General Internet FAQs

Is internet service available to me?   

You can check service availability online here or by calling 540-712-0300.  

Will my computer access the Internet wirelessly?  

Your computer should be able to access the Internet wirelessly if your computer is equipped with a wireless network card, and you have access to a wireless network connection. A wireless broadband router can be used to establish a wireless network connection through your broadband modem.  

What is the difference between a static and server assigned IP address?  

A static IP (internet protocol) address is an address that does not change. Your internet always uses that address to connect to your internet. A server assigned IP address, also known as a DHCP (dynamic host control protocol) address, is an IP address that is dynamically assigned to you each time you connect or reconnect to your internet connection. Static IP addresses are useful and are often required for connections that use VPNs (virtual private networks), security cameras, and other specialized software programs.   

What's the difference between Wi-Fi and wireless internet.  

  • Wi-Fi: The wireless signal that a router broadcasts inside the house which allows computers, mobile devices, and certain printers to connect to the Internet wirelessly.  

  • Wireless Internet: The method by which an internet signal is sent to a location from the ISP tower or access point. For example, fixed wireless is a type of wireless internet, satellite is another type of wireless internet.  

What's a web browser?  

A web browser is a graphical user interface (GUI) which allows people to access their favorite websites from a computer or mobile device. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge are examples of internet browsers.  

What is bandwidth?  

Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be carried from one point to another in a specified time period (usually seconds)  
For example, an up to 10 Mbps (Mbps: Mega bits per second) Internet speed package, the average available bandwidth is 10 Mbps.  

Is there a data limit with Lingo Networks Internet packages?  

All our internet service plans have unlimited data usage.   

Why is my internet slow?  

Slow Internet speeds can be the result of a variety of reasons. The most common reasons are failing routers and background processes running on computers and mobile devices. If you are experiencing slow Internet speeds, we suggest testing your router by unplugging the Internet ethernet cord from the WAN/internet port on the back of the router and plugging it directly into a computer (this process is called hardlining). Try browsing the Internet after you have performed the previous step to see if you are still experiencing slow speeds. This process can only be performed with a computer. This will bypass any activity on the Local Area Network that your router is using and assist you in determining if there is a problem with your subscribed service, or overutilization.  

If your Internet speeds remain slow, check the hardlined computer to make sure no program updates are operating in the background. We also recommend power-cycling (rebooting) the modem periodically to refresh the modem connection.  

Other devices could also be using bandwidth without your knowledge. Devices such as game consoles (Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, etc.), download content automatically when powered on unless these features are turned off.  These devices may also have “sleep mode” capabilities, and they often download updates while in “sleep mode”.  Sleep mode can typically be turned off within your device settings.  

Cameras connected to Wi-Fi and Ethernet also will constantly upload and download when connected to an cloud service, unless otherwise stated. For questions about how to reduce usage with these devices, please refer to your equipment’s manufacturer.  

If you have any questions about slow Internet speeds, call our Technical Support department at 877-745-4646 or report a service issue via SmartHub.