Below are FAQ subjects. Click on a subject to take you to a specific FAQ.

Technical FAQs

Laptop wireless range
500 to 1000 feet
300 to 500 feet
0 to 300 feet
Zero feet or lost/no connection
Port 25 blocking
Port blocking
TCP/IP setup information
DHCP connections
IP address
MAC address
Static IP address
VPN troubleshooting
MetroFi-Test-Free SSID
Power cycled CPE
Wireless configuration
Improving a weak signal
Slow service
PepLink error message
Receiving error message: "Failed to assign an IP address"
Engenius setup
Hawking setup
Tranzeo CPE90 setup
Ruckus MM2211 setup
ExpressNets USB-200, EXP400-I, EXP400-O
Repeater usage
Connecting wireless modem to a wireless router
Access point distance
VoIP
802.11 frequency
Access point emission /radiation
CDDB and MetroFi


I have low signal strength and/or can't connect to the MetroFi network with my
laptop.
Laptop computers have limited access range. If you are within 250 - 300 feet of one of our neighborhood access points, you should be able to connect to the Internet. If you are further than 300 feet, you may need a high gain wireless modem to connect to the network. MetroFi recommends a variety of indoor and outdoor wireless modems to connect with better performance to MetroFi. Click to review our list of devices.

You can check your distance from the nearest access point by qualifying your address on our availability page.
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I am within 500 to 1,000 feet of an access point and can't connect.
If you are located within 500 to 1,000 feet from our neighborhood access point, you'll need an outdoor Wireless Modem to boost the signal strength. Click to learn more about connecting with an outdoor wireless modem.
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I am within 300 to 500 feet of an access point and can't connect.
MetroFi recommends a variety of indoor and outdoor wireless modems to connect with better performance to MetroFi. Click to review our list of devices.

You can check your distance from the nearest access point by qualifying your address on our availability page.
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I am within 300 line-of-sight feet of an access point and can't connect.
Check to make sure that you have enabled wireless access on your computer and that you have selected the correct SSID. The correct SSID is MetroFi-Free. The SSID is case sensitive.

If you connect to the SSID but the signal is weak and/or intermittent, MetroFi recommends that you purchase a wireless modem. MetroFi recommends a variety of indoor and outdoor wireless modems to connect with better performance to MetroFi. Click to review our list of devices.

You can check your distance from the nearest access point by qualifying your address on our availability page.

Please also verify that you are receiving an IP address from MetroFi. To check you IP address please click here.
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I am standing under an access point and can't connect.
The MetroFi neighborhood access point that is attached to a light pole radiates its signal in the shape of a cone. Standing under the antenna will result in a very poor or no signal. You should test your connection from at least 100 feet away from the pole. If after repositioning you still have problems connecting to the MetroFi network, go through the following check list:

Verify that the SSID you connecting to is MetroFi-Free. If entering the SSID manually, it is case sensitive and must be entered exactly as MetroFi-Free.

Power cycle your 802.11 device to see if this reinitiates the connection with the MetroFi network.

Contact MetroFi support by using our online support form. We will verify that the access point is working properly and that your computer is able to connect to it. When completing the online form, provide all requested information including your address, nearest cross streets to the access point, and the MAC address of your computer.
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Does MetroFi block Port 25?
Yes, MetroFi does block port 25 to avoid spam and network abuse of the Free wireless network. Web based e-mail can be accessed using the MetroFi free service.

MetroFi’s Premium Service, does not block port 25, and is ad free.

If you need to use Port 25 to send and receive e-mail, sign up for the MetroFi fee based service for $19.95 a month.
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Does MetroFi block ports other than Port 25?
No. MetroFi only blocks one port, port 25, to deter abusive use of the Free service. MetroFi also blocks all inbound access for the free and premium service and allow all outbound access, except outbound port 25 for free users. For example, users should still be able to FTP, SSH, VPN and use other services while on the MetroFi network.

* VPN features are not available using MetroFi FREE in the Riverside, CA network.
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How do I setup my TCP/IP information to connect to MetroFi?
Set your TCP/IP connection to obtain an address automatically (dynamically) if you are connecting directly to a MetroFi Access point.
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What is DHCP and do I need it to use MetroFi?
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enables your computer to automatically receive an IP address from a network. The network will assign and reassign IP addresses to your computer as needed. These addresses may change, which is what is meant by dynamic.

For more information on how to configure your computer’s network settings so that DHCP is enabled in order to access the MetroFi network click here.
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What is my IP address?
Your IP address when connecting to MetroFi should not start with 169.254.x.x. For instructions describing how to look up your IP address, review the following link.
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What is my MAC address and how do I know what it is?
The Media Access Control (MAC) address is used to provide a unique identifier for your computer on MetroFi’s wireless network.

Please refer to the following link for instructions on how to identify your computer’s MAC address.
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Does MetroFi provide static IP addresses?
MetroFi only supports dynamic IP assignments; there is no option for static IP addresses.
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Why can't I VPN while using the free service?
To connect to VPN when on MetroFi, remember to first open a web browser such as Internet Explorer, FireFox, or Safari.

* VPN features are not available using MetroFi FREE in the Riverside, CA network.
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I can see an SSID, 'MetroFi-Test-Free', can I connect to it?
When a MetroFi SSID contains a reference word 'Test', this means that we are in the process of deploying the access point and it is not yet ready for service. Please visit the MetroFi home page and enter your address to determine if we are providing service at your location.
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I have power cycled my wireless Ethernet connector and still can not connect.
To power cycle your system, unplug the power to your hardware, wait ten seconds, and plug it back in. Restart any hardware that might be connected behind the wireless Ethernet connector such as a router or network switch. Restart your personal computer.

If you still can not receive a connection please contact MetroFi support by using our WebForm. Please provide your address, the access point cross streets, and your MAC address.
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What if I have problems with my wireless adapter?
For problems related to your wireless network adapter, contact the manufacturer for support. The configuration required to connect to the MetroFi service is:

Type: 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
SSID: MetroFi-Free
Security: Open

If after contacting your Wireless Adapter manufacturer and you are still unable to connect, please contact MetroFi support by using our WebForm. Please send your address, the access point cross streets, and your MAC address. Our technical customer service team will verify that the access point is working and that your Mac address is connecting to the access point.
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Why do I have a weak signal and can I improve it?
The best connection is achieved when there is a clear line of sight between your computer and the access point. If possible, relocate your wireless device near a window facing the general direction of the nearest neighborhood MetroFi access point. This should increase your signal strength and overall quality of your service.

If you are within 500 feet of the access point and experience poor signal strength when indoors, we recommend that you purchase a high power wireless modem. MetroFi recommends the Ruckus MetroFlex Wireless Access Gateway (MM2211) which can purchased from ExpressNets.
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My service is slow, can I speed it up?
Maximum access speeds on MetroFi’s Free wireless network are 1 Mbps downstream and 256 Kbps upstream.

The best connection is achieved when there is a clear line of sight between your computer and the access point. If possible, relocate your wireless device near a window facing the general direction of the nearest neighborhood MetroFi access point. If you are within 500 feet of the access point and experience poor signal strength when indoors, we recommend that you purchase a high power wireless modem. MetroFi recommends the Ruckus MetroFlex Wireless Access Gateway (MM2211) which can be purchased from ExpressNets.
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I am receiving the following error message, “ERROR MESSAGE: Certification from Radio to CPE failed." What do I do?
If you are receiving an error code such as ““ERROR MESSAGE: Certification from Radio to CPE failed”, then you are trying to connect to the incorrect SSID.

You should connect to the MetroFi-Free SSID. If you do not see MetroFi-Free in your SSID list of available wireless networks then MetroFi is not yet available in your area. You can visit our web site at www.metrofi.com and provide us with your e-mail and home address. We will notify you when the service is available in your area.
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I am receiving the following error message, "Failed to assign an IP address". What do I do?
If you are receiving an error code such as "Failed to assign an IP address", please let us know your MAC address of the device connecting to the MetroFi neighborhood Access Point and the date and time when trying to connect.

Please refer to the following link for instructions on how to identify your computer's MAC address.

MAC addresses also are printed on the bottom of routers, bridges, and other 802.11 devices by the manufacture. Consult your manufacturer's website or product manuals to correctly locate and identify its MAC address.

Please provide this information through our online support form.
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How do I setup my Engenius EOC-3220 to work with the MetroFi network?
Please refer to Engenius web site for all technical information such as quick setup guides, manual, downloads, specification data sheets, at the following URL. You should also review the MetroFi setup document for the Engenius.

Engenius EOC-3220 Setup Guide
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How do I setup my Hawking USB device to connect to the MetroFi network?
The Hawking device is USB plug-and-play. Make sure you installed the USB drivers required for the device. For additional information, refer to the Hawking Technologies web site for information. Review the following on how to connect your Hawking to the MetroFi network.

MetroFi Hawking Setup Guide
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How do I setup my Tranzeo CPE90 to work with the MetroFi network?
For additional information, refer to the Tranzeo web site for information or review the following information below to setup your CPE90.

TR-CPE90-15F Setup Guide
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How do I setup my Ruckus MM2211 to work with the MetroFi network?
For additional information, refer to the Ruckus web site for information or review the following information below to setup your Ruckus MetroFlex.

Ruckus MM2211 MetroFlex Setup Guide
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How do I setup my ExpressNets USB-200, EXP400-I, EXP400-O to work with the MetroFi network?
The Expressnets has multiple devices that work on the MetroFi network. Below are PDFs for setup guide and the technical guides for each device.

ExpressNets USB-200 setup guide

EXP400-I setup guide | Technical Guide

EXP400-O setup guide | Technical Guide


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Can I setup a repeater for the MetroFi signal?
Yes. Personal access points and out-of-the-box repeaters have been known to repeat the MetroFi signal. However, not all repeaters have been tested and will work with the MetroFi service. More information about which repeaters have been tested can be found on the wireless modem FAQ page.

Please do not type in the 'MetroFi-Free' SSID in your own personal access point to try and repeat the signal. You will need to configure the access point to act like a bridge or repeater and not as an access point. Please refer to your documentation or contact your hardware vendor for the configuration process to see if your wireless device has different modes of operation and will work on the MetroFi service.
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Can I connect my Ruckus high power wireless modem to a wireless router?
This feature is supported by configuring your Ruckus high power wireless modem for bridge mode. Consult the product user guide for detailed instructions.
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How far apart are the access points, and can you install one near me?
MetroFi neighborhood access points are spaced to provide the maximum amount of coverage for residences in our service areas. To be able to provide adequate coverage we deploy access points on available working resources provided by the city. Some areas are privatized or resources are not powered 24 hours a day. MetroFi does deploy in phases and more than likely your neighborhood has been surveyed for wireless access. If you are concerned that we are not covering your neighborhood please review our coverage maps and contact us through our online support form for more information.
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Does VoIP work on MetroFi?
Voice Over IP - VOIP can work on the MetroFi Free wireless network. Best results can be realized through the use of a high power wireless modem.
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What frequency does 802.11 operate in?
802.11 operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency (2.401 - 2.473). Each channel (1-11) operates on a specific frequency within the 2.4 GHz spectrum.
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What type of emission or radiation does a MetroFi access point emit?
802.11 radiation or emissions through MetroFi's access points on light poles is lower than most cellular phones, televisions and radio transmitters. MetroFi operates within part 15 of the FCC guidelines and which adheres to radio frequency safety standards and recommendations. MetroFi believes 802.11 is safe for use by consumers because these standards and recommendations were developed from the scientific community who still continually review and interpret an extensive amount of research.

The following is stated in the IEEE/ANSI standard: "Measurements have shown that routine exposure of users and other persons to low power portable and mobile transceivers and cellular telephones do not induce rates of [radio frequency] absorption that exceed any of the maximum permissible rates of energy absorption defined by these guidelines".

"No verified reports exist of injury to human beings who have been exposed to electromagnetic fields within the limits of frequency and [specific absorption rate] specified by previous ANSI standards, including ANSI C95.1-1982." Quoted from the IEEE USAB Entity Position Statement Human Exposure to Radio frequency Fields from Portable and Mobile Telephones and other Communication Devices, December 2, 1992.802.11.

"Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak RF signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects." May 2006 WHO report
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What can't I download the title and track information for my CD music?
MetroFi currently does not support CDDB information downloads due to how our service and network is configured. Our network engineers are aware of the issue and hope to have a solution in the future.
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