Easy to Choose, Easy to Buy, Easy to Use
Purchase a comple, pre-configured, Wi-Fi wireless network system for your FBO, Flight School, or ramp/hangar area. Connect802 has done all the work - you simply mount the equipment and plug it in to your DSL or cable modem connection.
Here Are Some Examples of How Wi-Fi Benefits Your Customers
Wireless DUATS Access Your pilot or student pilot client has prepared their flight plan at home using software on their notebook computer or handheld PDA. Now they're in your flight planning room, ready to check final weather and file with DUATS. They can connect to your Wi-Fi network and automatically update their flight plan on their notebook computer, confirm routing and weather, and file on-line - without having to re-enter all their flight plan information into DUATS from your flight planning system. Because their own computer can now connect directly to DUATS (through your Wi-Fi network) the pilot can take full advantage of the features of their flight planning software. Download GPS Database Updates An owner (renter, or CFI) discovers that their IFR GPS database has just gone out of date. If the GPS is equipped for updating over the Internet the pilot can use your Wi-Fi network to download GPS updates directly into their laptop computer, and then upload them into the GPS on the ramp. Download Approach Plates After receiving an IFR clearance on the ramp or in the run-up area, a pilot realizes that several en-route segments have been changed from the ones they filed. Even though the alternates haven't changed, the pilot would now like to have an approach plate for an airport close to the newly assigned route. Using your ramp area Wi-Fi system, the pilot can download the required plate to their notebook computer and save it, just in case they have to divert unexpectedly. Brief and File, and Surf the Internet While Waiting at the Airplane A pilot realizes that he or she is going to be waiting around for the fuel truck even after they preflight. Using your Wi-Fi system, the pilot can brief and file with DUATS from their plane, on the ramp or in the remote tie-down area, while they're waiting. (They might even send some email and suft the web for a good $100.00 hamburger!) Wireless Access in the Briefing Room and Lounge Pilots, students, and guests at your site have the ability to connect to the Internet not only to access flight-related information, but to access their email and to surf the web. If you offer on-line testing (CATS, Sylvan, etc.) you can configure wireless testing stations. If you have an on-line aircraft or training schedulng system it, too, can be accessible across your wireless network.
Wireless DUATS Access Your pilot or student pilot client has prepared their flight plan at home using software on their notebook computer or handheld PDA. Now they're in your flight planning room, ready to check final weather and file with DUATS. They can connect to your Wi-Fi network and automatically update their flight plan on their notebook computer, confirm routing and weather, and file on-line - without having to re-enter all their flight plan information into DUATS from your flight planning system. Because their own computer can now connect directly to DUATS (through your Wi-Fi network) the pilot can take full advantage of the features of their flight planning software.
Download GPS Database Updates An owner (renter, or CFI) discovers that their IFR GPS database has just gone out of date. If the GPS is equipped for updating over the Internet the pilot can use your Wi-Fi network to download GPS updates directly into their laptop computer, and then upload them into the GPS on the ramp.
Download Approach Plates After receiving an IFR clearance on the ramp or in the run-up area, a pilot realizes that several en-route segments have been changed from the ones they filed. Even though the alternates haven't changed, the pilot would now like to have an approach plate for an airport close to the newly assigned route. Using your ramp area Wi-Fi system, the pilot can download the required plate to their notebook computer and save it, just in case they have to divert unexpectedly.
Brief and File, and Surf the Internet While Waiting at the Airplane A pilot realizes that he or she is going to be waiting around for the fuel truck even after they preflight. Using your Wi-Fi system, the pilot can brief and file with DUATS from their plane, on the ramp or in the remote tie-down area, while they're waiting. (They might even send some email and suft the web for a good $100.00 hamburger!)
Wireless Access in the Briefing Room and Lounge Pilots, students, and guests at your site have the ability to connect to the Internet not only to access flight-related information, but to access their email and to surf the web. If you offer on-line testing (CATS, Sylvan, etc.) you can configure wireless testing stations. If you have an on-line aircraft or training schedulng system it, too, can be accessible across your wireless network.
Full Internet Access for Your Customers
DUATS - NOAA - TFRs - TSA Notices - FDC NOTAMS - CATS/SYLVAN - AOPA - ...and much more! Fully compatible with with PC/Windows, Apple, and Linux-based notebook/laptop and full-size personal computers and servers
Local Announcements, Messages, Frequencies
CTAF / ATIS / UNICOM - Pattern and Runway When Tower Closed - Phone Numbers TSA Security Levels - LAHSO - FDC NOTAMS - Noise Abatement
Your Connect EZ Flight Center Solution Suite
This is a complete, turnkey system, ready to install and use. Internet connectivity is through your exising DSL modem, cable modem, or other Broadband ISP connection. The Connect EZ Flight Center Solution Suite can be used in addition to any existing Ethernet network or stand-alone computers, or can become an umbrella over all of your computers. The same login screen and user management can be applied to all the computers you currently use, if you want to set the system up this way.
Users Must Login With the Username and Password You Provide
When a user views the available wireless networks from their notebook computer they see your network name on the list. When they connect, they're presented with a login screen that is customizable with your flight school name and informational messages. If you have a website and you want to link the login page to your web server then there is no limit to the degree to which you can customize the login page, even including credit card billing access.
You may choose to create unique usernames and passwords for your customers, CFIs, staff, and others. You may simply have a single username and password that's used by everyone (and you can change it whenever you want to.) In addition, you can list a number of websites that users are allowed to access without logging in to your system. These are referred to as "walled garden" websites - users can go to the sites and look, but they can't access the Internet as a whole without a username and password.
The basic system consists of a single Wireless Access Controller (and built-in 802.11b access point) unit, completely configured and supplied with the cables and power injector used for installation.
The system can be expanded to cover larger areas, and remote areas, both inside buildings and hangars, and out onto the ramp, using the Remote Service Extender kit, also completely configured and supplied with all cables and power injectors required, ready to install.
The Wireless Access Controller and 802.11b Access Point Unit
Your Wireless Access Controller (shown above) is the heart of the user access system. The Controller combines two separate functions into a single, compact unit (1.25" X 6" X 8"):
IEEE 802.11b Wi-Fi Access Point with a 200 mW Radio Transmitter This is a commercial-grade unit that is specifically designed to provide controlled Internet access in public venues, just like your FBO, flight training center, or pilot center. A typical consumer-grade Wi-Fi access point that you can buy in your local computer store provides roughly 30 mW of transmit power and will result in poor coverage and frustrated users if you put on your front counter. The Connect802 unit will create a coverage zone that has a radius of between 80 and 100 feet, providing connectivity (in drywall construction) for between 20,000 and 30,000 square feet! To extend coverage through the metal walls of an adjacent hangar, or to expand in-building coverage for larger facilities or cinder-block construction, simply use one or more Remote Service Extenders, described below.
Commercial Wireless Access Controller When users connect to your system they are presented with a login screen. The Wireless Access Controller is the piece of system equipment that intercepts user's attempts to access the Internet and makes them enter their Username and Password before they can continue. The login screen is sent to the user's computer from the Wireless Access Controller, without the need for any external web server or web programming. If you do have a website, and you want to integrate your website into the operation of the Wireless Access Controller, it's as easy as creating a new form submission web page on your server. Connect802 will work with your web server administrator to explain exactly how this is done if you choose to integrate your website into the Wireless Access Controller operation.
Completely Configured and Ready to Go! When you get your Wireless Access Controller it will be completely configured by Connect802 and ready to plug in for immediate use. The Connection Coach Installation Guide, prepared by Connect802, will give you complete instructions for installation and basic management of the unit. You can add unique Usernames and Passwords, change the on-screen messages, and restrict access times through an intuative, web-based user interface. Of course, you can simply use the system without any required maintainence or management if you choose to do so.
Expand Your System with One or More Remote Service Extenders When you want to expand the coverage of your wireless network system it's simply a matter of adding one or more Remote Service Extenders. Each Remote Service Extender acts as a repeater for your wireless signal and multiple Remote Service Extenders connect to each other across the wireless link, without the need to be wired back into your computer system. That means you can reach the remote tie-down area, fuel island, or other parts of the airport property without running a wire to each location.
Providing Electrical Power to Your System Your Wireless Access Controller and all Remote Service Extenders are powered using standard CAT 5 or CAT 6 low-voltage Ethernet cable. A small device, called a Power-over-Ethernet Injector, puts voltage on the unused pair of wires in the low-voltage Ethernet cable. In this way you don't have to plug the equipment directly into an AC outlet. The Injector is plugged into a standard AC wall outlet and the power is delivered through the low-voltage cable.
Business-Class Services for Business Clients
Charter and on-demand Part 135 operaters can offer Wi-Fi wireless network service to business travelers, just like they expect when they're in the passenger terminal of a major airport, or at their hotel on the road.
Your Connect EZ Flight Center Solution Suite can even be configured for credit card billing and paid subscription service through outsourced merchant gateway and billing services that Connect802 can help you set up.
General Thoughts about Airport Wi-Fi Systems
The Connect EZ Flight Center Solution Suite has everything you need to build and operate Wi-Fi hotspots and hotzones at your airport facility. Airport Wi-Fi systems can authenticate and track users, offer free or fee-based Wi-Fi services to the traveling public, and present customized "captive portal" login web screens. Your Wi-Fi hotspot is a simple, turnkey, out-of-the box solution that you simply plug in and turn on. Connect802 provides a wide variety of customized Wi-Fi solutions for indoor and outdoor airport wireless LAN systems.
In 2006, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority officially unveiled its wireless network at Jacksonville International Airport. Travelers with wireless-capable laptops can now access the Internet anywhere in the airport free of charge. The system will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wi Fi is a technology that lets computer users log onto high-speed networks without physically plugging the laptop into a network. Most of today's laptop computers have wireless capability built in, and older laptops can take advantage of this technology through a computer card. "JAA Executive Director John Clark charged us with building an excellent wireless system that we could offer to the traveling public at no charge," said Richard Stroup, JAA Director of Information Technology. "I think our airport customers will find this enhanced service a valuable addition at JIA." JIA joins the growing ranks of U.S. airports that provide wireless Internet access. Among the nation's top 50 airports, 19 now offer wireless connection. "We have made this investment in new technology to meet the demands of our customers," said Michael Stewart, JAA director of External Affairs. "By offering wireless connection, we can help improve the productivity of our business travelers."
Many pilots (and student pilots) have full-time careers outside of aviation. They have full-time jobs that pay for their flying! It’s no secret that the business world is on the move. Conducting business away from the office, whether at home, at a customer site or in a hotel room, is becoming more and more commonplace. In the U.S., only a third of corporate employees work at headquarters or branch offices, and an estimated seven million “road warriors” travel each day. Many organizations encourage and support employee mobility because it delivers important business benefits, including higher productivity, closer relationships with customers and partners, hiring flexibility and reduced overhead costs. Mobile workers typically work longer hours than office bound and can make more efficient use of their time to fit business around their home life. They can also provide a higher level of service to customers by answering questions and closing deals on site. However, in order to achieve optimal productivity and responsiveness to customers, mobile workers need fast, continuous real-time access to business applications, data and conversation with others, with the same sources as that available in the workplace. In order for mobility to reach its full potential, access to applications, information must break free from wire line connections with WI-FI services utilized. The ability to check email and access corporate networks through your Connect EZ Flight Center Solution Suite makes it easier to stay in contact with business concerns while spending time at the airport.