Smart Wi-Fi

At last, I finally have an always on internet connection courtesy of Smart Wi-Fi. Well, yes, it sure doesn't comply with the 802.11a/b/g but it is always on and uses microwave technology... correct me if I'm wrong. And to answer a few of my questions, it is not a bridged connection and authenticates via MAC address. You have to log in to http://portal.smartwifi.com.ph every time you hook it up to another PC, and enter your user id and password. Is this PPPoE, no, and I'm not sure what protocol it uses, but it's beyond me right now coz I'm very much happy with it. You could use a router or a switch, but I would prefer a router. It uses DHCP and unless you go to www.grc.com or some similar site, it's quite impossible to know your public IP address.

Speed is more or less 128Kbps and it costs less than PhP 800.00 plus PhP 500.00 for the installation. Installation is quick and painless, just let the installer hook it up outside, he might need some time to check if there's line of sight ( a sure sign that the transceiver is using microwaves) then hook up the cable to the small box provided, plug it at the back of your PC's NIC, fire up your browser, and you'll automatically be directed to the portal site. Create an account, type in the activation key, and you're good to go.

Speed is mediocre but if you need an always on connection, this is a good way to go. Besides, it won't tie up your phone line for a cost that won't break the bank.

One problem I keep on having is sometimes it will lose internet connection for no good reason, well all you have to do is to unplug and plug the power adapter to the small box. You don't have to reboot the whole PC as suggested, it's just a waste of time.

EDIT (25 Sept 2005)

In Windows XP, right-click on the MSDUN or the LAN icon on the Notification Area (System Tray) and click on Repair. Or better yet type in this command on the DOS Prompt: "ipconfig /release" then once the IP is 0.0.0.0, then type this command: "ipconfig /renew". This will restart connection and you don't have to wait for 2-5 mins. for your PC to reboot.

All in all, I am satisfied with the services of Smart. Hey, even with bad weather and thick fog which usually happens in the evening, it won't lose connection, unlike other technologies requiring line of sight.


This is the transceiver placed just above the water tank.

















Here's the "small box". The other end of the blue cable connected on the right is hooked up to the NIC. The other cable plugged on the left is hooked up to the transceiver.

















This is the Network Connection Details on my WinXP machine.