[First Step Internet]

Utilizing Microwave to Connect Your Facilities Together
Since 1999, First Step Internet has been building an extensive microwave wireless network throughout the region. This network has enabled us to expand high speed Internet service in our local towns as well as bring it to areas that have had no broadband services whatsoever. The current network now delivers service to 17 communities throughout the region and is growing every day. For a network map see http://www.firststepwireless.com As a result of this project, First Step Internet has developed extensive expertise in point to point and point to multipoint unlicensed, as well as FCC licensed, microwave links ranging from 10mbps all the way up to 100mbps full duplex! Microwave has become an affordable solution to quickly connect facilities together without the time and expense of trenching and running fiber or CAT6 cable. Yet the resulting network delivers the same result. Your buildings may be right across the street or all the way across town. First Step Internet has microwave links over 25 miles apart! If your business or organization has multiple buildings with separate networks, you may want to consider microwave as a way to unify your network and thus increase your ability to share network resources and information and increase productivity.

Multi-Dwelling Units
As broadband Internet service becomes more and more a basic utility, landlords are building in high speed Internet service into the structure of their buildings. The most popular methods are either wireless ethernet or wired ethernet. We bring a high speed connection to the building or buildings utilizing wireless microwave or DSL. From there we essentially create a high speed network within the building that can be used by the residents from their apartment. First Step Internet has been involved in building several networks for builders and landlords in the past several years. We have now connected somewhere between 3500 and 4000 multi dwelling units and have a number of options for you to choose from. If you are planning to build, contact First Step sales and we can provide a solution tailored to your specific project. For a list of apartments now served visit http://www.fsr.com/pages/Apartments.asp.

Motels & Hotels
The single most important amenity that travelers are looking for today is high speed Internet access. Industry experts say that thousands of motels and hotels across the country have already installed high speed Internet service and many more are in the process. If your facility needs to add this amenity, contact First Step sales for a free evaluation and network recommendation. We have now installed service into 15 facilities throughout the region and have affordable options to make the process fast and easy. The most popular network types are wireless, ethernet or a combination of the two. Installation of the service doesn't have to cost and arm and a leg either. For case studies on networks we have installed, please click here. http://www.firststepwireless.com/default.asp?PageTextID=4

Local and Wide Area Networking

First Step Internet has developed a substantial expertise in local and wide area networking in general. In addition, we have been called upon to build local networks for a growing number of businesses and organizations like the seven-branch Latah County Library, Gritman Medical Center, the City of Pullman, Nelson GM Center, Whitehead, Amberson, et.al. and many others. We have installed and support every facet of the network including:

- Firewalls, routers, gateways

- VPN’s – virtual private networks

- Wireless Access Points

- Point to point microwave wireless links

- Point to multi-point microwave wireless – unlicensed and licensed

- Desktop and notebook computers and all associated operating systems

- Network Servers and operating systems

- Backup systems

- Printers and multi-function devices

Local and wide area networking design, installation and ongoing support have become a major part of our business. We now have 45 employees, 5 service trucks, 2 staff vehicles, snowmobiles and even ATV’s. If you have a need, consider First Step Internet.

Some of the specific brand names that we install and support include:

Cisco Systems

Sonicwall

Trango Broadband

Tranzeo Wireless

Proxim

Redline

Stratex

DragonWave

DELL

Packeteer

American Power Conversion

3COM Total Control

Microsoft

Microtik

SuperMicro

Telkonet

Andrew Systems

Motorola

Adtran