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Are there any minimum requirements for my computer to access this system? My current computer is a 486!
Are you still making improvements to the network?
Can I run my own Web, Email, DNS, Application or Game server?
Can I share the connection with more than one computer in my home?
Configuration, Installation and Troubleshooting
Connecting with LompocNet
Do you offer email accounts?
Does the LompocNet service require a phone line?
Does the LompocNet service stay connected 24/7 or does it have to connect every time I want to use it?
Installing Your Wireless Bridge
Is your new wireless service compatible with a Macintosh or Linux based systems?
The price of $15.99, is that an introductory price? Is there a setup fee? Are there any other fees for service?
Usage information for specific Wi-Fi modems (CPE) or bridge
What are the Terms and Conditions associated with a Residential Account?
What do I do if I forget my password?
What is a Wi-Fi bridge?
What kind of technology does the LompocNet wireless service use?
What security risks are imposed by the LompocNet network being wireless, can anyone see my data?
What speeds will the service provide?
What type of equipment do I need in my home to pick up the wireless signal?
What’s the range on a typical Wi-Fi access point?
What's the difference between 802.11b and 802.11g adaptors?
When will the service be available?
Will my computer be safe from viruses and spy-ware on your system?
Will my Voice-Over IP Phone, VPN connection, or video games work with the LompocNet Wireless Internet service?
Will my Wi-Fi access work outside of Lompoc?

Please check the FAQ page as well

Are there any minimum requirements for my computer to access this system? My current computer is a 486!
Most computers that have been purchased in the last 3 years will be more than adequate for utilizing our LompocNet service. With that said, your computer should be a minimum of a Pentium II machine running Windows 98 or newer (Preferable Windows 2000 or XP) and must have a network (Ethernet) card installed. If you have an old 486 as mentioned above, you will not be able to access our system.

Are you still making improvements to the network?
Although the majority of the major changes have been completed. We are continuing to monitor the network and are making adjustments as necessary.

Can I run my own Web, Email, DNS, Application or Game server?
We do not allow servers of any type to be run on our network.

Can I share the connection with more than one computer in my home?
The Family Plan will allow only one physical device to connect per account and three UserIDs. However, we recommend that you purchase a Broadband Router/Firewall to provide protection between the Internet and your personal computer, which will also give you the ability to share the connection with multiple computers. A router/firewall can be purchased at any electronics store.

Configuration and Installation
FIRST THINGS FIRST … CHECKING YOUR SETTINGS
To insure your computer’s operating system is configured to connect with LompocNet, complete either the Windows or Macintosh Operating Systems sections to properly configure your settings for LompocNet.
Macintosh Systems (OS 9 or greater)
1. Go to Apple Menu, then click System Preferences.
2. In System Preferences, click the Network icon.
3. From the Show drop-down menu, select AirPort, then click the AirPort tab below.
4. Ensure there is a check adjacent to the Show AirPort status in menu bar.
5. Ensure there is no check next to Allow this computer to create networks.
6. In the box adjacent to By default, join, select LompocNet, and then click on Apply Now. Close the Network window.
Windows XP
1. Highlight or click Start, then click Control Panel.
2. If your screen’s header reads Pick A Category, click Network and Internet Connections, then click on the Network Connections icon.
3. If your screen shows a series of icons, double click Network Connections.
4. Double click Local Area Connection or, if you are using a wireless network card, double-click the Wireless Area Connection icon.
5. Click the Properties button.
6. Under the General header, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click the Properties button below.
7. If not already activated, click on the circles adjacent to Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server addresses automatically (a green dot inside the circle indicates this feature is enabled). Click OK to return to the Properties menu, then click OK again at the bottom of the screen to return to Network Connections.
8. On the Network Connections screen, click the Back or arrow button to return to Control Panel.
9. Click on the Internet Options icon, then select the Connections tab.
10. Remove any existing listings in the Dialup and Virtual Private Network settings box.
11. Click the LAN Setting button, ensure no boxes are selected, then click OK.
12. Click OK to close Internet Properties, and exit Network and Internet Connections.
Windows 2000
1. Click Start, highlight Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double click Network and Dial-up Connections.
3. Right click Local Area Connection or Wireless Area Connection, then click Properties.
4. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then click the Properties button below.
5. If not already activated, click on the circles adjacent to Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server addresses automatically (a green dot inside the circle indicates this feature is enabled). Then click OK until all windows are closed.
6. Click Start, highlight Settings, and then click Control Panel.
7. Double click Internet Options, then click on the Connections tab.
8. Remove any existing listing in the Dialup and Virtual Private Network settings box.
9. Click LAN Setting button, ensure no boxes are selected, then click OK.
10. Click OK to close Internet Options.

Connecting with LompocNet
What you'll need...
The LompocNet network is compatible with most of today’s operating systems. Minimum Operating Requirements are Windows 2000 or greater for PC users and OS 9 or greater for Macintosh users.
1. Desktop computers must be equipped with an Ethernet port, Network Interface Card (NIC), a piece of hardware designed to allow communication over a network. Today, most newer computers come standard with a NIC built into the motherboard, thus eliminating the need to purchase additional hardware. An Ethernet port looks like a bigger version of a phone jack. The bridge that comes with the LompocNet Family Plan connects to the Ethernet via the included cable.
2. Laptop computers will need either an external or internal 802.11b/g compatible wireless network card, which comes standard with most laptop computers purchased within the last two years. Laptops can also connect via an Ethernet port and a LompocNet provided bridge.
*LompocNet supports both 802.11b and 802.11g technologies; however, LompocNet is not compatible with 802.11a.

Do you offer email accounts?
Email accounts are not offered through LompocNet. However there are many easy to use free email accounts such as Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, etc.

Does the LompocNet service require a phone line?
No, the LompocNet service is provided via a wireless connection and wireless bridge that we provide as part of your subscription.

Does the LompocNet service stay connected 24/7 or does it have to connect every time I want to use it?
The LompocNet service is an "always on" connection, although it will periodically ask you to log in, as a security measure.

Installing Your Wireless Bridge
Step 1: Verify the contents, keep the packaging materials, in case of return or malfunction, the unit must be returned in its original package. Open the package carefully, and make sure that all of the items listed below are included:
1. PePWave or PePLink Surf Bridge
2. Antenna
3. Yellow or Blue Ethernet cable
4. Power adapter (ONLY USE POWER ADAPTER provided.)
Step 2: Connect the Power Supply Pack; Connect the small end of the enclosed Power Supply Pack to the connection marked “DC IN” on the back of the bridge, then connect the other end to an A/C outlet.

Step 3: Connect the enclosed ethernet cable to the Network Connection Ethernet port on the back of the bridge. An Ethernet Port looks similar to a telephone or modem connection port, but it is slightly wider. Then, connect the other end of the Cable to the Network Adaptor Ethernet port to your computer.

(NOTE: If you have more than one Network Adaptor Ethernet port on your computer, for example, “Net 1” or “Net 2,” select the lowest numbered port available.)

The Software will take from 45-60 seconds to cycle through.

When all lights are green your bridge is configured & ready to connect to LompocNet.

Step 4: Connect to LompocNet; LompocNet Wireless Bridges are manually configured to connect with the LompocNet network. No additional software installation is necessary.

Open any Web browser like Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, which should automatically take you to the LompocNet login screen. Fill in the requested information, using your pre-authorized user name and password. Click Connect to begin navigating the Internet with LompocNet

Is your new wireless service compatible with a Macintosh or Linux based systems?
Yes, our system uses standards based devices such as 802.11b/g wireless, and Ethernet connectivity. As long as your computer has either an Ethernet card/port or 802.11b/g wireless card, it will be able to connect to our system.

The price of $15.99, is that an introductory price? Is there a setup fee? Are there any other fees for service?
The price of $15.99 for the Family Plan, is the monthly fee, it is not an introductory price. There are no other fees associated with the LompocNet service.

Usage information for specific Wi-Fi modems (CPE) or bridge.
1. The city finds the most success using PepLink and PepWave Surf200 equipment. It is what the city provides with the Family Plan.
2. If you have a different Wi-Fi CPE, we recommend contacting the manufacturer directly.

What are the Terms and Conditions associated with a Residential Account?
Please read our Terms Of Service.
Click Here

What do I do if I forget my password?
If you do forget your password, give us a call at 875-8750 during operation hours and we can assist you.

What is a Wi-Fi bridge?
A Wi-Fi bridge is a piece of equipment that can potentially allow you to use LompocNet Wi-Fi in your home or office. It is a Wi-Fi device that communicates wirelessly with the LompocNet Wi-Fi equipment installed on lampposts and serves a function similar to a DSL or cable modem. Like a DSL or cable modem, it requires power and has an Ethernet connection to which you can attach a PC, laptop or personal home router. In short, a Wi-Fi modem allows a user to convert the LompocNet Wi-Fi wireless signal into a wired signal. What makes a Wi-Fi modem distinct from a conventional Wi-Fi client is that it has transmit power capable of reaching the Wi-Fi equipment installed on lampposts, and software features that are optimized for use with an outdoor network.

What kind of technology does the LompocNet wireless service use?
The LompocNet wireless system is compatible with the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g industry standards (also known as Wi-Fi). To access LompocNet, you'll need a Wi-Fi network interface device such as a wireless Ethernet bridge. Many laptops are already equipped with network cards that allow connections to Wi-Fi networks. There are dozens of companies that build these devices. If you are trying to connect directly to our network, without using one of the Wi-Fi bridges provided with our Family Plan, your computer or other device must have an 802.11b/g (“Wi-Fi”) card inside of it or be connected to an external card. You must also be able to enter a user name and password via your device. You can do so with any computer that has a keyboard, however some PDAs and other Wi-Fi enabled devices do not have this capability, and will not be able to connect directly to our network.

What security risks are imposed by the LompocNet network being wireless, can anyone see my data?
This is a common concern of the wireless network. The truth is that you are connecting to the open web and someone could potentially "see" your traffic on our wireless network, or after your data leaves our network and is on the wired connection using certain types of programs. This is no different than any other providers network and this could give anyone access to any unencrypted passwords or data. This is why most websites, such as banks and on-line retailers, have secure connections or https://. This ensures that all information that is passed between your computer and their servers is encrypted so that if anyone does intercept the information, it will not be readable.

What speeds will the service provide?
Speeds will be very dependent on a couple of factors: 1) The number of simultaneous users on the system, 2) Your location in relation to one of our access points. With that said, most users frequently experience speeds that are approximately 1Mb bi-directional, but may fluctuate between 256kb and 1Mb (and sometimes more) given the above dependencies. In relation to dial-up service at 50k, your minimum connection will be approximately 5 times faster, but more commonly about 20 times faster than dial-up.

What type of equipment do I need in my home to pick up the wireless signal?
LompocNet will provide each Family Plan account with a wireless bridge that will connect to our wireless network and to your computer or router. We recommend that you purchase a Broadband Router/Firewall to provide protection between the Internet and your personal computer. These can be purchased at any electronics store.

What’s the range on a typical Wi-Fi access point?
The access points deployed in Lompoc are be designed to provide service in some cases up to a 400-yard radius. Trees and buildings can affect signal quality. We’ve installed almost 200 access points so that coverage can be provided to the entire city.

What's the difference between 802.11b and 802.11g adaptors?
The 802.11b standard is more commonly available and uses the 2.4 GHz radio spectrum for transmitting and receiving data at speeds up to a theoretical maximum of 11 Mbps. The 802.11g standard is an upgrade of the 802.11b standard and uses the same radio frequencies, but supports speeds up to a theoretical maximum of 55 Mbps. Equipment manufactured to work with the 802.11g standard will also work with the more common 802.11b standard. The Lompoc network will work with adaptors designed for either standard.

Another variation of the standard is 802.11a. The 802.11a standard uses a frequency that is not compatible with 802.11b equipment. The Lompoc network will not work with 802.11a equipment. The Lompoc Wi-Fi network will be designed to work with 802.11b and 802.11g equipment.

When will the service be available?
Service is currently available. You can sign up by contacting LompocNet at 875-8750. For those choosing the Family Plan, you can stop by City Hall to sign up and pickup bridge equipment.

Will my computer be safe from viruses and spy-ware on your system?
Your computer is connected directly to the Internet, it is quite likely that it will be come in contact with viruses and spy-ware. While no service provider can stop this, you can take measures to help protect yourself. Setting up a router/firewall, and keeping up-to-date anti-virus software and spy-ware removal software will help lessen the chances of you running into these problems and make your browsing experience that much better. We have some links to some helpful programs here.

Will my Voice-Over IP Phone, VPN connection, or video games work with the LompocNet Wireless Internet service?
99% of the above connections will work on our system without experiencing any difficulties. Some of these services may require static IP addresses. Currently Lompocnet does not support VOIP service. We are aware of customers who do use VOIP on the network, however we do not support it. If you choose to try VOIP service on the network we currently do not have set standards in place or help desk support in place. (NOTE: LompocNet does not currently offer static IP plans.)

Will my Wi-Fi access work outside of Lompoc?
The City of Lompoc's service will not be available outside the city limits. However, your Wi-Fi equipment will work with networks and hotspots outside of Lompoc, if you have an account with those providers.