Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
How does bluestreak’s™ service work?
bluestreak’s™ service uses recently developed wireless Ethernet technology called 802.11b or WiFi, to provide a wireless connection between a network interface card (NIC) installed in your personal computer (laptop or desktop system) and several bluestreak™ operated "Access Points" located in various areas around the facility. The Access Points are connected to the bluestreak™ gateway, which provides controlled access to the Internet

Does bluestreak™ use proprietary technology?
No, 802.11b (WiFi) is a standard, commercially available technology. Many manufacturers have developed equipment to support this technology. Leading vendors include Cisco, Lucent (Orinoco), Proxim and Linksys. Equipment from these manufactures is completely interoperable with each other.

Where can I buy an 802.11b (WiFi) Network Interface Card?
WiFi cards are readily available at all computer stores and most electronic stores (Best Buy, Circuit City etc).

Where else can I use my WiFi NIC?
bluestreak’s™ (also called "Hot Zones") are areas offering Internet access using the 802.11b wireless technology. Over the next several months look to see wireless access available at many locations including hotels, airports, coffee shops and marinas. Your WiFi NIC will also allow you to sign up for service with the operators of these hot spots.

What connection speed can I expect to achieve with bluestreak™ service?
bluestreak™ strives to achieve connection speeds of at least 200kbps. However, your speed may vary due to factors beyond our control such as distance from access points, interference from unknown sources or affects of weather variations. If service drops to slow speeds, please try to reorient your antenna (or laptop) to achieve higher signal strength.

Is there a preferred choice of NIC I should purchase?
Yes, bluestreak™ Networks has tested cards from several manufacturers and has selected the Orinoco Silver card as having superior performance. This card is also available under private label from other sources such as Dell Computer, Enterasys and HP. We prefer this card due to its high signal strength, user-friendly control application and its ability to accept an external antenna.

Will an external antenna improve my signal reception?
Yes, if your card accepts an external antenna, use of one will provide improved reception. To determine if your card accepts an external antenna, please contact the manufacturer of your card.
Does bluestreak’s™ service work with Macintosh computers?
Yes. If your computer is equipped with Apple Airport, it should easily connect with bluestreak’s™ service.

Service Issues
I cannot receive email from Outlook
Be sure that you have connected to bluestreak™ from your browser before opening Outlook. Currently, Outlook is not capable of performing auto login and does not inform you regarding its progress. We are working on this issue. Also, make sure that the correct mail server information is entered in Outlook "Options"

I can connect to bluestreak™ but cannot send or receive email from Outlook, Netscape or Internet Explorer.
You must have a "POP3" mail server account. Please contact your current ISP for further information

I cannot connect to the blueStreak™ network.
This may be caused by a number of factors.

• Please be certain that your Network Interface Card (NIC) is 802.11b (WiFi) compatible and is operating properly. Contact the manufacture of your card if you have any issues.
• Check the user application that came with your card and look for the bluestreak™ labeled access points.
• Be sure that encryption is turned off.
• Check signal strength and relocate to a position with stronger signal or use an external antenna.

I can access bluestreak™ and my ISP but cannot gain access to my company's network.
Many companies have implemented VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to restrict access to their network. Please check with your company's Information Technology staff for any required client software or settings to gain access. bluestreak’s™ service is entirely transparent to the VPN software and will not affect service once connections are established.