Internet Options

We have been looking into various options for Broadband Connectivity in Chesapeake Isle. Currently there are 3 options: Satellite, Bay Broadband wireless, and CICA setting up their own wireless network.

Option 1 (DirecWay)

DirecWay Satellite has been available for a number of years and several people within the community have been using this option. For general email and web browsing this is a viable option, though more expensive the options 2 and 3. There are limitations with this option for people interested in gaming and business VPN usage. For interactive gaming on the network, there is a problem with lag time, approximately 2 seconds, due the signal having to be sent to a satellite and then back down to earth bidirectionally. This lag can be detrimental to on line gamers. This lag time also interferes with VPN connections which many companies use for security purposes for users working from home. Another limitation is that this option is slower upload/download times then the other 2 options.

Option 2 (Bay Broadband)

Bay Broadband is a wireless internet company that services certain areas of the community. If you are located south of Rollins then you might not be able to use Bay Broadband. Please send a mail to technology@chesapeakeisle.org if you live in that area and are interested in other broadband options.

Option 3 (CICANet)

We have investigated a 3rd option, CICA running our own wireless network throughout the community. At first glance we were thinking that this option could become an income to offset some of the funds being loss from the grassmowing. After crunching the numbers, the monthly cost to break even the first year, was quickly approaching the cost of the Bay Broadband service. Due to this fact and support issues, we no longer feel this to be a viable option. Another problem, with new technology coming every day, our equipment could quickly become obsolete and not cost effective. Due to rapidly changing technology in the broadband field, we will continue searching for a more cost affective solution.