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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I connect to EZ SURF's high-speed Internet access?
  • What if I have trouble connecting to or using EZ SURF?
  • What equipment do I need in order to use EZ SURF's high-speed Internet access?
  • What types of wireless cards are compatible with EZ SURF's wireless network?
  • What is an IP address, and why do I need one?
  • What is the difference between a dynamically assigned IP address and a static/fixed IP address?
  • How do I obtain an IP address?
  • Is my VPN software compatible with EZ SURF's service?
  • How do I connect using my VPN software?
  • Why might I need to change my SSID, and how can I do so?
  • Does EZ SURF implement a firewall on the guest LAN?
    Does EZ SURF block any specific types of traffic?
  • Does EZ SURF use WEP encryption for its wireless network?

How do I connect to EZ SURF's high-speed Internet access?

See the General Connection Guide for complete connection instructions.

What if I have trouble connecting to or using EZ SURF?

You can call EZ SURF's 24x7x365 Technical Operations Center toll-free at 1-877-4EZ-SURF or email support@EZSURF.com for technical support.

What equipment do I need in order to use EZ SURF's 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 EZ SURF's wireless network?

Any card that has been certified for compliance with the Wi-Fi wireless LAN standard can be used with EZ SURF's 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. EZ SURF 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 EZ SURF in order to gain access to the Internet. A EZ SURF-provided static IP is only available in meeting rooms.

How do I obtain an IP address?

EZ SURF 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, EZ SURF 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 EZ SURF (EZ SURF-provided static IPs are only available in hotel meeting facilities).

Is my VPN software compatible with EZ SURF's service?

Most Virtual Private Network (VPN) software running on a notebook computer configured to obtain an IP from a DHCP server should work with EZ SURF's network. To facilitate the use of VPN software, EZ SURF 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 EZ SURF's Technical Operations Center toll-free at 1-800-434-4015 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 EZ SURF 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 EZ SURF 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. EZ SURF is configured to broadcast an SSID which allows a wireless adapter/card to detect and use the EZ SURF wireless network. If you have a non-EZ SURF SSID specified, you may not be able to connect to the EZ SURF 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 EZ SURF wireless service, you may need to specify your SSID as "EZ SURF" (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 EZ SURF's Wireless Internet Access."

Does EZ SURF implement a firewall on the guest LAN?

EZ SURF does implement a firewall as an integral part of the EZ SURF Welcome Page. This controls who has access to the Internet and handles billing for the service. Once the connecting process via the EZ SURF Welcome Page is complete, no information is restricted, monitored, or blocked. Until you go through our EZ SURF Welcome Page, you will only be able to access the EZ SURF Web site, www.EZSURF.com. If you try to go to another Web site, you will be redirected to our EZ SURF Welcome Page automatically.

Does EZ SURF block any specific types of traffic?

Due to the proliferation of viruses, worms and other malicious activity on the Internet, we block specific ports to increase the security of our network. Specifically, TCP traffic is blocked on ports 80 (inbound), 135 (inbound), 137, 138, 139, 445 and 8053. UDP traffic is blocked on ports 1434, 8053, 8083 and 8084. We regularly update our firewalls to address new and pressing security issues.

Does EZ SURF use WEP encryption for its wireless network?

EZ SURF 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 EZ SURF's 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 EZ SURF system supports secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) access. If your company has a VPN, EZ SURF recommends that you connect via the VPN for optimum security. EZ SURF 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), EZ SURF supports ongoing security efforts for wireless public networks.