Internet FAQs
General Questions What type of Internet technology does Silver Star use?
What does Broadband mean?
Why does my Internet speed seems to be slow? |
Internet (DSL)
Can I configure my modem to work as a router?
Why do I need filters on my phone lines?
What is a static IP?
Can I run analog / fax machines on the same line as my DSL?
Why is an Ethernet connection recommended over a USB connection on my modem? |
Roam to Home |
Dial-Up Internet
Dial-Up Access Numbers
What should I do if my dial-up Internet connection keeps being interrupted?
How can I fix slow dial-up speeds? |
Email
How do I setup my email?
What email programs do you support? |
Networking
Can I have multiple computers connected to the internet?
How do I secure my Linksys wireless router?
Where can I find help on setting up a wireless network?
How do I connect to XBOX Live / Play Station? |
What type of Internet technology does Silver Star use?
Silver Star offers high-speed Internet delivered via DSL, Fiber to the Home and Fixed Wireless.
DSL (digital subscriber line) technologies, often grouped under the term DSL, connect a computer to the Internet using a landline. DSL uses existing copper pair phone line wiring in conjunction with special hardware on the switch and user ends of the line. This special hardware allows for a continuous digital connection over the phone lines. This technology is secure and reliable.
Fiber to the Home Internet service is available in developments that offer Fiber to the Home services, rather than copper cabling to the home. Fiber to the Home services allow for much greater bandwidth speeds than our current DSL speeds provided by copper.
Fixed Wireless Service is provided over a Motorola Canopy product. The canopy system is a reliable wireless solution that is delivered wirelessly.
What does Broadband mean?
Broadband is the general term used to refer to high-speed network connections. In this context, Internet connections via Wireless and Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) are frequently referred to as broadband Internet connections. Bandwidth is the term used to describe the relative speed of a network connection -- for example, you may subscribe to 1.5Mb of download speed and 1Mb of upload speed. This means that your data travels up to those speeds.
Why does my Internet speed seems to be slow?Connection speed is the speed that data is transferred between your computer and the Silver Star Central Office during your initial connection to the Silver Star network. Throughput speed (also called download speed) refers to the rate that information is transferred from the Internet to your computer. It is the speed at which you receive data. Examples of receiving or downloading are reading a Web page, downloading a program, or receiving e-mail. Send speed (also called upload speed) refers to the rate that information is transferred from your computer to the Internet. Examples of sending or uploading are sending e-mail or sending files
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Filtering- Your high speed internet shares the same line as your home telephone equipment. Because of this, if the DSL signal is not properly filtered on this equipment, you will experience signal interference which will cause a decrease in speed.
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Outside Loop Length- The distance of your home from a remote terminal or a Silver Star central office. The farther away you are the more attenuation you will have. Attenuation is a measured amount of signal loss over a certain distance.
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LAN Congestion- The speed of internet you subscribe to is the total bandwidth available for that circuit. For instance, if you have 3 computers downloading the same Webpage at the same time on a 1.5mb circuit, then the max bandwidth for each computer will be .5mb (.5mb x 3 computers = 1.5mb). Other peripherals such as hardware firewalls and extra routers can cause latency on your home network which will decrease the download rate.
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Website Server Speed- The available upload speed of the Web sites you are trying to connect to may affect the speed you retrieve information or data from them. You can only download a file or Web page at the available upload speed of the server you are connecting to. If multiple internet users are downloading from that server at the same time or the subscribed upload speed of the server is low, you will see a decrease in connection speed to that server.
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Malware/Spyware- Malicious software such as viruses, worms, trojans, adware, or spyware can hog resources on your computer and can also hog your available internet bandwidth. Make sure your computer is clean and that your prevention software is up to date.
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Internet Traffic- Congestion through the World Wide Web can interfere with your speed. This is similar to a freeway you drive your car on. You may have a very fast car, but if the traffic on the freeway is slow, it’s going to affect how fast your car can go. Click here to test your connection speed.
How do I setup my email? What email programs do you support?
Due to the numerous email clients available, Silver Star chooses to support the most common applications. Currently, we provide information for:
- Outlook Express
- Outlook 2003
- Thunderbird
- Windows Mail 6
- Entourage Mac OS X
Click here for instructions on setting up your email.
High-Speed Internet (DSL)
Can I configure my modem to work as a router?
The modems we currently use are configured to be a bridge. In order to have routing capabilities, an additional piece of hardware, like a Linksys 4 port router, must be used. Routers are available for purchase at any Silver Star store.
Why do I need filters on my phone lines?
Phone filters, also known as microfilters or DSL filters, must be used with your Silver Star DSL Internet service to ensure optimal performance. These filters eliminate the higher-end frequencies used for your high-speed access. When phone filters are not used, or not installed correctly, you'll experience static on your telephone line. Filters are not needed for Silver Star's wireless service. Filters are included with your service and are available at any Silver Star store.
What is a static IP? Do I need one?
A static IP address is a number that is assigned to a computer by an Internet service provider (ISP) to be its permanent address on the Internet. Most home users do not need a static IP. Users or businesses who host web sites, gaming, VPN networks, or need remote access will often purchase a static IP. Contact us for more information.
Can I run analog / fax machines on the same line as my DSL?
Yes. DSL technology allows simultaneous analog voice or fax and DSL data transmission over the same telephone line.
Why is an Ethernet connection recommended over a USB connection on my modem?
Ethernet connections utilize faster and more stable technology than USB connections. USB connections operate at 12 Megabits per second (Mbps) on a shared bus compared to dedicated Ethernet connections at 10/100 Mpbs
Connect to the Internet while you are away from home using your Silver Star Internet account. It's free to sign up, and you receive 2 hours of Roam to Home service FREE with your Internet account. Your additional usage will be billed at 4.5 cents per minute.
To sign up:
Contact a Customer Service Representative at (877) 883.2411 or by using our live chat.
Download iPassConnect software and user guides for your PC or Mac to your laptop.
You will use your Silver Star username and password to connect to the Roam-to-Home software.
Dial-Up Access Numbers
Alpine, Bedford, Etna, Freedom, Star Valley Ranch, Thayne: 883-0056
Afton, Auburn, Grover, Fairview, Osmond, Smoot: 885-0056
Eastern ID: 574-0056
Driggs, Tetonia, Victor, Alta: 354-3956
What should I do if my dial-up Internet connection keeps being interrupted?
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Disable call waiting. Placing a *70,, in front of the dial-up telephone number in your dial-up settings. Make sure you insert two commas. Example: *70,,574-0056
- Upgrade your modem firmware and drivers
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Lower the connection speed on your modem to maintain a constant connection
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Lower your port speed from 57600 to 38400
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Choose “Use Flow Control” in the Properties-> Configure-> Connection-> Advanced section of your Dial-Up Networking
How can I fix slow dial-up speeds?
- Reboot your computer
- Unplug all other devices that may be plugged into your dial-up modem
- Unplug other devices in the house or office such as extra phones, fax machines, and answering machines
- Plug into a different wall jack
Can I have multiple computers connected to the internet simultaneously?
Yes, you can set up a wired or wireless network using a router with your Silver Star Internet service. You may purchase equipment at a Silver Star store. We would be happy to set up a network for you. Contact us for more information.
How do I secure my Linksys wireless router?
Click here to download instructions or visit the Ask Linksys website and choose the "how to enable wireless security" option.
Where can I find help on setting up a wireless network?
Windows VISTA
Windows XP
MAC OSX
How do I connect to XBOX Live / Play Station?
Click here to download instructions.