1. My notebook only has a modem card, can I connect to the internet from your rooms?
    
2. I use my notebook at work on our Ethernet network, what do I need to do to connect to the hotel's Ethernet system?
    
3. How can I send and receive mail using the computers in your business center?
    
4. What protection is there when I connect my notebook to your Ethernet system?
    
5. We have children traveling with us, can we limit their access?

1. My notebook only has a modem card, can I connect to the internet from your rooms?  Answer:  Yes, our room phones do have an extra jack for connecting your phone modem cable.  However, you should be aware of two problems with this;

First, this connection goes through our phone switch and is analog, not digital.  Also our phone switch has no way of knowing you are dialing a modem connection.  There are no charges for 800 numbers, but there will be charges for any number your modem dials directly.

Second, because this is an analog connection it is EXTREMELY slow.   So slow that some connections cannot be made.

So, the bottom line is yes, you could possibly connect via our phone system, but expect a very slow connection, possible charges, and connection problems.  It is due to these problems that we installed our high speed Ethernet network into all our guest rooms.  All you need is an Ethernet network card available at any computer store for about $78.00.  We recommend the 3Comm brand as it is easy to install and has few problems.    
 

Back to Top

2. I use my notebook at work on our Ethernet network, what do I need to do to connect to the hotel's Ethernet system?  Answer:  When you connect your notebook to the Ethernet jack in your room, our system utilizes DHCP to assign your notebook an IP address, and other settings needed to connect to the internet.  Most office environments are set up in this same manner, so hopefully you won't need to make any changes to your current settings.  However, the first time you connect to our system, you may need to refresh these address settings.  To do this:

• On your desktop, click on "start" then "run".  
• Type in "winipcfg"
• Make sure your Ethernet adapter is shown on the first line.
• Click on "release all", then "renew all"
• Close this window, load your browser, and surf away.

If your notebook has been assigned an IP address (as is often done to connect with DSL or Cable) you will have to change a few settings.  To do this:

• On your desktop, RIGHT click on the network neighborhood icon. 
• Clink on "Properties"
• Highlight the TCP/IP settings for your Ethernet adapter, then click on "properties".
• Click on each upper tab to change the following settings:  (make sure you write down what you change so you can set these back when you get home)

IP Address = set to Obtain automatically.
WINS Configuration = set to use DHCP
Gateway = Remove any Gateway settings.
DNS Configuration = set to disable DNS.

Click OK, reboot, and load your browser to surf with high speed connectivity.

Back to Top

3. How can I send and receive mail using the computers in your business center?
   Answer:  The computers are not configured to receive individual email.  However, there are a number of free email services which take just a few minutes to register for.  Hotmail.com, Netscape.com, Microsoft.com, just to name a few.  By utilizing these services you will be able to send and receive email while you stay with us.  We suggest you set up your mailbox ahead of time and let everyone know your email address in advance of your visit.
   
    Back to Top
    
4. What protection is there when I connect my notebook to your Ethernet system?  Answer: Our Ethernet system has a firewall to protect your notebook.
   
    Back to Top
    
5. We have children traveling with us, can we limit their access?  Answer:  No, we currently have no filtering on the high speed T1 connection we provide.  Again, this is being considered, but whatever filtering software we may provide in the future, will have it's work-abounds for the net savvy kids of today.  There are software products out there for under $50 that you can install on your laptop, which allows you to control the content your children are viewing.
    
   Back to Top