|
What is PowerGATE?
PowerGATE is Compton Communications'
High-Speed Internet access service.
The service delivers the full power of
the Internet to your computer using a cable wire instead
of a phone line. With Compton's service you get
the Internet at speeds up to 350 times faster than a
28.8k modem. No dialing in, no busy signals, no
unexpected disconnects, absolutely no hassles. Turn your
computer on and you're surfing.
How fast is the
network?
Incomparably fast. PowerGATE provides
speeds up to 350 times faster than a standard telephone
modem. Broadband cable technology is able to carry
much more information much faster and much quicker than
dialup telephone modems. For example a 3.5 MB file takes
more than 16 minutes to download using a typical dial up
connection, at best 30 seconds on a DSL line, compared
to as little as about 10 seconds on PowerGATE. The
speed is largely only limited by what the Internet is
capable of delivering at any given time. Slowdowns
within the Compton network are virtually unheard of.
What makes it so
fast?
PowerGATE is so fast because we take advantage of the
high bandwidth capabilities of our cable TV lines. These lines are
coupled with Compton's superior network architecture and produce a
performance-engineered, scaleable network.
What are the basic
features?
High Speed Internet access via cable to
deliver a much richer online experience than dial up.
Constant connectivity; no dial up, no
log in, no busy signals.
PowerGATE does not tie up your phone
line.
What hardware and
software are included?
A network card (if necessary) and free
rental of a cable modem are
included. Compton will retain ownership of the
cable modem, which must be returned in case of
cancellation of service.
Are there
installation or setup fees?
Yes. Our technician installation is
$29.95 (compare to $99 for our competitors). There
are no setup fees.
What are the
system requirements?
PowerGATE currently supports
Windows XP, 2000, Windows NT 4.0, and Mac 0S 8.1 or higher. Windows 95/98/Me
may also be usable, but are no longer supported by Microsoft.
As such, our ability to support users with those operating systems may
be limited.
Accordingly, we recommend that you upgrade if you're
using any of these versions of Windows.
The following table outlines the system
requirements: MINIMUM
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
For
high-speed Cable modem service you must meet the
following MINIMUM system requirements: (Subject to
change from time to time)
|
Configuration
Required |
Windows
NT4/2000/XP
|
Linux
2.x
|
Mac
OS
8.0
or
higher
w/Open Transport
|
|
CPU |
Pentium
II 400 |
Pentium II
400 |
Power
PC |
|
System
Ram |
128
MB |
32
MB |
32
MB* |
|
Disk
Space |
125
MB for Internet Explorer and Outlook Express
install |
Enough room
for your preferred internet software |
approx.
75 MB for Netscape and related software
|
|
Sound
Card |
16
Bit |
16
Bit |
Built-in |
|
Video/
Resolution |
SVGA
800 x 600 |
SVGA
800 x 600 |
Built-in
Colour 800 x 600 |
|
Available
Slot |
Built-in
Ethernet/PCI/PCMCIA/USB(only on
XP/2000)
|
Built-in
Ethernet/ISA/ PCI/PCMCIA |
Built-in
Ethernet/ Nubus/PCI |
|
CD-ROM |
Required |
Required |
Required |
*For Mac
OS 8.0 or higher an additional 20 MB (Virtual Memory) is
required.
We do recommend
the following system requirements for optimum
performance:
|
Configuration
Recommended
|
Win
2000/XP or
Linux
2.4 |
Mac
OS
8.0
or higher |
|
CPU |
Pentium
III 800 |
G3 |
|
Memory/System
Ram |
512
MB |
64
MB + 20MB Virtual Memory |
How do I find out information
about my system?
If you are unsure about your computer system
specifications, you can easily find out using the
following guides: Get information about my PC, or get
information about my MAC.
Windows 95, 98, ME, XP - Control Panel - System -
etc.
NT - Diagnostics
Can a laptop be used?
Yes, provided it meets the minimum configuration
requirements. Software Questions:
What TCP/IP programs can be
used?
Any standard TCP/IP software will work with the
PowerGATE network. Appropriate configuration
parameters will be made available.
What web browsers can be used?
Netscape Communicator and Internet Explorer, as well
as any other browser such as Mozilla, Opera, etc.
We currently recommend Mozilla Firefox as the browser to
use.
Can I retrieve mail from other
servers?
You can retrieve mail from a different mail server by
setting up another account in your Mail Preferences.
How large of an e-mail can I
receive?
You can send and receive e-mails up to 10 Megabytes in
size. Network Questions:
Can I watch TV and be on the Internet at the
same time?
Yes! You can surf the Net, watch TV and talk on the
phone, all at the same time.
If I don't subscribe to Compton's cable TV
service can I still get Internet service?
Yes! However, there is an additional charge of
$5.00 per month if you are not a cable TV subscriber.
Can I connect to PowerGATE using more than one
computer?
The service allows multiple computers to be
simultaneously connected to the Internet through
PowerGATE. The multiple computer access feature is an
add-on advantage to the basic service which eliminates
the need for multiple cable modems and/or complex
networking solutions. The cost for this is an additional
charge of $10.00 per month for each additional computer.
(Customer must supply hub and inside the home wiring.)
Customers can, if desired, purchase their own router to
split the connection between multiple computers.
However, Compton will not support any problems you may
have with your router.
Will new cable be installed in my neighbourhood?
No, Compton uses existing cable lines.
I want the Internet service and I already have
a cable outlet. Is it still necessary to install another
line in my home?
Yes, you will need a second cable outlet. The cable
connection to a cable modem is a dedicated outlet wired
from the existing line to your house to the modem. The
outlet has been carefully tested by the Compton cable
technician to ensure it is bi-directional and for any
possible problems that would interfere with your
Internet service but would never affect your normal
television reception. The technician will also
install special filters to prevent noise from the
television from affecting your Internet connection.
How can I get cable from the TV in my living
room to the PC in my bedroom?
Since both data and television signals travel on the
same physical cable, you require a cable splitter with a
special filter, to provide multiple connections. To
avoid the potential of introducing noise to the system,
a Compton cable technician will do the installation of
the cable outlet to the second location. If you've
already installed splitters or cabling our technician
will perform quality assurance tests to make sure it is
operational.
How does the cable modem connect to my
computer?
The cable modem is an external device that connects
to your computer's Ethernet port or via USB.
Will I be able to run servers from my home?
Residential customers are not allowed to run servers
on their accounts.
What does DOCSIS mean?
DOCSIS - Data Over Cable Service Interface
Specification - meaning - is the standard which ensures
that your cable modem can be used in various cable
providers' networks. It means that the modem is fully
interchangeable. Previously, cable modems were
proprietary to each cable provider's network.
Will I be able to access the Internet from my
laptop when I am away from home?
We do not currently offer dialup access for users to
access the net while away from home. You can
access your e-mail while on the road at
webmail.powergate.ca.
Network Architecture & Security Issue Questions:
Are there privacy issues involved with hooking
up to the service?
Certain networking options under the Macintosh or
Windows operating systems or third party network
software such as Netware or LAN Manager may present
privacy issues you need to consider. One such example is
file and print sharing capability which, when enabled,
is intended to allow two or more computers in a member's
home to share files and printers. Such capabilities must
be disabled before connecting to the PowerGATE network
to ensure that other members, or anyone else on the
Internet, cannot gain access to your files and folders.
Privacy issues are not the exclusive domain of cable
Internet connections. No matter what ISP you use,
if your computer is not configured correctly, you are at
risk from hostile Internet users. We strongly
recommend that you employ firewall software, such as
ZoneAlarm.
Will speed suffer as the service membership
increases?
No. Compton's network is built for data and is fully
scalable. Accordingly, we add extra capacity
as more members join.
Other issue questions:
Why would I host my web site with Compton?
We have an optical, fibre-based link to the internet.
Our servers are fully power conditioned, with battery
backups for short power outages and diesel generators
for longer outages. If the power is out for more then 1
hour, your web site will still be up and open for
business. If you host it yourself, you will likely be
down.
Compton employ professional system managers to watch
your site. We take care of equipment obsolescence. If
you are hosting the site yourself, you must always
upgrade your equipment to ensure you are getting the
best possible performance.
Our hub site is protected with security systems and
alarms, to protect your site from service outages.
We allow you to fully manage your site from a remote
location, you don’t need to have a machine at your
place of business to give you the convenience.
Will I get value from PowerGATE at the monthly
fee currently charged?
Compton's PowerGATE service is cheaper or comparable
to our
closest competitor, Sympatico HSE, while we offer higher
speeds and superior customer service.
This is a premium service and it costs more to
deliver it to our customers than a dialup account from
your local ISP would. Our price reflects our costs to
deliver the service.
Time is money. With speeds up to 350 times faster
than a regular dial up account, if you value your time
it will pay for itself quickly.
If you have kids at home who use the Internet a lot,
this service means you don’t need another phone line.
If you already have another phone line because of the
Internet, you can actually save money by canceling it.
If you place any value on getting phone calls when
they come in, this service means you always get your
calls.
The Internet is now becoming more rich in content
that requires high speed. Our current maximum speed on our flagship
Residential package is capped at 7,500 kilobits per second, compared to
7,000 kilobits per
second offered by Sympatico HSE. It's important to
note that though Sympatico claims 7,000 kilobits (7
Mbps) their service is extremely distance sensitive, and
network overhead means it's impossible for you to
actually get 7 Mbps. Why can't I get the service in my area?
Virtually all of our serviced area is able to
subscribe to PowerGATE. If we do not currently
have cable plant built to your area, we cannot offer
PowerGATE to you. However, contact us and express
your interest, as we look at building to additional
customers on a case-by-case basis.
|
