If you utilize the wireless network service (Wifi) from Hood Canal Communications things are about to get better!  HCC is moving forward with a beta test of their improved managed Wifi product.

The best part about having HCC provide your wireless network has always been that we take care of everything for you.  If you have a problem getting a device connected to your network, HCC representatives can help you connect it.  They can also remotely troubleshoot your network to better assist you.

Historically, the downside to having HCC provide your wireless network has been that you were forced to use a specific wireless network password.  The password was complicated and consisted of multiple letters and numbers that were intermixed.  Great for security but difficult for people to learn or remember.  At the time of installation, HCC representatives would leave a card with the network name and password.  However, the card was easy to misplace; and If you had to swap out your equipment then the password had to change again.

HCC is proud to announce that we now have the option for HCC wireless network users to set and modify a custom password- even doing so on the fly.  There’s no longer a need to wait to contact HCC to change or view your password.  Please note that on some devices the password may not be viewable until after they have been modified in HCC's managed Wifi portal.

This also means you can ditch that super long and confusing password that HCC assigned you.  You can now choose something that’s easier to remember.  You’ll still want to follow some basic password guidelines (click here to see our previous article) to make sure that your network stays safe and secure.  Just keep in mind that if you do end up changing the password, each device's settings will have to updated too.

An additional functionality will now be at your fingertips- the ability to see all the devices connected to your local network and their IP addresses.  Advanced users will now have the option to add port forwading on their own.  Also, you will be able to see if undesired devices are connected to your network and stealing your bandwidth.  Here’s where an on the fly password change comes in really handy.  Change the network password and these devices will not be able to connect to your network.

To take advantage of this new option you’ll have to have an HCC billpay login and a compatible device (TR-069 compliant) installed at your location.  Check out this tutorial to guide you through the process of setting up a billpay login and using the new managed wifi functionality.  Compatible devices include some models of Arris cable modems and Actiontech routers (provided by HCC).  Give our office a call, at 360.898.2481, during regular business hours if you have any questions or would like set up assistance.