Zonemaster fact file

All you need to know but were afraid to ask. Need more information? Use the contact page to get in touch.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Zonerider Gateway (ZRG) software?: The Zonerider Gateway (ZRG) is a Windows-based software to control external network connections to your wireless network. ZRG converts your Wireless Network into an intelligent wireless Hotspot (AP), without investing in any further equipment. Users can access the internet through your Hotspot, by subscribing with their credit card, Paypal or Prepaid where available and you get paid the subscription revenues less our commission.
What are the minimum requirements for ZRG?: Any PC or Laptop with an Ethernet (Wired) connection, running Windows XP, Vista or higher
Can I offer free access (family friends) or just to promote my business?: After installing the Zonerider Gateway you will want to keep access open for devices already on your network, like staff, family, friends, printers and other non screen Wifi devices. Simply highlight the device in the Gateways' sessions panel and click "Add as a free local user" Doing this allows the user or device, free access without running into a Hotspot login page.
Will I still have normal Internet access on my computer with ZR installed?: Yes. The Zonerider Gateway does not interfere with normal Internet access on the Zonemaster PC.
Is my computer and network secure?: Yes; Users only connect to the Hotspot over industry standard SSL encryption. We have tested our system to make sure outsiders and guests can never access the Zonemaster computer system in any way. However there are no guarantees, We suggest the computer running the Zonerider Gateway could be of low spec, where sensitive information is typically protected
Do I need to have a monitor and keyboard attached to the PC running the ZRG?: No once your Zonerider Gateway is installed you should be able to leave the PC "headless" without monitor or keyboard/mouse.
How can I check which Zoneriders are accessing my AP? Do I need physical access to my computer to do so?: You can check user access from the Internet using a standard browser, and logging on to your personal Zonemaster section on this website. Or you can view the console on the pc running the ZRG.
Will I experience poor bandwidth performance?: Bandwidth's very nature is data in bursts. This means only when surfing the net will you actually use the bandwidth connection. Same applies to people who share your network. However streaming media could clog up the connection, and if you intend to allow many concurrent users, it is advised that you upgrade your connection in line with expected usage.
Does ZRG support WEP/WPA encryption?: ZR has built-in SSL security and firewall protocols. User logins, passwords and billing information are protected at our Zonerider Network Operations Centre. WEP/WPA are recommended to use in an internal enterprise or corporate environment. For ordinary Voice Video and Data connectivity as long as sensitive information is passed through SSL there is little to worry about. WEP/WPA may also slow down the network.
Does ZR work with Network Address Translation (NAT) routers, firewalls or proxy servers?: ZR works with most NAT routers without any additional configuration. If the Zonemaster or the End User are running a firewall. ZRN doesn’t support proxy servers at present. Most ISPs do not use proxy servers, and we suggest you check with your ISP. We have tested and recommend using the Windows XP (TM) firewall.
How do Zonerider end users sign up?: Similar to any wireless network, the end user will identify the "zonerider" network that is being broadcasted, or they manually select the network using a wireless utility. Once they have established the connection they simply launch any internet browser and login or purchase for access time. Existing End users, only need their username and password and can recharge their account.
How soon after registering can I offer this service?: Downloading is only 1/2 mb and installation will take less that 10 minutes. Please allow up to minimum 1 hour for your details to be live on our systems after registering.
How do I get paid?: We use Paypal, moneybookers (outside the US) or Wire transfers for all our Zonemaster payments so if you already have a Paypal or Moneybookers account its best to use the email address you use for those services. Otherwise, you will need to sign up for a new Paypal or Moneybookers account when you receive an email from them, informing you have funds to claim. We suggest you register as a Zonemaser with a bonafide email account that you have complete control. For more information visit www.paypal.com or www.moneybookers.com For corporates or large organsations, we will setup an EFT wire transfer program. Contact our sales team for more information on this.
When does the Zonemaster receive payments?: A Payment Cycle is calculated as the last day of the following month from the date the end user paid for the service. This is so we can protect all parties against fraud.
What will my tax situation be?: This varies from country to country, but generally any income you receive will be taxable, for exact status, allowances, and rates, contact your local tax office or accountant Normally this income will need to be declared in your annual tax return. In some countries you may be liable for sales tax or Value Added Tax and might need to register for this. In many countries the threshold is high, and you are likely to be exempt. Its always good to keep a record of your income.
Do Internet Service Providers allow sharing?: individual terms and conditions vary and in some cases it would appear that "re-selling" of bandwidth might be an infringement. However most national legislation allows consumers to resell goods and services. In any event, the Zonemaster is not selling bandwidth but merely allowing access to members of the Zonerider community In the unlikely case of an ISP objecting, and this may be due to overuse of data throughput (some ISP's limit this) we have details of ISP's who do not limit this and are happy to allow sharing.
Am I liable if a User uses my connection for illegal acts?: Zonerider Networks has details of users and can exclude them from the network if required we should be contacted immediately and we will co-operate with the authorities in denying access where legally justified. In common with other internet networks and pursuant to laws relating to privacy, Zonerider does not have details of internet traffic, however we do monitor the network for control of spam and fraud etc. Should the Zonemaster suspect that a Zonerider is in breach of the terms and conditions , he should contact us directly by email.
How does Zonerider Networks protect against fraud?: We keep a database of all Zoneriders and have facilities in place to discover any fraudulent transactions. Persons identified with details that do not match their identity will be barred from using our service and their details will be passed onto the relevant authorities.
I just signed up as a Zonemaster, where should I advertise?: Thats totally up to you. First decide where your want to broadcast your network. If the answer is all your neighbours, you may want to post a flyer or two around the neighbourhood or in your apartment building. If you just want a few friends, then an email or the Zonerider letter drop, would be a better option. Please remember when advertising in this way that you are representing Zonerider and we ask that this is done is a proffesional and respectful manner. We suggest that you download the promotional kit once registered, to get you going.

Troubleshooting

BEFORE REINTSALLING THE ZONERIDER GATEWAY FROM AN OLD INSTALL. BEST TO REBOOT YOUR PC

USB Modems USB modems are not currently supported however most ISPs support Ethernet modems.

Firewalls: The Zonerider system works excellent with Windows firewall and any antivirus program. The Zonerider Gateway has compatibilty issues with third party software firewalls, such as ZoneAlarm(tm), Norton Security Suite(TM), Norton Personal Firewall(TM). While installing Zonerider you may have the option to allow it through these firewalls but its not recommended. Most ADSL or Cable modems today act as a firewall so your network is already protected.

During install Zonemaster details are not recognised in the software(gateway): After registering as a Hotspot on our website, please allow up to 1 hour for your password and registration details to be active. Make sure you're connected to the internet.

Repeating: If you are setting up a WDS repeating network environment, ensure the repeaters are switched to "DHCP client enabled" or "obtain IP address Automatically".

Already Connected Users / Devices: After installing the Zonerider Gateway for the first time, some connected devices, may not see the Hotspot login page, and may have free access. this is easily fixed if you repair the connection. naturally guests coming onto the Hotspot for the first time will always be directed to the Hotspot Login Page.


Broadband: Ensure that you have a broadband connection

Check service: Its best to check through a second wireless enabled computer, to ensure that Zonerider service is running. If service is not operational or guests cannot access the Internet at all, repair Guests Wireless or LAN connection

Uninstall Re-install: The software may not have installed correctly because there was another process running. Try uninstalling and reinstalling the Zonerider Gateway.

Zonemaster fact file

FAQ

Troubleshooting

Service is not running

Zonerider Status

Account Options