If you’re like most people, you commonly use the terms “Wi-Fi” and “Internet” interchangeably. Actually, Wi-Fi and the internet are two separate things that work together.
Think of it this way…The Internet is the data, or the vehicle. Wi-Fi is a wireless network technology that sends this data via internet connections – the highway – through the air to wide area networks and on to non-wired computers.
Wi-Fi allows devices such as your mobile phone, tablets, TVs and other wireless devices to connect to communicate the same way as when network cables are used, just without the actual cables. A Wi-Fi network is basically a wireless local network.
Slower speed on Wi-Fi doesn’t mean there is something wrong with your internet. In fact, slower Wi-Fi speed is pretty much inevitable, since wireless technology uses Radio Frequency or RF waves to send data, and these waves ALWAYS degrade over distance – it’s just a matter of physics.
Wi-Fi connections are more prone to interference, signal loss and degradation, which all increase over distance. These factors can reduce the speeds you can extract out of your internet service when using Wi-Fi.
So what can you do to optimize your Wi-Fi?
- Try a quick reset of your router and devices.
- If possible, move around to reduce interference from devices (microwaves) and obstacles (concrete floors and walls) and to be closer to your Nokia Gateway.
- Reduce network traffic (the number of users and/or devices) to increase Wi-Fi speeds.
- Ensure that your devices are capable of the desired speeds and that the operating systems on those devices are up to date.
- Consider switching to a wired connection for maximum speed. You’ll be able to extract the maximum possible out of your internet package if you plug into your router; it’s much harder to do that on wireless, especially the further you move from your router.
- Call Trailblazer’s 24 x 7 Tech Support at 970-577-3770 to diagnose any issues that could be impacting your Wi-Fi speeds.
Fiber optic lines are not only necessary to provide Trailblazer Broadband high-speed internet to homes and businesses in Estes Park, but they also serve as the foundational backbone of Estes Park Power & Communications’ Advance Metering Infrastructure (AMI). The AMI is comprised of smart meters and infrastructure devices to transmit the meter reading data. According to Reuben Bergsten, Utilities Director for Power & Communications, “Our AMI data is analyzed to reveal potential problems, and we use that information to initiate preventative maintenance that in turn reduces the risk of wildfire from our electric infrastructure.” Forbes Magazine mentioned Estes Park’s own AMI Coordinator Sarah Clark in the following article on Wildfire mitigation: Wildfire Season Is Year-Round. How To Keep The Lights On And Businesses Running
Learn more about Estes Park’s AMIs and Smart Meters.
Summer is here and so are our seasonal neighbors, friends and visitors. More people means more events, more business, and yes, more traffic – even on the internet. Now that Trailblazer Broadband has completed the build-out of more than half of its fiber infrastructure, Trailblazer clients will have significantly better summer experience than in the past.
Here’s how:
Better bandwidth in the fiber optic network means less slowing when more people are using the internet simultaneously.
Trailblazer’s three – yes 3! – redundant fiber paths out of town mean service continuity with far less chance of service interruptions.
Trailblazer is the only local option for internet with symmetrical speed of up to 1 GIG (1,000 Mbps) for downloads AND uploads with no data caps. Most alternatives only offer around 20 Mbps for uploads as part of “1 GIG” service.
Why does it matter? Upload speeds are critical to anything where you are SENDING rather than RECEIVING information over the internet, such as
- Video calls (FaceTime with the grandkids, anyone?),
- Backing up files to the Cloud
- Uploading vacation and wedding photos to social media for friends and family
Yes, we’re tooting our own horn a bit, but we know that when you’re in Estes Park, you want to spend as much time enjoying the beauty and fun of the outdoors, not sitting behind a computer screen. We’re here to make that happen!
Cooperation is the key to any successful endeavor, and it is particularly important where the construction of the Trailblazer Fiber Network is concerned. Before running fiber to a neighborhood, one of the first steps is to work with the area Homeowners and Condo Associations, property managers, and business complex owners to communicate the construction plans and ensure that appropriate permissions are obtained.
“Because we are part of the Town infrastructure and this is our community, we want to get things right from the start,” says Kim Smith, Trailblazer’s Customer Experience Manager.
Most of Trailblazer’s fiber runs are contained within existing utility easements; however, in running new lines through a neighborhood, there are often additional considerations for roads, driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping.
“It’s important to have strong communication as we move forward to ensure that we coordinate with associations in the area. Whatever the situation, it is always our goal to run fiber with minimal disruption to the surroundings and to the residents and businesses in the area,” Kim adds.
The Trailblazer team begins to contact HOAs and COAs in upcoming construction areas as quickly as possible to avoid delays in providing service to residents and businesses. If your area is receiving service in the next few months, Trailblazer would be happy to give a brief presentation at your next association meeting to prepare for the construction process. HOA board members are encouraged to contact the Trailblazer Customer Support Team at 970-577-3770 for more information.
By ESTES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |
July 22, 2021 at 7:50 a.m.
Published in the Trail Gazette
The 2nd Annual Chamber Cup Golf Tournament on August 13 is sponsored by the Town of Estes Park and Trailblazer Broadband to say thank you to the business community. Supporting sponsors this year include The Bank of Estes Park, Edward Jones and Aldrich Builders. Our Smokin’ Dave’s BBQ lunch and beverages are sponsored this year by Bank of Colorado, Westover Construction, Mortgage Solutions and Estes Valley Recreation District. New this year will be 18 hole sponsors sampling their goods and services throughout the day, from the 1:30 p.m. shotgun start to the award ceremony.
“Last year we created the golf tournament in six weeks as a survival gap measure for the Chamber in a pandemic year,” said Chamber Board Chair Derek Vinge. “This year we’re already off to a strong start and the tournament will keep our operations strong while we continue building toward our membership goal of 400 by the end of the summer.”
Estes Chamber of Commerce
The Estes Chamber develops its operating funds from membership, events and two flagship fundraisers each year, including The Chamber Cup.
Like many chambers, the Estes Chamber develops its operating funds from membership, events and two flagship fundraisers each year, including The Chamber Cup. The growth of the Chamber in the past year demonstrates that this community values having a unique and unbiased voice for business. The Chamber still has several sponsorship options open to promote your business. Contact Executive Director Donna Carlson at donna@esteschamber.org to discuss sponsorships. Register a foursome for $500 or a single for $150 at esteschamber.org/chamber-cup.
The broadcast signal is once again reaching much of the Estes Valley, and the availability of Trailblazer Broadband at the new location allows live streaming to more listeners in remote locations.
Many seasonal visitors to Estes Park take advantage of the streaming service to listen to KREV-LP. To try the live stream, go to the website at www.krevlpfm.org, and click on “Listen Now.” The station will be off the air for a short period during installation of some equipment upgrades that will improve the stereo signal.
Now that the tower has been installed and the equipment has again been hooked up, KREV-LP has resumed its usual announcement and program schedule.
“We are deeply grateful for the patience of our listeners and underwriters during this long process,” says KREV-LP board chair Cay Lacey. Although the station was not able to conduct any fundraising during the pandemic, all commitments for on-air underwriter recognition will be fulfilled, and underwriters for 2020 will receive a full year of on-air credits. The KREV-LP board hopes to get back to regular fundraising through an in-person campaign this fall.
KREV-LP serves the Estes Valley with a varied mix of music, public service programming, and local announcements. To support Community Radio for the Estes Valley, visit the website at www.krevlpfm.org for more information on how to become an underwriter or contributor to help with the costs of relocating the tower. Click on the “Become an Underwriter” tab at the top of the page to fill out the on-line form, and someone will contact you to complete the process. KREV-LP also accepts donations through credit cards or PayPal through the “Donate Now” link on the website.
06/09/21 – By Cay Lacey for the Trail-Gazette
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