Answers

With great power comes great responsibility, and more often than not, a few questions. We want to make sure you get the most out of your MidcoNet Xstream® Wideband experience, so below you’ll find a number of frequently asked questions.

Find solutions to your problems. Discover something new. Or just see how MidcoNet Xstream Wideband can make your online life better.

 

How do I access ESPN3?

You can use MidcoNet Xstream Wideband service to access ESPN3 and see over 4000 sporting events a year – for free.

You can also access ESPN3 from any high-speed connection using the “Remote Access” feature. While on your MidcoNet Xstream Wideband service connection, log into your ESPN.com account that you have set up and sync your account through “Remote Access” 

 

How can I improve my Internet speeds?

There are a number of ways to improve the speed of your Internet.

Speed test recommendations

To get the most accurate speed test results, please do the following:

  • Perform speed tests using the computer with the fastest or most advanced hardware and software.
  • Gigabit Ethernet cards are recommended for MidcoNet Xstream Wideband 3.0.
  • Perform speed tests with the computer directly connected via Ethernet cable to the cable modem.
  • Test using a wired connection rather than a wireless connection.
  • Bypass any routers by connecting via Ethernet cable to the cable modem.

Reboot hardware (Computer, Modem and Router if applicable)

Occasionally, electronic equipment needs to be restarted to function optimally. Follow these steps to reboot:

  1. Unplug the power connection from the back of the modem for 10 seconds and plug it back in. The modem will take about 2 minutes to come back online. You’ll know it’s online when the Power, Sync and Ready lights are lit solid.
  2. If you have a router, reboot your router by unplugging the power connection from the back of the router for 10 seconds and plug it back in.
  3. Restart your computer. Shut the computer down completely and then start your computer again.

Hardware and software compatibility

If you do have a router connected, bypass it temporarily by connecting the network cable directly from the modem to your computer. This will identify where any slowdowns may be occurring. If speed test results improve with the router out of the equation, you will need to contact the manufacturer of the device for further support.

Tip: Older routers may not be able to support the current speeds that your MidcoNet Xstream Wideband services are capable of delivering. To confirm the performance capabilities of your router, refer to the user’s guide or contact the manufacturer for assistance. If your router is not capable of supporting your MidcoNet Xstream Wideband speeds, a newer model may be needed. Midcontinent offers a solution that combines a cable modem and wireless router in one easy to use device. Contact Customer Service for more information.

Your computer will need to meet (or exceed) the minimum hardware requirements that your operating system specifies.

Computer maintenance

Over time, a computer’s performance and speed may be impacted by a number of factors. The following is some basic computer maintenance that you may also use for a tune-up.

  • Turn off programs running in background.
  • Programs run automatically every time your computer starts. Often times these programs can be temporarily stopped by right-clicking on their icon and choosing “Exit” or “Disable.” For more information on modifying each program, contact the software support group for that program.

Scan for and remove viruses and spyware

Viruses, trojans, spyware and malware can impact Internet speeds. Before scanning for virus and spyware issues, update your antivirus software. If your computer is not protected with firewall and antivirus software, you can purchase it locally or download it from places such as www.download.com. There are also sites online that allow you to scan your computer for viruses at no cost such as www.antivirus.com.

Clear temporary Internet files/cookies/history

Internet browsers, such as Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox, store information within them that may need to be cleared out.

Internet Explorer can be cleared by clicking on Tools, then Internet Options, then Delete Temporary Internet Files, Cookies and History.

Mozille Firefox can be cleared by clicking the Firefox drop down menu in the top left corner, clicking Options, and then clicking a second Options. Click on the privacy icon at the top and click the links “clear your recent history” and “remove individual cookies.”

Repair connection

To repair a network connection in Windows XP: Click Start, then Control Panel, then Network Connections. Right-click Local Area Connection and click Repair.

To repair a network connection in Windows Vista: Click Windows button, then Control Panel, then Network and Internet, then Network Sharing Center, then Manage Network Connections. Right-click the Local Area Connection and click Diagnose and Repair, then Reset the Network Adapter.

To repair a network connection in Windows 7: Click Windows button, then Control Panel, then Network and Internet, then Network Sharing Center, then Troubleshoot Problems. Click Network Adapter and follow prompts through troubleshooting assistant.

Check cabling and connections

Quality cabling connected securely to the cable modem and computer can impact the performance of your internet connection.

Reset all connections

Tip: By reseating all connections one at a time, you are confirming that each one is connected properly without having to remember where each cable connects.

While resetting the connections, confirm that no cables have any damage or tight bends in them. If any cables are damaged, they should be replaced. RG-6 coaxial cable and CAT5 network cable can be purchased at any electronics retailer. Make sure that the coaxial cable connections are clean and are connected tightly. The Ethernet (or network) cables should click into place tightly at the back of the modem and on the computer.

Optimizer programs

There are programs available online that will allow you to customize network settings of your computer that may optimize download and upload speeds. These programs may be free to use, free for trial or require purchase.

Tip: before installing any of these, or any program, look for reviews from other users. This may help you decide which program will work best for you.

To help locate some of these programs, search for the following terms in your preferred search engine:

  • TCP tuning
  • TCP tweaks
  • TCP/IP tuning
  • TCP/IP tweaks

How do I reboot my cable modem?

Rebooting your cable modem requires completing only a few steps.

  1. Unplug the small, black power cord from the back of the modem.
  2. Check the front of the modem to ensure that all the lights have turned off.
  3. After 30 seconds, plug the modem back in.
  4. Wait for modem lights to be lit solid (not blinking).
  5. If you have a router connected, it will need to be rebooted as well.
  6. Wait five minutes and try your connections again.

How do I access my webmail account?

To access your webmail account, simply visit www.midco.net or webmail.midco.net and enter your username and password.

How do I use my webmail account?

To get information on everything from seeing new mail and creating new folders to viewing filters and changing your outgoing mail information, click here.

How do I change/add webmail addresses and manage passwords?

We’ve made administrating your webmail easier than ever before. You can find out how to edit your account settings by simply clicking here.

How do I connect a wireless device to my wireless network?

MidcoNet Xstream Wideband brings enough Internet capacity to support a host of wireless devices at one time. To find more information on how to connect your wireless devices click here.

You’ll need your wireless network name, or SSID, and wireless network key to connect your devices. Both items are available through MyMidco™ by signing in and clicking on the Wireless Modem Network Key icon.

If you are unable to configure a device or if it is not listed below, please contact your device provider or manufacturer for additional support.

How do I connect a wireless device to my wireless network?

MidcoNet Xstream Wideband brings enough Internet capacity to support a host of wireless devices at one time. To find more information on how to connect your wireless devices click here.

You’ll need your wireless network name, or SSID, and wireless network key to connect your devices. Both items are available through MyMidco™ by signing in and clicking on the Wireless Modem Network Key icon.

If you are unable to configure a device or if it is not listed below, please contact your device provider or manufacturer for additional support.

 

The MidcoNet Xstream® Wideband Experience


MidcoNet Xstream Wideband delivers faster upload times, the ability to run every computer and Internet-capable device in your home at once, and the ability to download entire HD movies, music files, and other enormous files in seconds. Not minutes.

This is barely scratching the surface of what you’ll be doing with a connection this powerful and reliable.

 

Why Capacity Matters


Vice President of Technology at Midcontinent Communications®, Jon Pederson, lists the Internet-connected devices in his home, showcasing the need for an Internet service capable of handling multiple devices and rich, streaming online content. MidcoNet Xstream Wideband is fully expandable and ready for the future … great news, as more and more of our lives — communications, entertainment, business and more — move online.

 

Xstream Technology


Midcontinent Communications has made major upgrades to its technology to enhance their Internet service. Find out how Midcontinent delivers the very low latency and extremely high capacity of MidcoNet Xstream Wideband to your home through its Northern Plains Network and partnerships with multiple Tier 1 providers.

 

Our Online Lives


The Internet enhances our daily lives. Think about it. You receive news, bank, update software, connect with friends, read reviews, listen to music and search for answers online. And it is not just you. It is your wife, your kids and your friends all online at the same time, and they are all on different devices. Is your Internet service up to the task?

MidcoNet Xstream Wideband lets you explore all the great stuff your online world has to offer. It is all about speed, capacity, choice and control. Listen as Jon Pederson reflects on our online lives.

 

What Changes For Current Customers


Current customers will be upgraded to MidcoNet Xstream Wideband service automatically. Jon Pederson suggests upgrading to a MidcoNet Xstream Wideband modem to take full advantage of the technology changes, although current cable modems will also perform well.