Susan Knox Wilson
Techies rejoice! Our new, upgraded Wi-Fi system is now installed in PebbleCreek’s many public spaces and is busy connecting jubilant users to the internet. Wi-Fi is a technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet connections. Radio waves can be dangerous, having being emitted from TV’s and phones, and this is why some people use an EMF meter for EMF Protection. However, Wi-Fi is essential in keeping up to date with the internet world and your friends and family.
Everyone visiting any of our HOA buildings and patios, and wishing to connect their phone or computer to the internet, will find a wireless network called PebbleCreek. The network has the same name no matter where you are on the property and no login ID is required. (Note: There is a second Wi-Fi network called Robson, which is reserved for the use of HOA staff and a password is required for that network.)
At the Annual Meeting this past April, the HOA Board unanimously approved the proposal to install the commercial-grade Wi-Fi system. Some of the most ardent supporters of the proposal were homeowners who need reliable access to the Internet to conduct business for their clubs such as the PC Players and LifeLong Learning for ticket sales and the Stock and Computer Clubs.
PebbleCreek had limited Wi-Fi available in some areas of the complex for several years, but as the neighborhood grew so too did the demand for a robust, reliable system with 24-hour support. The proposal for the new Wi-Fi system was developed by Priscilla Wardlow, PebbleCreek’s Director of Technology, and homeowner Steve Harper, an expert in computer networks (and who prior to retirement owned his own very successful business that configured and sold computer systems).
Priscilla and Steve met with several vendors, walked the property with them, discussed technologies and alternative approaches and reviewed bids before recommending SL Computers to do the installation and provide ongoing support. “We feel SL Computers is the company that best suits our needs,” commented Priscilla. “Among other benefits, they offer a robust, reliable system at a lower cost with greater flexibility.”
Sing Som, owner of SL Computers, said the installation went well, even though the project was challenging from their standpoint. “We prefer to run a system from scratch, but in this instance we had to coordinate with older work and sort out which wires and cables were doing what. But, it was actually sort of fun to clean up and organize everything and our team is clearly labeling every component helping make maintenance easy in the future.”
“It was my pleasure as a homeowner to work on this project as we solicited bids and proposals to fix, enhance and grow our wireless internet connectivity options in the public areas of PebbleCreek,” said Steve. “Thanks to the outpouring of support and the vision and wisdom displayed by the Board of Directors we’ve upgraded our capabilities by installing 46 Wireless Access Points throughout our public areas.” The Access Points include:
Tuscany Falls Clubhouse: (ballroom, meeting rooms, library, Portofino and the exterior patio areas)
Toscana’s Grill (restaurant, lounge, patio, Board Room and fireplace sitting area)
Tuscany Falls Golf Pro Shop
Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse (restaurant, ballroom, meeting rooms, athletic complex, golf pro shop, administration area, Board Room, pool and patios
Activities Center (Activities Offices, Administration Office, meeting rooms, Model Railroading, Lifelong Learning and Computer Club facilities.
Tuscany Falls Fitness Studios – interior and exterior coverage
Tuscany Falls Athletic Complex (interior, pools, Ed’s Dogs, patios and most of the tennis courts
Note: Exterior areas of tennis courts, bocce courts and sports building will receive partial coverage
Creative Arts Center – Coverage in all rooms, Gift Shop and exterior
Note: Many of the Pickleball courts will be covered from Creative Arts Center coverage
“Wi-Fi is not just a business necessity,” observes Priscilla, “it’s a community amenity that increases homeowner satisfaction. It also offers us many exciting opportunities for the future.” These opportunities include:
supporting sales of golf equipment at outdoor demo days
selling performing arts club tickets at the theater or kiosk
strengthening Wi-Fi for sport club events