Reception and Speed FAQ

Question: How do I determine the quality of my connection?

Answer: Each wireless network card or device has its own management software.  For example, the BroadbandXpress Xtreme Power PCMCIA card has the SmartScan utility to connect to a radio and eliminate interfering signals in the marina. The benefit is the ability to determine the data rates and quality of connection from the information inside the utility. Check your software options and settings for similar tests or status.

Question: How are reception and speed related?

Answer: There is a direct relationship between the quality of reception and download speed.  If you connection quality degrades, so will the data transfer speeds. The reason for this is data is lost in the transmission if the connection is poor.  When the data is lost, the data must be resubmitted.  The duplication causes the connection speeds to slow down.  If packet loss is greater than 25% than you will notice your speed to depreciate.

Question: How far away can the signal transmit, can I use this service while at sea?

Answer: With line of sight from the antenna and the proper wireless equipment, you can get up to 2 – 3 miles line of sight of signal transmission with BBX external antenna contained in the BBX Long Range Laptop Package and Networked Boat.   Our broadcast antennas are typically located at the marina office. If you can see the marina office, you will have a better chance of getting service from us.  For better quality in wireless service, we strongly recommend using BroadbandXpress high power outdoor rated wireless card and antennas.  Most wireless cards on the retail market have only 30 - 50 mW of transmission power. The BroadbandXpress Xtreme Power PCMCIA card has 375 mW of transmission power.  With more transmission power and the proper antenna, you will be able to get service further away from the broadcast antenna.  The laptop package we have will allow you to be 1500 – 4000 feet away from the broadcast antenna with line of sight.  The Long Range Laptop Package and the Networked boat will give you service up to 3 miles away with line of sight.

 Question: What is considered a good quality connection?

 Question: How can I improve reception?

Answer: There are 7 ways to improve reception: 

1. Purchase BBX Xtreme power equipment- it has the power and range to connect to our network. The laptop package is the minimum- external antenna is highly recommended.
2. Try to relocate your antenna. Sometimes merely moving your antenna or changing its orientation will help.
3. Do not rely on Windows XP to connect to our network- it is highly unreliable. Use the BBX SmartScan utility on the BBX Xtreme power card. 
4. Reduce any controllable interference (see below for causes of interference).
5. You can add a BroadbandXpress 5 dbi desktop antennas that plugs into the card
6. You can purchase the Long Range Antenna Package from BroadbandXpress that is externally mounted and has 30-50 feet of cabling for the most gain in reception.
7. If you have your own wireless gear, you can try to go to where the broadcast antenna is located to try to access our service.  If the service improves by being under the broadcast antenna, it usually means your wireless gear does not the transmission power for the long distances in a marine environment.  Our antennas are almost always on the marina building closest to the docks.

 Question: Can I add external antennas to any wireless card?

Answer: If you purchased your adapter from BroadbandXpress, you will have the option to add an antenna to the Xtreme Power card. If you purchased your card from other vendor, it is best to call up the manufacturer to find out the options to add an antenna.  Wireless network cards and devices on the retail market usually do not have the ability to add an external antenna. 

Question: What causes interference?

Answer: Interference can be caused two ways:

1. Other sources of radio waves such as other 802.11b devices operating on the same channel.   Microwave ovens (operate on the same frequency at much higher levels), 2.4 gigahertz cordless phones, and other errant radio transmissions.  You can reduce this interference by eliminating the use of these devices or by turning them off. Generally, wireless phones will only interfere within a small area.
2. Another source of interference is "multi-pathing".  When BroadbandXpress's signal is blocked or hindered (if there are a lot of sailboat masts) between your computer's wireless device and the BroadbandXpress's broadcast antenna, the signal will suffer from multipathing. This causes the signal to deteriorate since all signals is not communicating clearly and arriving at different times. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about this type of interference other than adding better antennas.
3. Steel boathouses. If you are in a steel boathouse or covered dock, then purchase and external antenna with line of sight and mount it outside. BBX boathouse antenna has a vastly increased power directional antenna. Point it at the broadcast antenna.

 Help us Improve Your Connection:

If you are using standard cards in the marine environment, you will have a lower chance in enjoying good quality of service. If you are serious about the service, invest in the BroadbandXpress wireless packages and you will enjoy years of great service.

LET US KNOW WHEN YOU HAVE CONNECTION ISSUES WITH OUR PRODUCT.  CALL US AT 1-206-407-3818