enter the URL of a public site you want to visit.

Note that if your web browser's home page is your company's intranet site, you may get an error message.  In this case, try a public website; you should be able to access one.

Is browsing the web in a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone” secure?

The NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone” provides a connection to the Internet. Wireless connections without any form of security are less secure than a wired connection because wireless signals travel through the air and can be easily intercepted. We recommend that you install security measures, such as a personal firewall.

What is the range of this service?

The range of this technology extends for a radius of up to 90 meters from the access point.  Actual performance will depend on the sensitivity of your WiFi network card.

What should I do if I have trouble connecting?

If you are unable to detect a signal or establish a connection, check the following:
  1. Is the driver on your wireless network card installed correctly?

    If you have not connected with a wireless network before (at home, for instance), your network card may not be properly configured. In this case, please consult your WiFi network card manual or contact your company's technical support.

  2. Is the network name (SSID or ESSID) for your card settings correctly configured?

    The SSID (Service Set Identifier) or network name parameter must be set to "ANY" or to "WebZone".

  3. Is the WEP encryption protocol correctly enabled?

    The data security or encryption parameter should be set to "OFF" or DISABLED" (rather than to "WEP"). Please consult your WiFi network card manual for details on how to configure the SSID and encryption parameters.

  4. Is your equipment WiFi-compatible?

    Older equipment or software that is not certified or non-compliant with the 802.11b standard may not work ina NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”.  If you think this may be the case, please consult your equipment manufacturer to verify its compatibility.

If you have established a connection but are unable to connect to the Internet, check the following:
  1. Did you follow the network access procedure?

    Before you can use Internet services like instant messaging or e-mail, you must open a window in your browser in order to access the network.

  2. Does your wireless network card have the right IP address?

    If your computer's network parameters are configured to use a static IP address to access another network, you will probably not be able to connect.  You will need to change the settings.  See your operating system's help files to find out how to configure the DHCP or TCP/IP settings and the TCP/IP address release and renew settings.

  3. Is your browser configured to use a proxy server?

    In this case, you will need to disable it.

After doing all of these checks, if I still have trouble connecting in a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”, is there a tech support service that I can access?

After doing all the necessary checks with either your equipment instruction manuals (computer and network card) or your company's technical support service, if you still have trouble connecting, you may contact NorthernTel technical support at 1 800 360-8555 (Opens in the default phone client).

How do I access a corporate network from a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”?

If your company allows remote access to its network, you may connect to it. For security reasons, many companies use a virtual private network (VPN) to safeguard access to their business applications.TheNorthernTel “Wireless WebZone” is compatible with most standard VPN solutions.

What should I do if I have trouble accessing my company's VPN or intranet?

If you have trouble accessing your company's network, you must ask your company's technical support for help.

Can I send e-mail from a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”?

For security reasons, NorthernTel e-mail accounts cannot currently be accessed from a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”.  You can however send and receive e-mail via a free e-mail service (ex. Hotmail).

Can I use any application in a NorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”?

Most applications will work normally in aNorthernTel “Wireless WebZone”.  However, some of the applications on a laptop may not work as well in a wireless environment as they do on a corporate network, or with a wired connection.

Please ensure that: