CaféNET FAQ

What is CaféNET?

CaféNET is a new initiative by CityLink bringing public wireless LAN access points to the central business district for use by:

• Out of office workers
• Nomadic CBD workers
• Tourists

CaféNET consists of a collection of access points located on buildings or other sites that are linked together by CityLink's Metropolitan Ethernet Optical Fibre LAN.

Users of the service validate themselves to a gatekeeper, called the Access Control System, and upon success they are able to reach CityLink connected sites, particularly corporate LANs, and the rest of the Internet.

What services does CaféNET offer?

CaféNET's initial offering is a limited Internet access pre-pay service, self-provisioned using on-line registration and credit card transactions.

Due to concerns about CaféNET pre-pay being an origin of spam, we have blocked outbound connections on the normal SMTP port of 25.

It is still possible to pick up email via POP3, operate Web-based email, use IMAP or tunnel or VPN to a corporate LAN.

How much does CaféNET Cost to use?

CafeNET is sold as a Quota of chargeable data traffic. You can purchase traffic Quota in two values, $20 for 70Mbytes or $80 for 350Mbytes. Purchases are made by an on-line credit card transaction once you have registered and logged in to CafeNET.

What do I need to use CaféNET?

Firstly you will need a device equipped with a Wi-Fi wireless LAN adapter.

The device is most often a laptop computer, but many personal data assistants (PDAs) such as the Palm Pilot and palm-tops such as the Toshiba e740 are beginning to be equipped with Wi-Fi wireless LAN adapters.

Secondly you will need to install and configure appropriate software to operate a Wi-Fi connection.

To configure your device to connect to CaféNET:

• Set your SSID ("Service Set ID" or network name) to "cafenet"
  (all lowercase and without the " marks.)
• Disable all WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption

Finally, as CaféNET is a public network,it may contain threats to your equipment or information.  CaféNET strongly advises the use of encryption () and/or a appropriate to your needs.

Due to the range and variety of hardware and software that is used for this purpose, CityLink is unable to provide support to individual users.

How do I use CaféNET?

Once you, your support organisation, or your vendor, have ensured that your system is operating correctly you need to find a coverage area near one of our locations.

This will allow you to test out the CaféNET service and determine if it works with your system.

The next step is to assure yourself that there is satisfactory coverage in areas that are useful to you.

If you have problems check your device is configured as follows:

• Set your SSID ("Service Set ID" or network name) to "cafenet"
  (all lowercase and without the " marks.)
• Disable all WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) encryption

Where is CaféNET available?

The current list of locations is available here. Further locations will be activated as demand allows. If you have a suggestion for a location, one that you yourself might use, please .

How secure (confidential) is CaféNET?

It is best regarded as completely insecure. This is the most efficient way for CaféNET to run, both in terms of throughput and simplicity to connect. More information here.

Where can I get more help on CaféNET?

Suppliers of wireless equipment are best informed on the operation of their devices with CaféNET. An Internet Relay Chat server is available at IRC.CityLink.co.nz and you may find assistance there.

CaféNET Access Point Coverage

Coverage Map

Access Point Locations

NB Where premises are not internal sites, the term "covered" may vary depending on the capability of your receiver. Your mileage may vary.