Frequently Asked Questions
BroadLink's Wireless Broadband service allows customers to access the Internet without the use of cable or telephone lines. Our service is a radio-based point-to-multipoint connection. We place a small antenna and Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) box outside your home or business. The data usually sent and received from your computer over an ISDN or ADSL connection is instead carried over radio frequencies to our tower. It is then transmitted to your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
After the site survey is completed, we will install an 8" x 10" CPE and a 12" x 14" antenna at your location (this typically goes under the eave of the house, or in some other inconspicuous place) - this is the device that receives the high-speed signal. A 2-foot pole typically holds up the antenna. CAT-5 Ethernet cable will be run from the CPE, down the side of your house, and to your computer. This cable cannot exceed 100 meters.
Submit an order. Our technician will determine if a viable signal is available at your location. If a signal is obtained, you will be installed within 7 - 10 working days. If you have further questions, please call (707) 566-6300. We have coverage maps online for those who are interested, but the only way to really determine if you have service is to submit an order, and have a site survey done.
Typically, our customers receive an appointment within 10 business days from order submittal.
Unlike ADSL, BroadLink's service is wireless. All you need to access the Internet with BroadLink is to be in a location within line of sight to one of our many towers. This does not mean you have to be able to see the tower--only that the signal is able to travel to your location from our tower.
BroadLink's Wireless Broadband is priced competitively with Residential and Commercial DSL, but with no hidden charges or fees. You do not need to purchase the antenna or the (CPE) box, as it will remain the property of BroadLink Communications.
BroadLink resells its service through Sonic. The Sonic website has full details of pricing and speed plans.
A computer
An account with Sonic.
A Network Interface Card (NIC)
Wireless service is provided to a single computer. However, additional computers can be added for our customers who are networked, but additional charges may apply. Our built-in DHCP server makes configuration quick and easy.
You don't need a router. All you need to get several computers online is a hub and enough Ethernet cable to plug all of your computers into it.
Wireless Broadband utilizes spread spectrum technology originally designed for secure military communications. The Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) includes NAT firewalling, which will keep your Internet connection more secure. Additionally, Mac layer 2 filtering prevents anyone from eavesdropping on data transmissions. Some of these security features preclude the use of some applications. For details on these applications, please visit our CPE Application Compatibility List.
Currently, there are two main configurations available: the Firewalled configuration and the Bridged configuration. You will receive the firewalled configuration by default, because it is the easiest to use and the most secure. Our CPE runs a DHCP server behind the firewall, making configuration very easy!
If you'd like to do away with the firewall, we'll provide a bridged configuration to you, and the "real" IP address will be on your computer (as opposed to being on our CPE). In the case of a bridged configuration, the CPE will be transparent to your Internet connection. Our bridging software is currently in Beta, which means it is not yet 100% ready for market. However, if you would like to assist us by testing it, your feedback would be welcome.
Yes! BroadLink has developed a new bridged version of our Customer Premise Equipment firmware. Currently in Beta testing, this product eliminates the firewall enabling you to use the VPN client of your choice. If you would like to try BroadLink's new product, just let us know when you order service.
Yes! By default, our CPE comes with a firewall and DHCP server. At your request, we will configure it to bridge some or part of your network. If you opt to have only part of your network protected, you will need to run your own firewall.
Due to our close relationship with Sonic, Broadlink customers can take full advantage of Sonic's highly skilled tech support. Sonic tech support is available 6:00am-11:00pm PDT Monday through Friday and 8:00am-10:00pm PDT Saturday and Sunday at 547-3400.