Overview

The RV Access Wireless Network
The RV Access high-speed wireless network is built around industry standard (IEEE 802.11b, also called Wi-Fi) technology. To connect to the wireless network your computer must be equipped with wireless networking (802.11b) capability. Many new computers have wireless networking built-in. For all others, an adapter will be required in order to enable the technology.

The Wireless Network Adapter
There are many types and manufacturers of wireless network adapters. The type of computer being used primarily determines the type of adapter selected for use. PCMCIA adapter cards are almost always used in laptop computers. USB adapters may be used for both laptop and desktop computers while PCI card type adapters are frequently installed internally in desktop computers.

Types of Wireless Network Adapters

Laptop PCMCIA Card	Desktop or Laptop USB	Desktop PCI adapter

A standard 802.11b wireless network adapter from any manufacturer will work with the RV Access high-speed wireless service. Because of the great number of products available on the market today, RV Access cannot possibly fully support every product from every manufacturer. Because of the performance and capabilities of the Orinoco and Cisco products we have chosen to favor these manufacturer’s 802.11b adapters. This is not to say that others will not work, or that we will not try to help you with problems associated with your existing adapter. We will! Other manufacturer of these products are: Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, and Symbol.

We highly recommend the use of an adapter that supports an external antenna. Because of the significant use of metal in the construction of the typical RV and because of the density of RVs in an RV Park, it is often desirable to use an external antenna for maximum performance of the RV Access service. Not all adapters have a connector that would allow an external antenna to be used with the adapter. Before purchasing a wireless network adapter, make sure it does support an external antenna.

Wireless Antenna

The external antenna is not permanently mounted on your RV. It is mobile and may be placed appropriately to maximize wireless network performance each time you settle in to a new RV park location.

Purchasing Network Adapter and Antenna
Most RV parks that offer RV Access high-speed wireless Internet service have network adapters and antennas for sale in the office. They can also provide a list of local retail outlets for this equipment.

Installing Network Adapters
Installation of wireless network adapters is simple. Most customers are able to do the installation themselves using instructions received with the adapter. Equipment manufacturer typically offer phone assistance if required. If you don’t want to attempt this yourself, the RV park office has a list of qualified service technicians who are available to assist.

Connecting to the RV Access High-Speed Wireless Network
After the network adapter and software has been successfully installed and you have rebooted your computer, you are ready to connect to the RV Access high-speed wireless network service.

You will not have to make any configuration changes to your computer’s networking, browser, or any other configuration in order to connect to the service. When you start your web browser (i.e., Netscape or Internet Explorer) you should automatically be taken to the RV Access web page for the RV park you are currently visiting. A page similar to the following will be displayed:

If you have already created a user account you may select “YES”, enter your username and password on the next screen, and you are ready to use the Internet. Otherwise, if this is your first time using RV Access service, you will select “NO” and will see the sign-up screen shown below.

If you will use a pre-paid access (or free trial) card select the top box, otherwise select the bottom box to use your credit card to create an account. Enter the information on the following screen to create your account with your credit card:

After you successfully create your account you will get a page similar to this: