Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are included in a 3-day rental?
A: You get 3 full days, plus a partial day for shipping/testing before your trade show and a partial day for shipping immediately following your trade show.
Do I have to place my order online?
A: We prefer to process all orders online using our secure Google Checkout, however, we can take your order & credit card info over the phone if you prefer. (866)385-1504 ext.1
How can I be sure that my Internet Package will arrive on time?
A: When you place your order online, the Order page allows you to enter your Trade Show Name, Preferred Delivery Date, and any Special Instructions. Next, you will enter your shipping address in our secure Google Checkout. You should schedule your FedEx shipment to arrive at your office or hotel 1 business day prior to your trade show. We do not ship to the trade show venue or your booth since these shipments tend to get lost/misplaced. Once you complete your order online, you'll receive an email from us with your receipt and confirmation number.
Will your service work with a PC or a MAC?
A: Yes, it works with both. There is no software to install and you don't need to put the Verizon USB modem into your computer. Simply insert the Verizon USB modem into the Router we provide. Then, connect your computer to the Router using the provided Cat5 Network Cable. Or, you can connect wirelessly to the Router using your computer's wireless network connection manager.
How fast is the connection speed? What types of applications can I run?
A: We use Verizon's 3G EVDO network. If you have ever used a broadband card/modem then you probably already have a good idea of the speed you can expect. In general, you can expect speeds up to 1.4 Mbps down and 800 Kbps up. Various factors can affect your wireless signal strength, so we include an external antenna to help ensure a high quality signal regardless of the environment. Broadband wireless is perfect for checking email, surfing the web, and casual video streaming. However, it is not designed to support continuous video streaming, VoIP, or very high bandwidth uploading/downloading of large files.
How many computers can be online at the same time?
A: You can connect up to 4 hard-wired computers using standard Cat5 Network Cables. (We include 1 network cable with each Internet Package, you can rent up to 3 additional cables.)
OR
You can use the router's WiFi network to connect up to 64 users wirelessly.
Although 64 wireless users is the maximum, it's important to keep in mind that since the router performs load balancing, each additional user will receive a portion of the available bandwidth. The more users you add to your network, the more the bandwidth gets apportioned to each additional user. Based on our testing, for optimal results, we recommend you allocate up to 4 computers for each Verizon modem. If you have more than 4 computers, we suggest adding an additional Verizon modem to boost up your available bandwidth. Each CradlePoint MBR1000 router can run up to 3 Verizon modems -- meaning you can put up to 12 computers on the network with decent bandwidth for everyone. If you have more than 12 computers, you should probably have a 2nd Internet Package.
Can I connect other devices like a switch or a network printer?
A: Yes. You can connect any IP-enabled devices to the CradlePoint MBR1000 router (switches, hubs, network printers, access control panels, etc.). Please refer to the previous note on the router's load balancing and bandwidth apportioning functions to understand how network bandwidth is shared amongst connected devices.
Is there any programming required?
A: No. The Internet Package (CradlePoint MBR1000 Router, Verizon USB760 Modem, Wilson Antenna, Cat5 Network Cable) we supply is pre-configured to be “plug and play” for you. Simply plug in the power cord to the CradlePoint Router, then connect your computer(s) using a Cat5 Network Cable, and you’re online! You can also take advantage of the wireless (WiFi) connection option. We include a simple quick start guide with each Internet Package to help you set up a wired or wireless connection.
For the techies, each router is configured to automatically provide DHCP addresses (dynamic IP addresses).
To confirm whether you are setup for DHCP or Static IP addressing on a Windows PC, go to:
Start > Connect To > Show All Connections
Right click on Local Area Connection and select Properties
Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) > Properties > Obtain an IP address automatically
Make sure “Obtain DNS server address automatically” is also selected
How do I return the Internet Package after my trade show?
A: The Internet Package is expected to be returned the next business day following your trade show using the pre-paid shipping label provided. If you have misplaced the pre-paid shipping label, simply contact us to make other arrangements. Additional days may be billed for units not shipped on the next business day following your trade show.
What is your cancellation policy?
A: We will provide an 80% refund of the total purchase price for orders cancelled at least 2 weeks prior to your requested shipment arrival date. No refunds will be issued for any other cancellations except as described below.
Is your service guaranteed?
A: Yes. We offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied. Our Internet Package is tested prior to each shipment to ensure you have the best possible experience. We understand that on rare occasions issues do arise that could negatively impact your experience with our product. Simply call our customer support number during your trade show if you are having a problem and we will do our best to resolve it. If we are unable to resolve your problem to your satisfaction, and you desire a refund, you must file a refund request with us during your trade show, cease using the equipment, and return your Internet Package to us at your earliest opportunity. No refunds will be issued for claims made after the conclusion of your event.
Please keep in mind that most trade shows allow you to order internet services at the show. If for any reason our Internet Package does not work properly and we are unable to resolve the problem or ship you a replacement in time, you will receive a full refund from us and can order internet services from the show venue. That way you look good and stay connected without any risk.
How do I file a claim if the equipment malfunctions?
A: Should the equipment malfunction, you must file a claim with us immediately via email or phone call. We will undertake every effort to immediately troubleshoot or replace your damaged/non-working equipment. If we are unable to resolve the problem to your satisfaction, a full refund of the rental price will be issued upon receipt of the equipment. We reserve the right to test the equipment and review your usage data to verify your claim. We do not refund shipping charges.
What happens if I accidentally damage or lose the equipment?
A: Trade Show Internet's business is based upon each customer renting reliable equipment and returning it in the same great condition in which it was received. In the event of damage or loss, Trade Show Internet will charge you the full replacement cost of the equipment, up to $1000. If the damage occurred during shipping, you must contact us immediately so we can promptly replace the damaged equipment.
How did there come to be an "exclusive" in-house internet service provider at my venue and what does this mean for me?
A: The "exclusive" control over the internet in each venue pertains to the facility's in-house wiring & switching equipment. It's important to distinguish that this is not a categorical exclusivity, but rather one designed to keep the wiring & service delivery organized and efficient. Too many internet service providers running wire and pulling network cables would create a spaghetti mess and be very difficult to manage for a large event.
Unfortunately, many in-house providers have used what was originally intended to be a very narrow "exclusivity" to falsely create a blanket perception in the industry that they control EVERY FORM of internet service delivery inside their venues.
The law is very clear on this subject. The 3G network we use (1900 MHz spectrum) is licensed and controlled by the FCC and is completely outside the jurisdiction of any in-house internet provider. Anyone is free to use a mobile phone or 3G modem on public or private property without fear of intimidation or reprisal. In short, the in-house internet provider controls their own network, and you are protected by Federal law to use our rental equipment since it uses a completely separate network.
What if the in-house internet provider asks me to turn off my WiFi network?
A: The one gray area, pending an FCC decision, is who controls the Wireless (WiFi) network inside each venue (802.11 b/g/n on the 2.4 GHz spectrum). Our routers provide connectivity in two ways: through 4 available hard-wired connections, as well as by broadcasting a WiFi signal. In some cases, the in-house internet provider has asked for the WiFi signal broadcast to be turned off since they feel it interferes with their own WiFi signals. Even the technical merits of this claim are disputable since there are 11 available channels, 3 of which are distinct and do not interfere with one another. If you are asked to turn off the WiFi broadcast on our router, there is a small On/Off button on the back of the router you can use. In this situation, you will need to hard-wire your computers to the router to stay connected.
Our venue has a "preferred" or "exclusive" vendor who provides internet access. Is it legal to use Trade Show Internet's solution in this situation?
A: Yes, absolutely. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 explicitly prohibits telecommunications carriers from entering into exclusive contracts with commercial building owners or their agents for the provision of interstate telephony and internet services. The FCC ruling explains that exclusive contracts prove detrimental to the consumer, provide an unfair monopoly to the telecommunications carrier, and stifle innovation and choice with respect to communications technologies and providers. Additionally, the Act grants tenants in multiple tenant environments (including temporary leaseholders) the ability to place antennas one meter or less in diameter used to receive or transmit any fixed wireless service.
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/Orders/2000/fcc00366.txt
Verizon's 1900 MHz FCC broadcast spectrum license covering its EVDO 3G network grants the public unfettered access in the U.S. to use Verizon's licensed portion of the radio frequency spectrum. Since emergency communications including access to 9-1-1 rely upon these networks, no public or private entity can restrict or interfere with the use of this spectrum indoors or outdoors without risking FCC fines up to $11,000 and up to one year in prison for each offense.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-cell-phone-jammer.htm