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Frequently Asked Questions

What is iBurst?
iBurst provides simple, fast, secure, wireless mobile and portable access to broadband services.

What is unique about the iBurst system?
The iBurst system combines the three characteristics of:

High Speed
True mobility
Low Cost

Does it truly work on the move?
Yes, the greatest benefit is that iBurst is now able to deliver what mobile professionals and people on the move have been waiting for; an effective service that allows them to work/play anywhere and at anytime inside the coverage areas.

There are few other tools that are more flexible or convenient than a �permanently on� wireless laptop connection which lets you access email and the Internet from the backseat of a moving taxi, an airport lounge, a park or the foyer of the building your next meeting is in. No longer is there the need to hold off activities until finding a location that provides connectivity, either wired or wireless

Which devices are supported by the iBurst system e.g. laptops, desktops, handhelds?
The iBurst service is currently available via an iBurst laptop modem for mobile use and a desktop modem for fixed setups. In the future iBurst will be available for PDAs and there are plans to reduce the modem down to compact flash card size and ultimately embed iBurst into devices.

Which operating systems does the iBurst system support?
The iBurst system works with Windows 98 SE, 98 ME, XP, 2000 and Mac version 10.1.5 and above..

How fast is it?
Under ideal conditions the iBurst system can download (data coming to you) at up to one 1Mbps and upload (data coming from you) at up to 345 Kbps.

The degree to which these maximum speeds are attained depends on the quality of the signal which is influenced by several factors:

The distance you are from the nearest base station
Whether there are obstructions between you and the base station
How many other people are connected via your base station
The speed at which you are traveling

Additionally, the speed of access is greatly influenced by all the usual 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.

Do I need to be near a window for it to work?
No not necessarily but being near a window can improved the strength of your signal. The iBurst system uses fully adaptive smart antenna technology which adjusts signal patterns to and from each user, creating a �personal cell� for efficient delivery of voice or data services. These personal cells will follow you as you move around, reducing radio interference. You can be in a car travelling up to 100km per hour and remain connected provided you are in a coverage area.

Can I share my iBurst connection with others?
It is possible to use the iBurst 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 on the iBurst desktop modem it is possible to have multiple devices and users sharing a single iBurst connection.

How does the iBurst service improve productivity?
The iBurst service helps productivity in many ways:

The mobility of the system means that you can be fully productive no matter where you are under coverage, whether in the office or out in the field. You need not waste time returning to the office to perform transactions or to update data, all facilities are at your finger tips no matter where you are at the time under coverage.
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 your day for other activities.
A high speed secure 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.

Laptop

Do I need a wireless enabled laptop?
No, the iBurst service is fully compatible with existing laptops which have a PCMCIA card slot - no upgrades are required. All you need is an iBurst laptop modem and the required installation software.

Installation is quick and east and typically no more than 5 minutes to complete

Can I connect to a corporate LAN?
Yes, it is possible to use both the iBurst laptop and desktop modem to provide a broadband link to a corporate LAN. The qualification as to whether this is possible depends on how your existing IT system is organised and whether there are any arrangements for remote working already in place. For example, if you already use a virtual private network for access from home then it is a simple measure to extend this to iBurst.

How much power will the iBurst modem use on my laptop?
The iBurst modem power usage is comparable to that of a WiFi device. Power consumption is dependant on the following factors:

Level of activity � there is less power consumed when the system is idle
Direction of data � there is less power consumed receiving data than sending it
Signal strength � there is less power consumed when within good coverage

What makes iBurst different to WiFi (Wireless LAN, 802.11)?
The main differences are range and speed. Signals from the iBurst modem can be picked up several kms away by one of the iBurst network base stations. By contrast, a WiFi has a range of only a few tens of metres, but its transfer speeds are higher. This means that the iBurst service is able to provide ubiquitous coverage to users, not just near a WiFi �hot-spot�.

Desktop

What are the benefits of the desktop modem?
The desktop modem allows for all the benefits of a fixed broadband connection with the addition of portability. This means the service can be disconnected by simply unplugging it from the mains, and moved to a new location to be reconnected by simply powering up the iBurst desktop modem again.

This allows easier movement of the service than a fixed line connection whether the move is between rooms or between cities.

The iBurst desktop modem can be connected to a single computer for access or attached to a local area network or a wireless network for the access to be shared between several devices in the home or office.

What does the iBurst desktop modem weigh?
It�s very light at only 600 grams.

Coverage

Where does it work (what is the coverage)?
The iBurst service is currently available in the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It is also available in Canberra and on the Gold Coast.

Coverage is expanding all the time and will extend to other capitals and larger towns .When the network rollout is completed it is anticipated that the network will provide coverage for over 75% of the Australian population and to over 90% homes and businesses.

How do I find out if my area is covered?
Discovering if your area is covered couldn’t be simpler. On the iBurst website click on the Where is it? link. You can then check the iBurst Coverage Locator by typing in up to 3 addresses. You can also refer to the iBurst coverage maps to see if your area is covered.

What is the range of an iBurst base station?
An iBurst base station’s range extends from approximately 3km in built-up or hilly areas with lots of building ‘clutter’, to approximately 13km in ideal conditions such as water or flat land. The iBurst system is particularly suited to built up areas as the base stations employ advanced digital techniques to overcome the multipath effects that occur in these environments.

Can I use the iBurst system in other countries?
Currently the iBurst system is available commercially in Australia and South Africa. There are several locations throughout the world where networks are being established.

Visit the ArrayComm site for more information on these.
http://www.arraycomm.com/gpm/gpm.htm

Technology

Do I need to set up a VPN to access my company’s network?
It is not strictly necessary, but many enterprise customers choose to do so as this allows users to employ a common access mechanism when working remotely from the office. The use of a VPN provides an additional level of data security and has the advantage that it is fully managed by the enterprise. Being an IP based system , iBurst will transparently support VPN operation.

How does the iBurst service compare with WiFi (Wireless LAN, 802.11)?
WiFi is an extremely useful technology for providing localised 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 a maximum of 100 metres, limiting it generally to one premise such as a home, office or a cafe.

Authorising 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 centralised and standardised as the network is being run and coordinated by one company for the entire country.

How does iBurst different to other wide-area wireless broadband services?
The iBurst service is unique in that it offers high speed, secure, mobile and portable wireless broadband access.

These characteristics makes iBurst one of the fastest, flexible and cost effective wireless broadband options currently available in Australia.

How does the iBurst service compare with 2.5G/GPRS/3G/EV-DO?
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.

3G is the mobile data service for the next generation of mobile phone networks. As with 2.5G, the data is more expensive and slower than data over the iBurst service

EV-DO refers to the data component of the CDMA mobile phone network. Because EV-DO sits on top of a voice network it is not ideally suited to carry data traffic. As a result as with 2.5G/GPRS and 3G the EV-DO network is more expensive and on average slower than the rate at which iBurst can transmit data.

Telstra Turbo Modem� (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Next G� / Telstra Turbo Modem� General Questions.

1.1 Next G�

1.1.1 What is Next G�?
1.1.2 What are the different connection profiles?
1.1.3 What areas have Next G� coverage?
1.1.4 What can you tell me about CDMA and Next G�?

1.2 Telstra Turbo Modem�

1.2.1 What is the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?
1.2.2 What Operating Systems does the Telstra Turbo Modem� support?
1.2.3 What are the minimum system requirements to use the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?
1.2.4 Can I put an external antenna on the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?
1.2.5 Can I make voice calls from the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?
1.2.6 Can I send faxes using the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?
1.2.7 Can I send/receive SMS messages from the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?

2 Telstra Turbo Modem� Troubleshooting.

2.1.1 The Telstra Turbo Modem� will not work. What do I do?

2.2 Telstra Turbo Modem� Manager Installation Troubleshooting

2.2.1 Installation process stops half way.

2.3 Telstra Turbo Modem� Manager General Issues

2.3.1 I get a �Modem not found� error
2.3.2 Dial up connection does not work. Fails when verifying user name and password.
2.3.3 Browser Error Web Browser displays this error message �Page can not be displayed�
2.3.4 Where can I download the latest software for this modem?
2.3.5 How can I find out what the icons mean on the software?
2.3.6 Can I load the software on more than one computer?
2.3.7 How do I know how much data I�m receiving?
2.3.8 I've disabled my wireless network adapters and my Telstra Turbo Modem� no longer works.

2.4 Windows DUNS Errors (Advanced troubleshooting)

602 The port is already open.
608 The device does not exist.
629 The port was disconnected by the remote machine.
633 The port is already in use or is not configured for Remote Access dial out.
645 Internal authentication error.
691 Access denied because username and/or password is invalid on the domain.
692 Hardware failure in port or attached device.

1. Next G� / Telstra Turbo Modem� General Questions.

1.1 Next G�

1.1.1 What is Next G�?

The Next G Network is Telstra's next generation mobile network, bringing high-speed, wireless broadband internet to mobile phones and laptops in most places across Australia. The Next G Network is more than 100 times bigger than any other 3G network in Australia. It operates on HSDPA technology, currently providing a maximum theoretical downlink connection speed of up to 3.6mbps (downlink 384kbps). It operates over a 850mhz frequency.

1.1.2 What are the different connection profiles?

When connecting to the Next G network via a data device (such as the Telstra Turbo Modem), you can connect with a couple of different profiles. The only practical difference between these three profiles is the time out period (that is, the amount of time without data being transmitted after which the user will be automatically disconnected)

user@telstra.pcpack - this domain has a 15 minute timeout period (recommended for users on time based plans)

user@telstra.datapack - this domain has a 2 hour timeout period (recommended for users on data based plans)

user@telstra.internet - this domain does not have a timeout period

1.1.3 What areas have Next G� coverage?

You can see coverage maps from Telstra here: http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile/networks/coverage/maps.cfm

1.1.4 What can you tell me about CDMA and Next G�?

Next G is a direct replacement for the existing CDMA network in Australia. Telstra have informed of the closure of CDMA, expected to occur in 2008. Existing CDMA customers will be migrated over to Next G before then.

If you are a current CDMA customer, you will require NEW hardware (that is, a different modem or phone) to be able to access Next G.

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1.2 Telstra Turbo Modem�

1.2.1 What is the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?

The Telstra Turbo Modem� is a USB modem offering incredible wireless data speeds. Using Telstra's Next G network, it's the ideal solution for on the go communications.

1.2.2 What Operating Systems does the Telstra Turbo Modem� support?

●Windows 2000
●Windows XP
●Mac OS X - CONFIRM AVAILABILITY AT www.maxon.com.au

DO NOT INSTALL THE Telstra Turbo Modem� ON WINDOWS ME. This CAN cause issues with the operating system.

1.2.3 What are the minimum system requirements to use the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?

Operating system as above.
Connection: USB Port
Disk Drive: CD ROM
Processor: 667 MHz or faster
Memory: 128MB RAM
Disk Space: 100 MB

1.2.4 Can I put an external antenna on the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?

Yes you can. The Telstra Turbo Modem� is supplied with a connector. Any external antennas connected to the modem must be terminated SMA male.

1.2.5 Can I make voice calls from the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?

No, you cannot make voice calls with the Telstra Turbo Modem� .

1.2.6 Can I send faxes using the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?

No you cannot.

1.2.7 Can I send SMS messages from the Telstra Turbo Modem� ?

Initial versions of the Telstra Turbo Modem� will not support SMSing. Future versions will. Please check www.maxon.com.au for availability.

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2. Telstra Turbo Modem� Troubleshooting.

2.1.1 The Telstra Turbo Modem� will not work, what do I do?

Check to see that the Telstra Turbo Modem� is installed correctly (see the manual on the CD for a complete installation guide) to the modem and the PC. Verify that the light on the modem comes on.

Verify that you have an active USIM card from Telstra.

If the Telstra Turbo Modem� is still not working, please contact Maxon Australia Customer Support on 02 9707 2000 or Telstra�s Wireless Data Support on 1300 131 816.

2.2 Telstra Turbo Modem� Manager Installation Troubleshooting

2.2.1 Installation process stops half way.

Close all other software programs running in the background.

Disable any hot sync/active sync software if running in background.

Disable all other wireless communications devices (e.g. Bluetooth, Infrared, Wireless Networking)

Unplug the Telstra Turbo Modem�

Reboot the computer.

Start the installation process again.

Please contact Maxon Australia if you are still having problems on 02 9707 2000 or Telstra Wireless Data Support on 1300 131 816.

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2.3 Telstra Turbo Modem� Manager General Issues

2.3.1 I get a �Modem not found� or "Modem in use by another program" error

Check under Phones and Modems option in the Control Panel and verify if the Telstra Turbo Modem� is listed.

If the Telstra Turbo Modem� is not listed, uninstall the software through the control panel "Add/Remove Programs", close all other software (including hot sync/active sync) and then try re-installing the Telstra Turbo Modem� Manager (see Software Installation Troubleshooting).

Please contact Maxon Australia if you are still having problems on 02 9707 2000 or Telstra Wireless Data Support on 1300 131 816.

2.3.2 The connection fails when verifying user name and password.

Check the lights on the modem. If only the RED light is on, then the area you are in does not have Next G coverage.

Make sure the USIM card is registered or assigned a service from Telstra.

Check that you have not changed the username or password in the default profiles under the data options.

2.3.3 Browser Error: Web Browser displays the error message �Page can not be displayed�.

Check if you have a network connection established.

Disable any Firewall software (including any Windows firewalls)

If using Windows XP or 2000, �click� on start then �click� on all programs then �click� on accessories and finally �click� on Command prompt. When in DOS, type Ping Telstra.com -w 10000 and press �Enter�. In most cases you should get four replies. If you receive replies, your internet connection is working correctly. Try and access another web page. If the ping command does not respond, try and re-issue the command � if this does not work, please contact Maxon Australia on 02 9707 2000 or Telstra Wireless Data Support on 1300 131 816.

If the response is �Host unreachable�. Disconnect the dial up session and try reconnecting.

2.3.4 Where can I download the latest software for this modem ?

The latest Telstra Turbo Modem� Manager is available on the Maxon web site, http://www.maxon.com.au and is located in the Support Center.

Download the Windows Installation file.

Unzip and copy it to a folder.

Remove the Telstra Turbo Modem� from the PC.

Uninstall any previous Telstra Turbo Modem� Software from the PC.

Restart the PC.

Run the new setup.

2.3.5 How can I find out what the icons mean on the software?

In the Telstra Turbo Modem� user manual, there is a complete guide to the icons and what they mean. The user manual is available from Maxon�s website, http://www.maxon.com.au, and is also included on the CD.

2.3.6 Can I load the software on more than one computer?

Yes. The Telstra Turbo Modem� Manager can be loaded on any number of computers, provided they all meet the minimum system requirements.

2.3.7 How do I know how much data I�m receiving?

The Telstra Turbo Modem� Manager has a data counter. You can view a session total in the main window while connected, or you can find more logs in the options area.

Please note: the Telstra Turbo Modem� Manager�s data counter is to be used as a guide only, and may differ from Telstra�s billing.

2.3.8 I've disabled my wireless network adapters and my Telstra Turbo Modem� no longer works.

If you have disabled the Wireless Network Inteface named "WAN Driver @ 3GPP", the Telstra Turbo Modem� Manager will still open, but you will be unable to connect to the Next G network. You must re-enable this device for the modem to connect.

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2.4 Windows DUNS Errors

When an internal error (Windows operating system) occurs, Microsoft advises to shut-down and re-start your computer to make sure that all recent configuration changes have taken effect. Check the error listing below to see if the issue is mentioned, along with a suggested solution. If this does not correct the problem, you may need to remove and re-install portions of Windows, or re-install Windows.

602 - The port is already open.

If the port is already open, another application has control over the modem.
This can sometimes occur with errant applications (poorly written software) not closing the port, or terminating abnormally. If this is the case, it may be necessary to re-boot the computer before the modem will be recognized.
You can get a list of applications that are running (and might have the port opened) by pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL and selecting the TASK LIST or TASK MANAGER (NT). This will display the actual program names - it may be difficult to pinpoint which, if any, programs are accessing the modem. Terminating tasks are about the only way - however, if you terminate certain tasks, your system may crash or become unstable.
If a program is being run automatically (check your start-up group) that accesses the modem and leaves the port open - you need to either change the configuration of that program, or remove it from the STARTUP group.
Sometimes, uninstalling, and then re-installing the modem (CONTROL PANEL-> Modems / Remove) may help.

608 - The device does not exist.

The remote access phonebook file and network and dial-up connection information may be inconsistent. This may occur if you have changed your modem or serial port. Re-configure dial-up networking settings. If the error persists, delete and re-create dial-up networking connections.

629 - The port was disconnected by the remote machine.

This error can be caused by a number of different problems:
With all versions of Windows - Make sure the username and password you have entered for the DUNS connection is correct. Also make sure the phone number is correct. Remember that passwords are case sensitive, and since what you enter appears as ****, it's easy to enter an incorrect password. Depending upon your browser, mail, and other net-aware apps, a dial-up networking connection can be initiated by various programs - some of which may have their own settings for what DUNS connection to use, username and password. Make sure the username, password, and connection to use are correct in each of the programs you use to start a connection. (In particular, Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Internet Connection Wizard, Outlook Express, Outlook, etc. all has options to automatically start a DUNS connection.)
If this error persists, try dialing in to the server with HyperTerminal connected directly to modem. (Also see - Using HyperTerminal.) Nearly all servers will respond after CONNECT with a login prompt for your user name, and then password. This will allow you to see any error response from the server. If the server accepts your username and password, it should start a PPP session, and you cannot use HyperTerminal to get any further - you may see 'garbage' characters. If this happens, the username and password combination should work with DUNs. If you get an error, contact your service provider and have them try and log in with your account information.

630 - The port was disconnected due to hardware failure.

Error 630: The computer is not receiving a response from the modem. Check that the modem is plugged in, and if necessary, turn the modem off, and then turn it back on.

All Systems:

This error may indicate the modem is damaged, not connected, or installed improperly. If you have an external modem, make sure the cable is connected, and the modem is powered on. If there have been electrical disturbances (including thunderstorms or power failure/surges) since the last time the modem worked that may be the cause. If the modem has never worked, double-check installation, and if possible, try the modem in another system.
This error may also occur if your modem is being given a bad init string - with a command that it does not support. Remove any extra settings/init string. Make sure the modem is installed with and using the correct .inf file - examine modemlog to see if there is any modem response.

633 - The port is already in use or is not configured for Remote Access dial out.

This error can occur if:

The modem is actually in use - make sure you don't have other applications that are using the modem. Applications that can use the modem include fax software, terminal software (like HyperTerminal), as well as voice software including software that can make your modem an answering machine or speakerphone.
One way of seeing all running applications is to press CTRL+ALT+DEL and look at the Task List or Task Manager. This will display the actual program names - it may be difficult to pinpoint which, if any, programs are accessing the modem. Terminating tasks are about the only way - however, if you terminate certain tasks, your system may crash or become unstable.

The Modem driver files is missing or damaged - If the modem driver file is missing or damaged, you can try uninstalling the modem software and then reinstalling.

Make sure the modem named in the DUNS entry matches the name of your installed modem - You can check the name of your modem in ControlPanel->Modems.

645 - Internal authentication error.

Windows 95/98 - This error can occur if the Require encrypted password option is enabled on the Server Types tab in the connection's properties, or an incorrect user name or password have been entered.
Window Me - This error can occur if the Require encrypted password option is enabled in the Security tab in the connection's properties, or an incorrect user name or password have been entered.
MSN 2.5 - If you are using MSN 2.5, this error can occur if dial-up adaptor or components are missing.
Windows 95/98 - This error can occur if the desktop PC is connected to a handheld PC is certain circumstances.
Windows 95/98 - This error can occur if you are attempting to make a VPN (virtual private networking) connection, and VPN has not been installed correctly.
All versions of Windows - This error can occur if you are attempting to connect to a Windows 2000 domain that has had a RRAS (Routing and Remote Access Services) server log on without administrative privileges.

691 - Access denied because username and/or password is invalid on the domain.

With all Windows versions - This error can occur if you use a bad username or password; remember in most instances the password is case-sensitive - you will not see the password, so if CAPS LOCK is not the way you expect it, you may have a problem with upper/lower-case. It may also occur if there is a problem with your service provider's access equipment or on a 'bad' connection where the modem is retraining. Can occur with incorrect Connection settings.
If you get this error the on a new account - you may not be using the correct username and/or password. Verify with your provider exactly what you need for username, and your password.

692 - Hardware failure in port or attached device.
This error can occur if your modem is not properly installed, or for an external modem if the power to the modem is turned off. Verify the modem installation by checking Control Panel->Modems - driver and diagnostic (more info). The error can also be caused by a bad or loose serial cable with external modems.
This error can occur with Windows NT 4.0 if HyperTerminal already has the port in use.
With Windows 2000 or XP if you have Quicken 2000 installed: The error can be caused by the Quicken Download Manager; uninstalling the modem and re-installing it may result in the modem working - for a single session. The permanent solution is to remove Quicken 2000, or disable the Quicken Download Manager.

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