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FAQs

General
1. What is Verizon Online Home Networking?
2. What can I do with Verizon Online Home Networking?
3. Who can benefit from Verizon Online Home Networking?
4. Does Verizon Online offer wired and wireless home networking solutions?
5. Why should I buy my home networking equipment from Verizon Online?

1. What is Verizon Online Home Networking?
Verizon Online Home Networking is a simple way to connect all your home computers to your Verizon High Speed Internet connection. The Verizon Online Home Network has a "gateway" that connects your home computers using wired and wireless connections. (A gateway is an all-in-one modem and wireless router) The home networking products provide you with the ability to:

Simultaneously share a single high-speed Internet connection among multiple computers in your home
Create a local network of your home computers
Move computers throughout your home and still maintain access to the Internet
See our Home Networking Tour

2. What can I do with Verizon Online Home Networking?

Share your Internet connection among multiple computers
Share peripherals, like printers and scanners
Trade documents, MP3s, and other files within the home
Help protect your personal information from Internet attacks with a built-in firewall
Interact with other computers in your home network for multi-user games
Check out Other Cool Stuff

3. Who can benefit from Verizon Online Home Networking?

Households with multiple computers
People who bring their work laptop home with them
Telecommuters working from their home office
Roommates
Small home offices

Just about everyone can benefit from Home Networking. Just think, no more waiting to use the "fast" computer. Mom and Dad can both get online to check e-mails from work at the same time, and they can do it while their daughter talks on the phone or their son is online finishing homework. Or Dad can be working from home while Mom is online shopping and their daughter is instant messaging a friend while listening to her favorite MP3s. The possibilities are endless.

4. Does Verizon Online offer wired and wireless home networking solutions?
Yes. The Verizon Online Home Networking gateway offers up to four wired connection for PCs and other devices; as well as wireless links, for the freedom and mobility to share your high-speed Internet connection, without messy wiring. For more information about a home network solution, or to order, please call (877) 525-4842.

5. Why should I buy my home networking equipment from Verizon Online?
When you buy home networking equipment from Verizon Online you get:

Interest-free installment billing on your Verizon telephone bill
24/7 live technical support
Self-installation kit and guide
30-day money-back guarantee
One-time up-front equipment cost and no additional monthly fees

The home networking equipment you purchase from Verizon Online has been tested by Verizon Labs for compatibility with our high-speed Internet service.

Technology
1. What is a USB?
2. What is a NIC?
3. What is Ethernet?
4. What is a PCMCIA Type II or Type III Slot?

1. What is a USB?
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a plug-and-play interface. It allows you to easily plug in devices like keyboards, modems, scanners, and printers to your computer without having to open your computer and add an adapter card. The wireless USB adapter connects to your computer through the USB slot on the computer.

To locate your USB slot, look for a slim and rectangular shaped opening about �-inch long. It can usually be found on either the front and back, or possibly both, of your computer. Many computers have these ports designated by the word "USB" or a symbol that looks much like a stick figure.

2. What is a NIC?
A Network Interface Card (NIC) provides network access to your computer. Some computers have these card installed when you buy them. If your computer does not have a NIC, then one can be installed. Ethernet cables connect to the NIC opening to facilitate network transmissions. The NIC slot is also called an Ethernet jack. Typically computers connect to a modem (or gateway) using an Ethernet cable that plugs into the NIC (Ethernet jack) at one end and the modem (or gateway) on the other end.

To locate a NIC slot, look for an opening that is a bit larger than a phone cord opening. An Ethernet cable plugs into this opening in the same way a phone cord plugs into a telephone jack. You can tell the difference between these by the size. NIC slots/ Ethernet jacks are larger than telephone jacks.

3. What is Ethernet?
This standard connection for networks is technically called IEEE 802.3. Ethernet is the way networks transmit data. A Network Interface Card (NIC) provides the Ethernet connection to a computer. Typically computers connect to a modem (or gateway) using an Ethernet cable that plugs into a NIC (Ethernet jack) at one end and the modem (or gateway) at the other end.

Most gateways, routers and modems include an 'Ethernet' cable. Ethernet cables look similar to telephone cords, but their ends are larger. You can tell the difference if you hold them next to each other. To locate the Ethernet jack on your computer, look for an opening that looks similar to but larger than a telephone jack opening. The Ethernet cable plugs into this opening the same way a phone cord plugs into a telephone jack.

4. What is a PCMCIA Type II or Type III Slot?
This is an opening in laptop computers where you can insert a PC card that conforms to the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA). "Type II" and "Type III" specify how thick the opening is (Type II is 5 mm and Type III is 10.5 mm). Type II cards are usually modem, fax, or network connector devices, and Type III are typically wireless connection or storage media devices.

To locate a PCMCIA slot, look around the edges of your laptop for an opening a little over 2-inches long. It may have little flaps to protect the components when not in use. The PC card slides into the slot.

Equipment & Set-Up
1. What equipment do I need to get started?
2. How many computers will the Wireless Gateway support?
3. How far can I roam from my Wireless Gateway and remain connected to the Internet?
4. How do I use my modem with the home networking equipment?
5. What type of cables do I need if I want to wire a computer into the wireless Gateway?
6. Will the wireless gateway require a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
7. I have a wireless network card from work. Will it work with the Wireless Gateway even though it is a different brand?
8. Will my network be difficult to install and manage?
9. How many wireless adapters will I need?
10. What should I consider when setting up my home network?

1. What equipment do I need to get started?
You will need a Wireless Gateway along with a combination of Wireless PC Card(s) and/or Wireless USB Adapter(s), depending on the type and number of computers that you want to connect. Please note that many new laptops have built-in wireless PC cards. Be sure to check your laptop to see if it already has a PC card.

2. How many computers will the Wireless Gateway support?
Verizon High Speed Internet provides you with a certain amount of bandwidth. With a home network, all of your computers share this available bandwidth. The wireless Gateway can technically support up to 253 computer connections with or without wires.

3. How far can I roam from my Wireless Gateway and remain connected to the Internet?
Wi-Fi Networks generally provide a range of about 75 to 150 feet in a typical home or office. This range can be extended with the addition of an antenna. With Wi-Fi technology (802.11b or 802.11a), a "gradual degradation" in range occurs. This means that, instead of stopping all together, your data transmission rate just becomes slower as you move farther away from the access point.

Wireless transmissions will typically go through two to three walls before you lose connectivity. If you have a large home or thick/dense walls, it is suggested you place the wireless Gateway as high and to the center of the house as possible. If you want access outside, place the wireless Gateway near a window. Also, try to keep the wireless Gateway away from any large metal objects, as these will hinder its distance.

4. How do I use my modem with the home networking equipment?
Your home networking equipment comes with a quick-reference guide that walks you through the installation. The home networking Wireless Gateway replaces your modem, as well as functioning as a wired and wireless router.

See the Technology FAQs for more information about Ethernet ports.

5. What type of cables do I need if I want to wire a computer into the wireless Gateway?
The cables used in a network are called Ethernet cables or Category 5 cables (CAT5). The connectors look much like a phone jack connector, except slightly larger. The Wireless Gateway supports wireless connections and four direct Ethernet connections. Our wireless Gateway comes with one Ethernet cable. If you need additional Ethernet cables, you can purchase them from most local computer stores.

6. Will the wireless Gateway require a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
Anytime a computer is connected directly to a Gateway using CAT5/Ethernet cables, the computer must have a Network Interface Card (NIC) installed. While most computers have NICs pre-installed, you can purchase NICs at www.verizon.net/niccard or call (888)305-7440. They are also available at most local computer stores.

See the Technology FAQs for more information about NICs.

7. I have a wireless network card from work. Will it work with the Wireless Gateway even though it is a different brand?
If your wireless card is based upon the 802.11g or 802.11b technology it should work with other 802.11g wireless equipment, like our Wireless Gateway.

8. Will my network be difficult to install and manage?
No. Don't let the word "networking" scare you. You don't need to be a computer whiz to get up and running. The home networking equipment is designed to automatically detect the network settings needed to connect your computers to each other and the Internet. But if you do need assistance, you can always contact Verizon Online Technical Support (877-525-4842) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

9. How many wireless adapters will I need?
Generally, you will need to purchase a wireless adapter, either USB or PC card, for each additional computer you add to your network. For your main computer that is connected to the Internet, you can use an Ethernet cable to complete that connection

10. What should I consider when setting up my home network?
To ensure that your wireless home network functions properly, you should consider:

Placing your wireless Gateway at least 10 feet from cordless phones or microwaves to avoid potential interference.
If you have a large home or thick/dense walls, it is suggested you place the wireless Gateway as high and to the center of the house as possible.
If you want access outside, place the wireless Gateway near a window.
Try to keep the wireless Gateway away from any large metal objects, as these will hinder its distance.

Security
1. What kind of security will I get with a Wireless Gateway?

1. What kind of security will I get with a Wireless Gateway?
There are two types of security that a Wireless Gateway provides. The first type is security from hackers on the Internet. The Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall blocks those people trying to break into your computer. It does this by placing all of the computers on your home network on private IP addresses that a hacker is unable to locate.

The second type of security helps protect you from those who may try to steal your wireless data from the air. Your wireless gateway comes with Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security turned on; out of the box. By enabling Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption on all of your wireless cards and on the wireless Gateway, this data is encoded. So, if someone is near your wireless signal, they will be unable to read your data unless you provided them with your WEP key or Passphrase. You'll receive a reference guide in your Gateway kit providing instruction on how to enable WEP and better secure your wireless home network.

In any wireless scenario, speed and distances will vary from room to room. Anything within the 2.4Ghz (microwave) spectrum may affect your wireless connectivity and speed. Signal penetration through walls will depend on the density for the walls. 802.11b is the standard for wireless technology, with a transfer speed of up to 11 Mbps/2.4 GHz frequency. In addition, to help protect your computer from hackers or others who may try to intrude on your wireless connection, Verizon Online strongly recommends that you use the WEP security function of your wireless Gateway. WEP setup and advanced feature instructions are available on your User Guide CD.

System Requirements
1. Does the Wireless Gateway support Macintosh?
2. What if I have Windows NT?
3. If each of my computers uses a different operating system will I experience problems printing, sharing, or downloading/uploading files?

1. Does the Wireless Gateway support Macintosh?
The Wireless Gateway and wireless adapters do not support Macintosh. However the Wired Gateway does support Macintosh. For more information about a wired home network solution, please call (877) 525-4842.

2. What if I have Windows NT?
The main computer connected to the modem or Gateway cannot use Windows NT as its operation system because Verizon High Speed Internet Service is not compatible with Windows NT. However, any other computers connecting to your home network can use Windows NT because they are the secondary computers and are simply sharing the Verizon High Speed Internet Service, not establishing connectivity.

For wireless home networking, the main computer connected to the modem and Gateway must meet the minimum system requirements for Verizon High Speed Internet Service.

3. If each of my computers uses a different operating system will I experience problems printing, sharing, or downloading/uploading files?
No, as long as the operating systems for each computer on your home network are compatible with the Verizon Online Home Networking minimum system requirements for each piece equipment that computer is using.

Speed
1. Does the number of computers I have connected to my network affect my speed?
2. What is the transmission speed that I can expect using the Wireless Gateway?
3. How many users can be on my home network at one time before I experience degradation of my speed?

1. Does the number of computers I have connected to my network affect my speed?
Verizon High Speed Internet provides you with a certain amount of bandwidth. With a home network, all of your computers share this available bandwidth. So, for example, if one computer is doing something that requires a large amount of dedicated continuous bandwidth, like streaming video or a large graphics file transfer, then other computers may experience some impact on throughput speed. Generally, more simultaneous users and higher bandwidth consuming activities will mean that the available bandwidth may be shared and throughput speeds can decrease.

2. What is the transmission speed that I can expect using the Wireless Gateway?
The transmission speed within the wireless network for wireless 802.11g is 54 Mbps, however, the speed may vary depending on the environment. However, we offer connection speeds up to 3.0 Mbps.

3. How many users can be on my home network at one time before I experience degradation of my High Speed Internet speed?
The answer depends on the number of users and the type of Internet applications you are using. The Wireless Gateway should handle routine Internet surfing for up to four users without a significant loss of speed. As more bandwidth is used, the possibility that download/upload speed will be affected increases. This is because any broadband service provides a certain amount of bandwidth.

With a home network, all of your computers share this available bandwidth. For example, if one computer is doing something that requires a large amount of dedicated continuous bandwidth, like streaming video or a large graphics file transfer, then other computers may experience some impact on throughput speed. Generally, more simultaneous users and higher bandwidth consuming activities will mean that the available bandwidth may be shared and throughput speeds can decrease.
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Actual through (download) speed you experience will vary and be lower than connection speed after accounting for factors such as length and condition of your telephone line; the condition of wiring inside your location; computer configuration; network or Internet congestion; and the server and speed of Web sites you access; among other factors.

Warranties & Support
1. What is the warranty offered on Verizon Online Home Networking products?
2. Does Verizon Online offer technical support for home networking?
3. Does Verizon Online offer a money-back guarantee?

1. What is the warranty offered on Verizon Online Home Networking products?
Verizon Online Home Networking products come with a full 90 day manufacturer's product warranty.

2. Does Verizon Online offer technical support for home networking?
Yes. We provide 24/7 live technical support for all home networking products purchased from Verizon. Once you receive your home networking equipment, please feel free to contact Verizon Online Technical Support at (877) 525-4842 with any questions you may have.

3. Does Verizon Online offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. Verizon Online offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you disconnect your service within the first 30 days or are not satisfied with the product, you may return your home networking equipment to receive a refund.

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