TSP Internet System
TSP now has a wireless Internet System!
Many of our attendees have expressed an interest in having some form of Internet access,
typically using your laptop computer. TSP is planning to deploy Internet access throughout
many areas of the ranch, including most areas of the TSP observing fields.
External Internet Access
$0 charge for a connection to the Internet worldwide web, where you can use your computer to
access your e-mail and webpages. However, there are usage restrictions.
NOT intended for intensive applications such as video, music, Internet games or large file uploads,
which demand high-bandwidth for GUI or data transfer. (Your computer may be permanently disconnected
if you attempt these.)
Do not bring your own Wireless Router, Access Point, Range Extender, Wireless Print Server,
Wireless Peer-to-Peer Network, Wireless Remote Control System or Bluetooth device!
We use 802.11A , B and G so all devices in these frequencies are subject to TSP rules.
Bluetooth devices operate in the same frequencies and may cause interference to users connecting
with our network.
(See specific details in the Rules for Wireless Access section below.)
How Do I Connect?
- Using your 802.11b/g wireless connection, look for our Access Point names beginning with "TSP_" or "Prude_.
- Depending on where you are, multiple access points may be seen. Because of elevation and antenna
differences, you should use the Access Point with the strongest signal.
- No WEP or other encryption key is needed.
Our system may be listed as an "unsecure" network as you set up your connection.
- Or using a wired connection, we will provide several Ethernet cables on the front porch
(outside) of the TSP Radio building, along with some folding chairs and power strips.
Use your web browser and type in any internet URL that you would ordinarily connect to.
If you have problems using the network, please come by the TSP Radio building located under
the ham antenna tower in the upper field/vendor building area.
Rules for Wireless Access:
- Do Not operate your own Wireless Router, Access Point, Range Extender,
Wireless Print Server, Wireless Peer-to-Peer Network, Wireless Remote Control System or
Bluetooth device at TSP.
There are a limited number of open frequencies in the area and TSP uses all of them to deliver
Internet access across the Ranch.
Turning on your Wireless Router (or any device listed above) will slow response times for
everyone else unnecessarily (due to radio switching) as the competing routers work out whose
computer goes to what router.
It is okay to use your own
- wire-only router or switch to build a network
- built-in or external wireless access adapter or card to connect to the TSP system as a client.
- USB or similar wireless access device that gives your computer wireless connection to the
TSP system as a client.
- Bluetooth devices use the same frequencies as the TSP wireless routers and can cause
interference to users connecting with our network. Bluetooth devices include wireless headphones for
cellphones, MP3 players and IPods, as well as some remote controllers for telescopes/focussers.
We strongly discourage the use of Bluetooth devices at TSP, due to the interference that they may cause to your
neighboring observers access to the Internet. Here are examples of known Bluetooth telescope remote control devices:
- Meade Wireless Autostar II Computer Controller
- Starry Night BlueStar Wireless Telescope Controller
- System performance will vary depending on time of day, the number of active users, and your specific
location on the Ranch. It is likely that some areas of the Ranch may not be accessible via wireless.
- Depending on usage and the capability of our equipment, we may have to exclude users or limit
the hours of operation.
- NOT intended for intensive applications such as video, music, or Internet games,
which demand high-bandwidth for GUI or data transfer.
We reserve the right to disconnect your computer access and/or exclude offending wireless equipment
from TSP for this or similar abuse, without notice.
- If you are connecting by wire at the TSP Radio Building.... If all cables are in use,
a 30 minute disconnect rule applies so that the next user may get a connection.
If no one is waiting, there is no limit on connect time.
Note that these services are through volunteer efforts and loans of equipment
[especially our Ham Radio team!].
Due to our location and the time/difficulty involved in providing or restoring service,
TSP does not guarantee any specific user will be able to connect to the system or that
Internet services will be available anywhere on the ranch.
We will post a notice at outside the dining hall door, for the any news
on this service.
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Last Updated January 15, 2007