You can now connect to the web in the Pleasant City/Coleman Park area of West Palm Beach
PBC WiFi is a no-cost wireless Internet service provided by the Palm Beach Broadband Coalition. With your WiFi-enabled device you can go online by accessing the network name 'PBC'.
Reporting an outage
We have created a messaging service for our users to report problems with the network. While we can't answer each call individually, we do monitor the incoming messages. To report a problem, leave a message at 561-355-3500.
Where is this service available?
The service is available in the neighborhoods of Pleasant City and Coleman Park in West Palm Beach. To view a coverage map, click on the link below:
MAP
Will PBC WiFi work inside my home?
PBC WiFi will be strongest when a user is outdoors. It is unlikely that a WiFi enabled laptop or a computer with a conventional WiFi card will work indoors in most locations unless you are sitting next to a window.
It is important to remember that most desktop computers do not have wireless capability built-in. If you want to use the service indoors, we suggest purchasing a WiFi modem.
|
Click to Enlarge Image
|
What is a WiFi modem?
A WiFi modem is a piece of equipment that can potentially allow you to use PBC WiFi in your home or office. It is a WiFi device that communicates wirelessly with PBC WiFi equipment installed on lamp posts and serves a function similar to a DSL or cable modem. Like a DSL or cable modem, it requires power and has an Ethernet connection to which you can attach a PC, laptop or personal home router. In short, a WiFi modem allows a user to convert PBC WiFi wireless signal into a wired signal.
What makes a WiFi modem distinct from a conventional WiFi client is that it has transmit power capable of reaching the WiFi equipment installed on lamp posts, and software features that are optimized for use with an outdoor network.
|
Why do I need a WiFi modem?
The PBC WiFi network signal will generally be stronger outdoors because the WiFi nodes are strategically placed on FPL street lights. The radio waves they send out don't travel well through walls or other barriers such as trees. A WiFi modem acts as a larger antenna, with a stronger transmitter, to aide in accessing the PBC WiFi network.
Can I access PBC WiFi with a standard wireless router instead of buying a WiFi modem?
Probably not. A wireless router requires a physical connection to the internet signal from a modem (Cable, DSL, etc). The WiFi modem that you need to purchase will receive its Internet connection through the wireless signal from PBC WiFi.
You will need a device that has the WiFi client functionality in order for it to connect wirelessly to the outdoor PBC WiFi nodes. Broadband wireless routers typically do not serve as WiFi clients. Please read your instruction manual on your WiFi router to confirm whether it has WiFi client functionality.
What is a WiFi modem?
A WiFi modem is a piece of equipment that can potentially allow you to use PBC WiFi in your home. It is a WiFi device that communicates wirelessly with the WiFi equipment installed on FPL street lights and serves a function similar to a DSL or cable modem. Like a DSL or cable modem, it requires power and has an Ethernet connection to which you can attach your PC, laptop or personal home router. In short, a WiFi modem allows a user to convert the PBC WiFi wireless signal into a wired signal.
What makes a WiFi modem different from a standard home WiFi device is that it has transmit power capable of reaching the WiFi equipment installed on lamp posts, and software features that are optimized for use with an outdoor network.
Which WiFi modem should I buy?
PBC does not sell a WiFi modem, but we recommend purchasing a WiFi modem with a transmit power of 200mWatt. Additionally, the WiFi modem should have software designed for an outdoor network.
The Peplink Surf and Ruckus MetroFlex are two WiFi modems that meet our minimum requirements.
What data speeds should I expect?
To ensure that a large number of PBC WiFi users are able to enjoy the network simultaneously, we have set a maximum upload and download rate of 1Mbps. While we cannot make any guarantees about data speeds, there are several factors that could affect your device's data transfer rate:
- Your data transfer rate will depend on the distance between the PBC WiFi node and your device.
- Since PBC WiFi is a shared resource used by many residents, you may see that data speeds vary depending on the number of users accessing the network at any given time.
- Barriers, such as trees or buildings, may partially block the PBC WiFi signal, which could result in a lower data rate.