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See our General Connection Guide for connection information and troubleshooting tips. You can also call GuestLinX 24x7x365 Technical Operations Center toll-free at 1-800-266-3585 or email help@GuestLinX.com for technical support.

What equipment do I need in order to use GuestLinX high-speed Internet access?

For wireless service in airports, hotel meeting facilities, and hotel common areas: All you need is a notebook computer with a Wi-Fi-compliant (IEEE 802.11b) wireless Ethernet network interface card and a Web browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator). For wired service in hotel guestrooms and meeting facilities: All you need is a notebook computer with a wired Ethernet network interface card and corresponding cable(s), plus a Web browser (such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator). See the General Connection Guide for more details.

What types of wireless cards are compatible with GuestLinX wireless network?

Any card that has been certified for compliance with the Wi-Fi wireless LAN standard can be used with GuestLinX wireless service. For a list of qualified vendors, please visit the Web site of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Association at www.weca.net.

What is an IP address, and why do I need one?

An IP address is an Internet Protocol address. It is like a mailing address for the Internet. All Internet traffic is sent from one IP address to another, each specifying a particular computer and its location on the Internet. These are used by other computers, generally called routers, on the main pathways of the Internet to direct a Web page or other information to the right place, much as a post office uses the address on a letter to send it to the correct house. If you do not have an IP address, then you will be unable to connect to the Internet because the routers will not know where to send the information requested or where the request came from. This is like mailing a letter without an address on it and expecting it to arrive where you want it to arrive.

What is the difference between a dynamically assigned IP address and a static/fixed IP address?

A dynamically assigned IP address is one that is assigned by a DHCP server, contributing to a transparent experience. This is how most ISP and corporate networks are configured. A static/fixed IP address requires you to manually configure your IP address along with other settings such as the gateway, the subnet mask, and DNS settings into your network properties. Notebook computers do not require static IP addresses for basic connectivity to the Internet and access to email; some networks and ISPs, however, do not provide a DHCP server, requiring the notebook computer to have a static/fixed configuration. GuestLinX can support PCs with fixed or static IP addresses, although in some cases these do require configuration changes. Some applications such as VPNs and routers may require a static IP address provided by GuestLinX in order to gain access to the Internet. A GuestLinX-provided static IP is only available in meeting rooms.

How do I obtain an IP address?

GuestLinX allocates IP addresses via a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server. Since most computers today are configured to request an IP from a DHCP server, this allows you to experience high-speed Internet connectivity without making any configuration changes on your PC. In the rare case that your computer is configured with a static/fixed IP address, GuestLinX has software that allows your computer to connect to the Internet (in most cases) without any configuration changes. It should be taken into consideration, however, that VPN software usually will not work with a static/fixed IP address that is not provided by GuestLinX (GuestLinX-provided static IPs are only available in hotel meeting facilities).

Is my VPN software compatible with GuestLinX service?

Most Virtual Private Network (VPN) software running on a notebook computer configured to obtain an IP from a DHCP server should work with GuestLinX network. To facilitate the use of VPN software, GuestLinX provides fully routable/public IP addresses and does not block any ports except incoming port 80 and port 139 (VPNs do not use these ports). If you are using a hardware VPN router, please contact GuestLinX Technical Operations Center toll-free at 1-800-266-3585 to make special arrangements.

How do I connect using my VPN software?

You can connect using your VPN software exactly the same as you would from any other broadband connection. However, you must first agree to the Acceptable Use Policy and Billing Agreement on the GuestLinX Welcome Page. To get to this page, simply open a Web browser and go to a public Web site; you will be automatically redirected to the GuestLinX Welcome Page.

Why might I need to change my SSID, and how can I do so?

An SSID (Service Set Identifier) is a unique code that tells a notebook computer which wireless network to connect to. GuestLinX is configured to broadcast an SSID which allows a wireless adapter/card to detect and use the GuestLinX wireless network. If you have a non-GuestLinX SSID specified, you may not be able to connect to the GuestLinX wireless network because your wireless card will only listen to signals with the SSID you have specified. If you are having difficulty connecting to the GuestLinX wireless service, you may need to specify your SSID as "GuestLinX_Access" (without the quotes, case-sensitive). The SSID may also be known as the Network Name or ESSID depending on the brand of the Wi-Fi card. For information on how to change your SSID or Network Name, please see "Configuring Your Wireless Card to Use GuestLinX Wireless Internet Access."

Does GuestLinX implement a firewall on the guest LAN?

GuestLinX does implement a firewall as an integral part of the GuestLinX Welcome Page. This controls who has access to the Internet and handles billing for the service. Once the connecting process via the GuestLinX Welcome Page is complete, no information is restricted, monitored, or blocked. Until you go through our GuestLinX Welcome Page, you will only be able to access the GuestLinX Web site, www.GuestLinX.net. If you try to go to another Web site, you will be redirected to our GuestLinX Welcome Page automatically. Note: GuestLinX may block certain incoming transmissions through ports 80 and 139.

Does GuestLinX use WEP encryption for its wireless network?

GuestLinX does not enable WEP (Wired Equivalency Protection) on any of the wireless equipment used in our networks. Therefore, no special keys are required to use GuestLinX wireless Internet access. WEP encryption is not yet practical for a public access network, due in part to the absence of a standardized method for relaying encryption keys between different manufacturers' equipment. The GuestLinX system supports secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) access. If your company has a VPN, GuestLinX recommends that you connect via the VPN for optimum security. GuestLinX also encourages its users to observe standard security practices, such as ensuring that computer hard drives are not shared. As a member of the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), GuestLinX supports ongoing security efforts for wireless public networks.

GuestLinX Connection Guide