Using the service

How do I access the service and login?

The first step in accessing the service is to locate and go to the Shore Works Wireless Hotspot. Our location is listed here. Then you will need to establish a wireless connection with the access point in the venue – for detailed instructions on this simple process, click here. After that just follow the simple onscreen login prompts to choose your preferred payment and login method.

What computer hardware do I require, and where can I get it?

All the computer hardware you need to access the service is a wireless (WiFi, 802.11b/g or WLAN) enabled laptop, PDA or phone. All laptops containing Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology are wireless enabled and ready to go. If your device is not already wireless enabled, you can simply insert an external WiFi network card into this device – these external wireless networking cards can be purchased for under $100 from all major computer outlets or online here.

Do I need to download any special software?

No. The login process is conducted over your web browser.

How do I subscribe or pay for the service?

The easiest way is to pay for the service is to purchase a prepaid card online here or in person at Shore Works.

How much does it cost?

For current pricing options, click here.

What are the benefits of using the service?

The key benefit is the ability to access your office remotely – giving you maximum flexibility and increasing your productivity. By providing access to the Internet and your corporate network remotely, you are able to conduct meetings and presentations in public venues as well as turn waiting time into productive time as you check and send vital emails and send large documents in a matter of seconds.

What data transfer speed will I get?

The WiFi standard used by Shore Works Wireless Hotspot network is currently capable of supporting speeds of up to 11 & 54 Mbps.  The actual data download speed depends on the speed of the broadband link from the hotspot to the Internet, the speed of individual websites, and the number of users currently using the hotspot.  However, since the service uses broadband, the speed achieved is much greater than that of the fastest dial-up connection.

Where can I access the service?

At Shore Works, Caloundra. Click here to view a map of our location.

Technology

What technology is used at Shore Works Wireless Hotspot?

Shore Works Hotspot uses 802.11b/g technology. This is also known as "WiFi" or "Wireless LAN (WLAN)".

What is 802.11b/g technology?

802.11 describes a family of wireless technologies ratified by the international standard IEEE 802.11. The current network uses 802.11b, which is the most common standard for corporate and home wireless LANs and operates in the unlicensed public spectrum at 2.4GHz. The 802.11g standard is compatible with the 802.11b standard, so both 802.11b and 802.11g equipment can be used at shoreworks.com.au hotspots.

Is the network 802.11a compatible?

No.  The 802.11a standard operates in a different unlicensed public frequency band.

Is the network Bluetooth compatible?

No. Bluetooth is a separate technology typically used to network devices over a short range (less than 10 metres), e.g. linking a phone to a PDA to recall phone numbers from an address book.

What security do you have on your network?

shoreworks.com.au has created several security features for the network:

• Every user’s logon information (including credit card details during transmission) is protected by SSL encryption
• Shore Works's network uses computer hardware which is configured to prevent peer-to-peer communication. No network traffic is relayed within a Hotspot thus preventing any hacking from one computer to another. Notwithstanding, shoreworks.com.au still recommends that users disable or password protect all shared drives.
• The shoreworks.com.au network utilizes Firewall protection against the Internet
• The shoreworks.com.au network supports VPN passthrough enabling users to establish their own encrypted tunnel from their computer to their corporate VPN server

If someone sees my username and password, could they access the service at my expense?

Potentially yes. Just like your banking PIN, it is your responsibility to ensure the confidentiality of your Username and Password.

E-mail frequently asked questions

Do I get a separate email account when using the Shore Works Wireless hotspot?

No, you use your existing email account(s).

I use a web mail account via my browser (e.g. Hotmail), will this work?

Yes, you access this account using your browser in the usual way.

I use email client software, e.g. Outlook Express. How do I access my email account?

If you are using an email client then your existing email configuration will have to be changed. You will have to change your outgoing SMTP server to mail.westnet.com.au.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) frequently asked questions

Can I setup a VPN to my company's network?

Yes, in most cases.  Follow the login process to establish your Internet connection then start your VPN in the normal fashion to establish a secure encrypted tunnel thought the Internet to your network. 

My company uses Windows standard VPN software (PPTP).  Will this work?

Yes.

My company uses IPSec.  Will this work?

Please ensure your IPSec client software is up to date so that it has NAT (Network Address Translation) support - contact your IT advisor/department if you're unsure.

I'm having problems getting my VPN software to work at your hotspot.  Can you help?

Unfortunately due to the large range of VPN software and configuration options, Shore Works is unable to provide VPN support.  Contact you company's IT advisor/department for support.

PDA frequently asked questions

Can all Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) be used at Shore Works hotspot?

Your PDA will need to be WiFi (802.11b/g or WLAN) enabled.  WiFi may either be inbuilt or can be provided by installing an appropriate WiFi card (e.g. CompactFlash or SD).  If you purchase a WiFi card, please ensure it is compatible with your PDA.

Do WiFi enabled PDAs have the same signal range as laptops?

Due to size and power limitations, PDAs do not usually have the same signal range as laptop computers.

If you have problems with signal strength, try moving to another location that has stronger signal strength.  Most PDAs have a tool to allow you to view signal strength.

Why does my PDA's web browser keep displaying certificate warnings?

Many PDA web browsers (e.g. Pocket PC 2002 Internet Explorer) do not support SSL certificate chains properly, therefore it may display error messages when loading the login page and during login.  Just click "Yes" to dismiss the warnings and you should be able to use the service.

We recommend you upgrade your PDA's operating system to the latest available from the manufacturer.