anakin
Well-Known Member
Copied from http://www.iburst.co.za. Perhaps we could build on this? Post your questions, I'll edit this and keep it updated.
<b>Which devices are supported by the iBurst™ system e.g. laptops, desktops, handhelds?</b>
Initially the iBurst service will be available via an iBurst "Access Card" (PCMCIA) for laptops and desktop modems for fixed setups.
It is also anticipated that the iBurst service will soon be available to Pocket PC (PDA) devices via the iBurst Access Card. In future iBurst communication will be available via compact flash cards and also embedded in devices.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>Which operating systems does the iBurst system support?</b>
The iBurst system works with Windows 98 SE, XP and 2000. It also works with Mac version X or later and Linux.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How can I share my iBurst connection with others?</b>
It is possible to use the desktop modem to provide a broadband link to a local network which may be a traditional wired LAN or a wireless LAN using an 802.11 access point.
With this configuration it will be possible to have multiple devices sharing a single iBurst connection. Due to the likely increased usage there will be a premium charged for this mode of operation over a typical single user account.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>What is unique about the iBurst system?</b>
The iBurst system combines the three characteristics of:
<ul>
<li>High speed</li>
<li>High mobility</li>
<li>Low cost</li>
</ul>
Previously there have been several technologies that provide one or two of these (e.g. DSL: high speed, low cost but low mobility; 3G: High speed, high mobility but high cost) but iBurst is the first technology to provide all three.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>Where/how can I buy it?</b>
Go to our web site and select the "Get iBurst" link to choose a provider.
http://www.iburst.co.za
<hr noshade size="1"><b>Where does it work (what is the coverage)?</b>
The coverage of the service is expanding over time as we carry out our rapid rollout of the service. The iBurst service will be commercially launched with coverage of the CBD and northern suburbs of Johannesburg as well as establish coverage in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How do I find out if my area is covered?</b>
Go to our web site and select the "Coverage" link.
http://www.iburst.co.za
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How fast is it?</b>
Under ideal conditions the iBurst system can download (data to you) at up to 1 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload (data from you) at up to 345 kilobits per second (Kbps).
The degree to which these maximum speeds are attained depends on the quality of the signal which is influenced by several factors:
<ul>
<li>The distance you are from the nearest base station</li>
<li>Whether there are obstructions between you and the base station</li>
<li>How many other people are connected via your base station</li>
<li>The speed at which you are traveling</li>
<li>Additionally, the speed of access is greatly influenced by all the normal Internet factors such as the speed of the server you are communicating with and the speed and usage levels of the links that the communication is going over.</li>
</ul>
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How does the iBurst service improve productivity?</b>
The iBurst service improves productivity in many ways including:
The mobility of the system means that you can be fully productive no matter where you are, whether in the office or out in the field. You need not waste time returning to the office to perform transactions or update data, all facilities are at your finger tips no matter where you are at the time.
Similarly, the mobility of the iBurst service means that there is no downtime, except when you want it. If you commute for long periods, iBurst can keep you fully productive for this period, freeing up time in their day for other activities,
A high speed connection to your company network and the Internet dramatically broadens the amount of information and services you can call upon in the field. A laptop used offline with only local data to work with cannot help in unforeseen circumstances. For example, if you are visiting a client and cannot find their office, you can look at the client's web site to check the address and go to an online mapping site to get a map to direct you to the location.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How does the iBurst service compare with 2.5G/GPRS?</b>
2.5G and GPRS are terms used for the data service delivered over standard mobile phone networks. These are significantly slower (20 to 30 Kbps) and more expensive than the iBurst service.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How does the iBurst service compare with WiFi (Wireless LAN, 802.11)?</b>
WiFi is an extremely useful technology for providing localized wireless connectivity for a group of related users. In the scenario of an office or a home environment it is ideal.
However, it does not work well with wide area, public communications access. This is firstly due to its range of up to 100 meters, limiting it generally to one premise such as an office or a café.
Authorizing users for access is another impediment. Due to the haphazard way WiFi public access points are being deployed, allowing for a user to identify themselves and pay for the service is proving to be a severe challenge for service providers and results in great inconvenience for the user.
In contrast, iBurst has much greater range and thus blankets entire metropolitan areas so the customer can expect coverage where they are rather than have to seek out hotspot locations. Billing is centralized and standardised as the network is being run and coordinated by one company for the entire country.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How much power will the iBurst modem use on my laptop?</b>
The iBurst modem power usage is comparable to that of a WiFi device. Power consumption is dependant on the following factors:
<ul>
<li>Level of activity - there is less power consumed when the system is idle</li>
<li>Direction of data - there is less power consumed receiving data than sending it</li>
<li>Signal strength - there is less power consumed when within good coverage</li>
</ul>
<hr noshade size="1"><center><i><font size="1">
My views are mine, and mine alone.</i></font id="size1"></center>
<b>Which devices are supported by the iBurst™ system e.g. laptops, desktops, handhelds?</b>
Initially the iBurst service will be available via an iBurst "Access Card" (PCMCIA) for laptops and desktop modems for fixed setups.
It is also anticipated that the iBurst service will soon be available to Pocket PC (PDA) devices via the iBurst Access Card. In future iBurst communication will be available via compact flash cards and also embedded in devices.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>Which operating systems does the iBurst system support?</b>
The iBurst system works with Windows 98 SE, XP and 2000. It also works with Mac version X or later and Linux.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How can I share my iBurst connection with others?</b>
It is possible to use the desktop modem to provide a broadband link to a local network which may be a traditional wired LAN or a wireless LAN using an 802.11 access point.
With this configuration it will be possible to have multiple devices sharing a single iBurst connection. Due to the likely increased usage there will be a premium charged for this mode of operation over a typical single user account.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>What is unique about the iBurst system?</b>
The iBurst system combines the three characteristics of:
<ul>
<li>High speed</li>
<li>High mobility</li>
<li>Low cost</li>
</ul>
Previously there have been several technologies that provide one or two of these (e.g. DSL: high speed, low cost but low mobility; 3G: High speed, high mobility but high cost) but iBurst is the first technology to provide all three.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>Where/how can I buy it?</b>
Go to our web site and select the "Get iBurst" link to choose a provider.
http://www.iburst.co.za
<hr noshade size="1"><b>Where does it work (what is the coverage)?</b>
The coverage of the service is expanding over time as we carry out our rapid rollout of the service. The iBurst service will be commercially launched with coverage of the CBD and northern suburbs of Johannesburg as well as establish coverage in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How do I find out if my area is covered?</b>
Go to our web site and select the "Coverage" link.
http://www.iburst.co.za
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How fast is it?</b>
Under ideal conditions the iBurst system can download (data to you) at up to 1 megabits per second (Mbps) and upload (data from you) at up to 345 kilobits per second (Kbps).
The degree to which these maximum speeds are attained depends on the quality of the signal which is influenced by several factors:
<ul>
<li>The distance you are from the nearest base station</li>
<li>Whether there are obstructions between you and the base station</li>
<li>How many other people are connected via your base station</li>
<li>The speed at which you are traveling</li>
<li>Additionally, the speed of access is greatly influenced by all the normal Internet factors such as the speed of the server you are communicating with and the speed and usage levels of the links that the communication is going over.</li>
</ul>
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How does the iBurst service improve productivity?</b>
The iBurst service improves productivity in many ways including:
The mobility of the system means that you can be fully productive no matter where you are, whether in the office or out in the field. You need not waste time returning to the office to perform transactions or update data, all facilities are at your finger tips no matter where you are at the time.
Similarly, the mobility of the iBurst service means that there is no downtime, except when you want it. If you commute for long periods, iBurst can keep you fully productive for this period, freeing up time in their day for other activities,
A high speed connection to your company network and the Internet dramatically broadens the amount of information and services you can call upon in the field. A laptop used offline with only local data to work with cannot help in unforeseen circumstances. For example, if you are visiting a client and cannot find their office, you can look at the client's web site to check the address and go to an online mapping site to get a map to direct you to the location.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How does the iBurst service compare with 2.5G/GPRS?</b>
2.5G and GPRS are terms used for the data service delivered over standard mobile phone networks. These are significantly slower (20 to 30 Kbps) and more expensive than the iBurst service.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How does the iBurst service compare with WiFi (Wireless LAN, 802.11)?</b>
WiFi is an extremely useful technology for providing localized wireless connectivity for a group of related users. In the scenario of an office or a home environment it is ideal.
However, it does not work well with wide area, public communications access. This is firstly due to its range of up to 100 meters, limiting it generally to one premise such as an office or a café.
Authorizing users for access is another impediment. Due to the haphazard way WiFi public access points are being deployed, allowing for a user to identify themselves and pay for the service is proving to be a severe challenge for service providers and results in great inconvenience for the user.
In contrast, iBurst has much greater range and thus blankets entire metropolitan areas so the customer can expect coverage where they are rather than have to seek out hotspot locations. Billing is centralized and standardised as the network is being run and coordinated by one company for the entire country.
<hr noshade size="1"><b>How much power will the iBurst modem use on my laptop?</b>
The iBurst modem power usage is comparable to that of a WiFi device. Power consumption is dependant on the following factors:
<ul>
<li>Level of activity - there is less power consumed when the system is idle</li>
<li>Direction of data - there is less power consumed receiving data than sending it</li>
<li>Signal strength - there is less power consumed when within good coverage</li>
</ul>
<hr noshade size="1"><center><i><font size="1">
My views are mine, and mine alone.</i></font id="size1"></center>