FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does Aristotle Broadband Internet work?
Aristotle High Speed Internet provides a WPA-2 military-grade secure encrypted Internet connection using a microwave wireless antenna system. Aristotle installs an antenna on the subscriber's roof with an attached radio receiver/transmitter. The antenna points to a nearby Access Point with a clear line-of-sight (no trees, buildings, or hills blocking the path). When information is sending and receiving over the Internet, it goes over the microwave wireless link from the radio/antenna to Aristotle's Access Point. The information then travels over Aristotle's backhaul, a point-to-point microwave wireless link to a fiber-optic connection hooked directly to the Internet.
How is it wired into my home or office?
Aristotle’s installation team will install an antenna on the subscriber's roof using industry approved methods. The installer will find existing path into the attic (duct work, cable, phone, or Satellite TV entry) or drill a small hole and install a cover plate to run a CAT5 cable into the building. Then, an Ethernet jack is created at an agreed location. A Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power source, similar to an AC adapter, will connect into the nearest outlet to provide electricity to the Antenna through the CAT5 cable. Finally, the installer will set up a wireless router and connect any desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Aristotle can provide additional wired connection to other locations within the home or office at an hourly rate.
How long will it take to set up service?
Aristotle typically installs our Internet service within a few days after signup. The installation takes up to 3 hours. Potential time delays include line-of-sight issues, roof access, cabling installation issues, and weather.
When weather prevents, or interrupts, an installation, Aristotle's Customer Service staff will reschedule at the subscriber's earliest convenience. Typically, an installer will be back the next business day.
What obstructions can cause interference?
Fixed wireless Internet access requires a “line-of-sight” or “near-line-of-sight” path from your house or office building to one of Aristotle’s distribution towers. Large trees, buildings, or other solid obstructions may degrade the service levels to a point of being unacceptable. The installer will locate a quality signal, or the equipment will not go up.
Does weather affect the service?
Weather will not cause a degradation of service during typical storms. However, extreme downpours may cause a momentary loss of signal similar to satellite TV services. Your connection will remain stable during winter storm events provided the receiving antenna does not accumulate ice or snow layers. Only qualified technicians should attempt to remove accumulations.
What are the computer requirements for Aristotle Internet?
Required Features:
The computer must have an Ethernet port or have a Wireless card installed.
Recommended Features:
Windows XP or higher; 64MB RAM or higher; 100MB free hard drive space.
Older computers can use external equipment while newer computers have both the port and card. Aristotle's Customer Service staff are available to answer any questions about requirements. However, Aristotle will not purchase nor recommend specific equipment to be purchased.
Can I watch Netflix?
Yes, Aristotle offers speeds that support streaming on sites like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube. However, not all available speeds can support multiple devices streaming at the same time.
Netflix and other streaming service require a 1.5MB minimum connection speed for Standard Definition video and 3MB minimum connection speed for High Definition video.
An Aristotle antenna is up in my neighborhood, so why can’t I subscribe yet?
We work hand-in-hand with city government for the final steps of connecting your hometown. Often, that means working with utilities, railroad and even state parks to obtain necessary permits. This can can sometimes slow our deployment.
Could storm damage to an antenna across the state affect my service?
Yes, it’s possible that an outage miles away could cause you to lose service if your hometown’s internet signal passes through that remote antenna. But, Aristotle works to build redundancy into our network to help prevent this.
Aristotle uses a dish… Isn’t that the same as satellite internet?
No, not at all! An Aristotle dish connects each home or office to an antenna right in the neighborhood—not in space. You can expect much faster speeds and a more reliable connection compared with satellite internet service.
Why can my neighbor get your service, but I can’t?
Trees and other obstructions can sometimes prevent Aristotle’s signal from reaching your house or office, even if we serve your area. But, you can count on our installers to troubleshoot and look for a solution to bring Aristotle Broadband to your home or office—if at all possible!
Am I getting the speeds I am paying for?
Aristotle strives to provide the subscriber's selected speed. External obstructions like trees and heavy rain may impact maximum speed while peak times may stifle Aristotle's bandwidth capacity. Peak times start at 5:00 pm and last through 12:00 am each evening.
Another issue is the type of activities happening at once. Streaming content will consume bandwidth and cause other activities to experience some slowness.
Subscribers can perform a speed test at www.measuringbroadbandamerica.com. Please note that download speed is measured in bytes (MB/s), not bits (Mbps).
How do I connect multiple computers or other devices?
Aristotle will provide a wireless router and connect any desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The subscriber will need to connect all additional devices. Typically, instructions are on the manufacturer's website.
Can I still access my e-mail accounts?
Web-based email accounts like Yahoo!, Outlook.com, and Gmail are accessible via the Internet.
Aristotle provides five (5) free email accounts that are also accessible via the Internet or computer-based email programs like Outlook. The Aristotle email accounts will remain with the subscriber, even after service termination.
Can I move residences while under contract?
Contact Customer Service to see if the new residence is Aristotle's network coverage area. If so, Aristotle will move the equipment for a minimum service charge of $95.00. Additional charges may occur depending on the complexity of the reinstallation.
Does Aristotle charge for service visits?
Aristotle does not charge for service visits. However, service fees may apply. Aristotle will advise the subscriber of potential fees when scheduling the service visit. The technician will confirm the fees during the visit.
Subscribers are eligible to enroll in ArisShield, Aristotle's equipment protection and service plan. ArisShield covers accidental damage to Aristotle's equipment and cabling. Learn more about ArisShield or contact Customer Service for more details and to initiate signing up for the service.
