What is fiber optics?

When you access the Internet, a fiber optic cable carries the laser-generated pulses of light to transmit the data signal to your home. Once the signal has arrived, an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) converts it to an electrical signal that is recognized and understood by your computer.

Your ONT takes all converted incoming information and delivers it to your router via an Ethernet cable. After the signal has passed through your firewall, the Ethernet cable carries the signal to the Network Interface Card plugged into your computer. When you send an email or other data over the Internet, the electrical signal from your computer is converted back to light signals by the ONT and transmitted to the recipient over the fiber optic cable. This allows for the remarkably fast transfer of information.

For more information, click on this link:  http://www.howstuffworks.com/fiber-optic.htm

Chazy Westport Communications White Lightning Internet Service installation is a two-step process. To ensure a fast and trouble-free installation, please review the Get Ready checklist below prior to your installation day.

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Bringing fiber to your home
After you place your White Lightning order, we will install a fiber optic line to your home. Generally, installation involves either aerial or underground work, and depends on how previous utilities were delivered to your home. You typically do not need to be present for this part of installation.

• Aerial installation

With an aerial installation, Chazy Westport Communications will install the fiber optic line from a telephone pole to the side of your home.

Note: Sometimes aerial installations are performed the same day of your scheduled installation appointment.

• Underground installation

With an underground installation, Chazy Westport Communications will contact the utility companies in your area to locate their services. Next a Chazy Westport Communications crew will dig a trench and bury the fiber from the Fiber Terminal in your neighborhood to the entry location at your home. This work is typically done a day or two prior to your installation appointment.

Note: Please mark your water, sewer, and sprinkler system or any other obstacles that may be buried in your yard. This helps ensure that no damage occurs during installation.

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Installation of White Lightning equipment

• Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
  The ONT converts the laser-generated signal that travels through Chazy Westport Communications fiber optic cables into an electronic signal that works with standard telephone and Internet equipment. The ONT is usually installed on the outside of your house or inside your apartment, generally in the area where any existing phone services enter your home.
• Power Supply Unit
  The Power Supply provides electricity to the ONT. Please ensure that you have a three-pronged electrical outlet that is not controlled by a switch available near where the ONT will be installed. The ONT requires very little power to operate. In fact, the amount of power needed is about what it would take to power a couple of night lights.
• Battery Backup Unit
  In case the Power Supply is accidentally unplugged, a circuit trips, or in the event of a commercial power failure, the Battery Backup provides enough backup power for approximately four hours of phone service. The Battery Backup will likely be installed near the Power Supply.
  
  Note: If you live in an apartment complex or condominium, White Lightning equipment may be installed in a central equipment room that you may not be able to access.
  
   

Connecting your computer
The Chazy Westport Communications Technician will run data wiring from the ONT to your router and, if necessary, install an Ethernet jack. Then the technician will connect your computer to your router.

Note: If you need new wiring installed inside of your walls, consider hiring a contractor prior to your White Lightning installation.


Software installation and account setup
Your Chazy Westport Communications Technician will guide you through the White Lightning software installation and activate White Lightning on your primary computer. Additional computers can be configured by the technician for an extra fee. Once all work is completed, the technician will verify that your White Lightning service is working and that you can access the Internet.

* If you are upgrading from Chazy Westport Communications High Speed Internet or Dial-up services to White Lightning, you can maintain your existing Chazy Westport Communications/Westelcom email accounts.

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How Can I Get Ready for White Lightning Installation?

In many cases, you don’t need to do anything – Just let us know that you’re interested!  Most of our serving area can receive at least Up to 3Mb/s.  Your service speed depends on many things including:  the distance to your home from one of our many serving center’s, the wiring in your home, and even the ability of your computer to attain higher speeds: 

Make sure your computer meets minimum requirements
 

• Check for a grounded electrical outlet
  Find the area where your utilities enter your home or garage. Nearby this area, you will need an indoor grounded electrical outlet that accepts three-pronged power cords. This outlet must not be controlled by a switch.
• Allow 4 - 6 hours for installation
  A typical installation takes 4 - 6 hours after the Chazy Westport Communications Technician arrives at your home. Make sure you allow enough time for installation.
• Someone 18 years or older must be present
  An adult who can make decisions regarding equipment placement and computer configuration options must be present for the entire installation.
• Clear a path for the Chazy Westport Communications Technician to work
  The Chazy Westport Communications Technician will need access to the location where your utilities enter your home or garage. The technician will also need room to work around your computer as well as any areas where Ethernet jacks will be installed.
• Make sure you have Administrator Rights, plus any user names and passwords
  In order for the Chazy Westport Communications Technician to be able to install White Lightning, you must have Administrator Rights on your Windows computer. If you have installed software on your computer before, you probably already have Administrator Rights. You also need to have any other user names or passwords needed to access your computer (for example: firewall, networking router, Windows logon).
• Have your current Chazy Westport Communications Online user name and password (if applicable)
  If you are a Chazy Westport Communications High Speed Internet or Dial-up customer who is upgrading to White Lightning, please have your current Chazy Westport Communications Online user name and password available.

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