Frequently Asked Questions

Of course! Any ethernet router will work-- the only ones that will not work are the ones that are combined DSL modems/routers.

A router is not required to connect to Webpass. However, a router does provide significant protection for your computer. If your computer is not protected by a router it may be compromised by hackers. Installing a router is an easy step to protect your computer.

If you are having difficulty sending mail it is because your outgoing SMTP mail server is incorrect. The outgoing mail server is responsible for sending mail on your account. The first step to fix this problem is to change you existing SMTP server to “smtp.web-pass.com” and see if that fixes the problem.

If it does not fix the problem, then you have a custom e-mail address, like person1@companyx.com. For these types of e-mail addresses you need to find out the name of the appropriate e-mail server by calling the administrator of the e-mail domain.

If you can not do that, here is a couple steps you can take on a Windows 2000 computer to find out what the mail server is.

• Go to Start – Run – enter cmd into the box and click OK to open a command prompt.
• Type nslookup and press enter.
• Type set q=mx and press enter.
• Type the domain of the e-mail address and press enter. If the e-mail address is person1@companyx.com, you would type companyx.com.
• Examine the output for a line that says mail exchanger = smtp.companyx.com. Whatever the mail exchanger equals is the SMTP server that you should use for outgoing mail.

If you have not installed a router or firewall, yes your neighbor can see your computer. Anyone anywhere in the world connected to the Internet can see your computer.

As a rule of thumb you should install a router or firewall between your computer and the Internet. Additionally you should install an antivirus and spyware program on your computer to protect it from malicious code.

Sure. Webpass does not restrict the type of traffic that goes to the Internet.

The default settings for all computers are correct. If your computer is not brand new, simply ensure your computer is set up to obtain an IP address automatically (via DHCP).

Webpass does not use modems like DSL or cable based Internet services. To connect to the Internet simply connect your computer to the data jack in your unit with a network cable (CAT5 or better).

Absolutely! Any VOIP phone will work on the Webpass network.

• Mailing a check to our office.
  Webpass
  851 Van Ness Ave, Suite 2
  San Francisco, CA 94109
• Using your bank's online bill payment service.
  (your account number is your name as it appears on the invoice)
• Calling (415) 233-4100 and paying with a credit card over the phone. One time or recurring payments are available.

Webpass works with any operating system that supports ethernet. This includes all versions of Windows, Apple macintosh OS X and 9.x, All versions of Linux, FreeBSD, and equivalent.

Webpass technical support is open from 9:00-5:00, Monday through Friday. You can reach them at (415) 233-4100 x2, by e-mailing support@web-pass.com, or by filling our a Support Ticket. Please note that we do monitor all of our equipment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Not all routers are created equal. Most are designed for DSL or Cable, and will create a performance bottleneck with a service as fast as ours. Here is a chart measuring the throughput performance of popular routers. The routers at the top of the chart will give you the best performance.

All home routers are different but they are all pretty easy to install. During the installation process you will have to choose the type of Internet connection. Webpass' Internet service is Ethernet based and IP addresses are provided automatically via DHCP. When choosing your Internet connection type select Ethernet or LAN.

For example, most Linksys routers offer "Obtain IP Address Automatically" which is the correct choice. Most Netgear routers offer "IP Address - Get Dynamically from ISP."

That is the only setting you will need to complete the router setup. Webpass does not issue user names or passwords.