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Answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. What is HQWifi
HQWifi provides wireless internet access to Queenstown, Glenorchy, Arrowtown and Wanaka using WiFi (IEEE 802.11b) technologies. With a WiFi capable device, or a Mac with Apple airport capabilities, you can connect to the internet when in range of our nodes.
HQWifi is a Mesh network, which means its infrastructure is completely wireless - it can be extended merely by putting new nodes within range of existing nodes, without the need to provision separate Internet connections for each one. Where are the hotspots?
We have provided a map here. We are working to roll out more Hotspots, If you own/operate a property and are interested in hosting a node or hosting one of our kiosks, please contact us. How do I connect?
You may need to configure your WLAN card to use an SSID of either HQWifi or ANY (which will allow you to connect to any open WLAN in range). To connect to the network: - Reconfigure your WiFi card (if necessary) to an SSID of ANY or HQWifi
- Open up a web-browser (like Firefox or I.E.) and try to connect to any web site
- You will be redirected to the HQWifi login page
- If you have a user name and password, enter them to login. If not, click to register.
- Once logged in, you can use any internet service you can access remotely (eg POP email, webmail, authenticated SMTP)
- You will need to log in again 24 hours after your last login.
Detailed instructions will depend on your computer's operating system and the manufacturer of your wireless LAN card. What is WiFi?
Short for wireless fidelity and is meant to be used generically when referring of any type of 802.11 Network , whether 802.11b, 802.11a, dual band, etc. The term is promulgated by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Any products tested and approved as "Wi-Fi Certified" (a registered trademark) by the Wi-Fi Alliance are certified as interoperable with each other, even if they are from different manufacturers.
A user with a "Wi-Fi Certified" product can use any brand of access point with any other brand of client hardware that also is certified.
Typically, however, any Wi-Fi Product using the same radio frequency (for example, 2.4GHz for 802.11b or 11g, 5GHz for 802.11a) will work with any other, even if not "Wi-Fi Certified." What is a wireless LAN?
A wireless LAN is a group of computers connected together in the same vicinity using radio frequencies instead of wires. Wireless LANs (or WLANs for short) using the IEEE's 802.11b specification use radio frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band to communicate. Isn't 2.4 GHz the same radio frequency microwave ovens use?
Yes. IEEE 802.11b uses microwave frequencies, just like some baby monitors and Bluetooth accessories for mobile phones and PDAs. The maximum power output of a WLAN card or network node is 100mW, which is around one ten-thousandth of the power of a microwave oven. There is no danger from this level of output, which is about a tenth of the power output of a typical mobile phone. What is a node?
WLANs typically operate in two modes, known as Ad-Hoc (or Peer-to-Peer) and Managed (or Infrastructure). Infrastructure mode requires a device called a Access Point, which acts sort of like a LAN hub for the WLAN. Peer-to-peer mode can be used between any group of WiFi-capable computers.
HQWifi uses a technology called Mesh Networking to add additional capabilities to a WLAN, so our nodes are not access points, but instead are small PCs running a customised version of Linux, providing stability and coverage unavailable in typical off the shelf products. What will you do with my registration details?
We will use your email address solely for communication with you about the HQWifi network, and not for any other purpose. We will never pass your details on to a third party or to our advertisers. Why do you provide Free zones?
Ultimately we hope to provide community wireless and a community orientated site, we have provded access to sites hosted by HeadQuarters as not only a benefit to our hosting customers, but also to give you access to useful information about our beautiful region. What is a hotspot?
A hotspot is a term for a place where you can connect to a public Wireless LAN. What happens if I abuse the network?
Your use of the service will be terminated, your account suspended, and other measures taken to ensure you cannot connect to HQWifi. By accessing the network, you have agreed to the HeadQuarters Acceptable Usage Policy. What else can I do on the HQWifi Network?
We are working hard to expand our network and provide additional services, these will include things like remote backup of files, Local Intranet, gaming services and community information boards.
If you have a suggestion please feel free to contact us and let us know your ideas. Pricing Structure
HQWifi offer a range of Accounts and Pre-paid internet services. Pre-pay cards are available from one of our many vendors throughout Queenstown, or Sign Up now for an account. Check out HQWiFi Prepay Cards and Accounts How can I make Payment?
Payment can be made securely as you sign up online. We use DPS to process Credit Cards, currently we only support Visa and Mastercard. You can also select the plan online and contact us to arrange invoice or payment, this process can take up to two days. By purchasing online you get high speed internet immediately. Where do I get support?
Use the contact forms on www.queenstownhq.co.nz or contact us on phone, please see the contact page.
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