1.  How can I test my network speed?

There are many testing sites available, but it’s important to keep in mind that Ponca City Broadband cannot guarantee internet speeds outside of the City limits.  Ponca City Broadband has created a speedtest server, located at our Central Office:  
http://pcb-speed.paradoxnetworks.net

2.  Another very popular site is www.speedtest.net.  Please note, though; speedtests conducted outside of Ponca City are not a true indication of the speed Ponca City Broadband is providing you.  A speedtest to a server in, say Wichita, KS might return slower than expected speeds – and that could point to either a problem on the server in Wichita, KS or the network connections between here and there.

3.  What is the best way to connect my devices?

Hard wiring a device to the Fiber Router guarantees the fastest speeds will be achieved.  The Fiber Router has 4 Ethernet ports to plug devices into.

4.  What can I do to improve my WiFi speed?

There are three different ways you can improve WiFi speeds:

A)  The Fiber Router provides WiFi signals on two different frequencies:  2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.  
      The 5 GHz frequency offers the fastest throughput.  If your device supports 5 GHz WiFi
      connectivity, use that frequency.

B)  The Fiber Router is capable of connecting devices on any particular frequency using multiple
      channels.  WiFi speed can be increased by choosing a channel not used by other devices.

C)  Distance between the Fiber Router and the device you are connecting can play a role in
      speed as well.  Moving the device closer to the Fiber Router may help increase the speed
      (especially if you’re using the 5 GHz frequency).

5.  Will Ponca City Broadband support “Smart Home” devices?

Think of Ponca City Broadband in terms of a highway and the devices you want to connect to it in terms of cars and trucks.  Ponca City Broadband provides the path for you to get to the internet (the road, if you will).  You can travel that road with any type of device (or vehicle) you wish to use.

6.  Who do I call to report problems?

The helpdesk phone number for Ponca City Broadband is 580-718-5074.  This phone is answered 24x7x365.

6.  Can I use my own WiFi Router?

You may add any type of devices to your home that you desire.  It might be best to disable the WiFi signal being broadcast from the Fiber Router in your house; instructions for doing so are in the Fiber Modem User Guide (www.poncacityok.gov/fiber-user-guide).

7.  What if the WiFi signal is weak in parts of my house?

In large homes, or homes with challenging construction materials (e.g.  lath and plaster, brick, or stone), a WiFi range extender may be needed.  Range extenders may be leased from Ponca City Broadband (call Utility Billing at 580-767-0311 for current rates), or may be purchased from local retailers.  Please note:  Ponca City Broadband will not be able to offer configuration and/or troubleshooting assistance with customer-owned equipment).

8.  What if I want to connect other devices to the Fiber Modem/Router using network cabling?

There are only 4 Ethernet ports on the back of the Fiber Modem, but you have several options available to add more:

A)  Purchase a network switch from any local retailer.  These are available in 4-, 8-, 16- and even
      more ports.  Plug the switch into one of the Ethernet ports on the Fiber Router, then plug
      devices into the switch

B)  Have your home “wired” for technology.  There are several local companies who can do this
      work for you, or if you’re a handyman type of person you can do the work yourself.  This
      involves running Ethernet cabling through the walls and putting network jacks in the wall.
      The network cables either plug into the Fiber Modem, or a network switch attached to the
      Fiber modem.  You plug your computing device into the wall on the other end of the
      Ethernet cable.

9.  Why can’t I ever get fast WiFi on my device?

It could be the device itself: either the WiFi antennae is under-powered, or broken – or, due to the age of the device, it might not support It could be the device itself: either the WiFi antennae is under-powered, or broken – or, due to the age of the device, it might not support the newer/faster WiFi frequencies.

The Washington Post published a very helpful article about this. You can read the article at: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/bad-wifi-is-slowing-you-down-fix-yours-without-spending-a-dime/ar-BB13mYzc?ocid=spartanntp

10.  What’s the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi?

The frequencies are different.  5 GHz provides faster speeds, but doesn’t penetrate walls or other obstacles very well; it also doesn’t travel much distance.

2.4 GHz provides better penetration (through walls, etc.), but doesn’t carry as much data.