Fiber Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Fiber optic cables are made of flexible glass and are used in the world’s most advanced communications networks. Fiber optic cables are thinner than a human hair but can transmit virtually unlimited amounts of data faster than the prior coaxial cable network, satellite, and even the most advanced 4G/5G wireless networks.
Fiber is the most reliable communications technology available as it is immune to the sources of interference and signal degradation that copper networks, like the older coaxial cable TV networks, routinely experience. Most importantly, fiber optics are the only network technology that can meet the explosive growth in consumer and business demand for greater broadband speeds and services/applications that require more and more bandwidth. According to the Federal Communications Commission, about 43 percent of the United States population has access to fiber internet service.
This initial phase requires some of the most intensive construction work that the fiber build will see. We first have to lay the foundation for the network, which involves running fiber optic cabling underground from our central office at the Clear Creek Communications campus. Crews will be using industrial equipment to bore tunneling 6 feet under the ground alongside roadways – this protects the fiber cables from weather-related damage, leading to more reliable connections. Flaggers will help to control the flow of traffic as significant work is being done.
Yes! In addition to these exceptional services, several years of research has found that a fiber optic connection to a home can increase its value by over 3 percent! For rental properties, data also shows that fiber optic connectivity significantly increases occupancy rate and reduces renter churn. It also helps those who work from home, access to telehealth services, and home schooling.
Yes. We will completely remove the existing copper cable wires from the network when installations are finished in your area and transfer all subscribed services to the new fiber technology. At the time of conversion, your Internet speed (if applicable) will be adjusted to the Clear Creek fiber base tier of 100 Mbps, or higher depending on your current speed tier. This new base speed better aligns the company and members to meet the FCC minimum definition for broadband connections. There are many tiers of even faster speeds available, up to 2 Gigs (2,000 Mbps), if you desire. Our Member Services team will reach out to you with speed and product options shortly before your installation appointment.
General Internet (FAQs)
Oregon Lifeline is a federal and state government program that provides a discount on phone or high-speed internet service for qualifying low-income households.
The following is a list of Cable Modems compatible with Clear Creek’s Internet Service*
ARRIS SB8200
ARRIS SBG7580
ARRIS SB6190
ARRIS CM3200A
Motorola MB8600
Netgear AC3200
Netgear CM1000
* Clear Creek cannot guarantee compatibility of modems with future upgrades. Our Service Department will work with you to determine if a modem is no longer compatible and the available options for updating the modem, if necessary.
Router Setup & Configuration
For help on configuring and connecting devices to the Linksys Wireless-N Router, please refer to our WiFi Support document. This will provide you with the information needed to setup, secure and connect the most common devices to your wireless router.
Broadband Modem & Router Problems
In a typical home wired/wireless network, there are three main components: the computer(s) and other devices, your wireless router, and your modem. If you’ve been surfing away happily on your computer on your home network and then for no apparent reason go down, here are some troubleshooting steps that may help you.
Check your Modem
Take a look at the front of your cable modem. If you have two lights labeled “RECEIVE” and “SEND”, or a light labeled “CABLE” and either of them are blinking or off completely, chances are that your cable signal is in need of adjustment. If this is the case, please contact our technical support department at 503-631-2345 to have one of our technicians help you. If your modem lights are solid and you are unable to browse the Internet on your computer, please follow the steps below.
Reset your Modem and Router
Unplug the router first, then unplug the modem. Neither of them have power buttons, so it’s a matter of pulling the power cord out of the back of the modem or router. Count down to 10, then plug the modem back in and then the router next. Give them both time to boot up and connect by watching the activity lights. Then try connecting to the Internet again on your computer. If you are unable to surf the Internet, please follow the next step.
Reboot your Computer
Exit all programs and shutdown your computer, wait momentarily (5 seconds) and then restart. If you still cannot browse the Internet after the computer has finished loading, please follow the next step.
Remove your Router from the Configuration
Connect your computer’s Ethernet port directly to the modem’s Ethernet port with one of the network cables to eliminate the router from the setup. Once you have done this, it is necessary to reboot the modem. If you can get online while you’re connected directly to your modem, but not when you’re connected to your router, the problem is somewhere on your router. You may want to try replacing the router with a new one. If you still cannot browse the Internet, please follow the next step.
Check All Connections
Make sure the coaxial cable is connected snugly to the back of your modem and to the wall faceplate (don’t overtighten). Check that the ethernet or USB cable is securely connected to both modem and back of computer, and finally check that the power cord is plugged into the modem and the wall outlet.
Be Available to Trouble Shoot
If you need assistance from technical support via telephone, remember to always call from home, and to have a telephone nearby your computer as we may ask you to assist us with troubleshooting. Call for technical support at 503.631.2345.
Common Browsing Errors
404 Not Found
This error occurs when the requested Web page is not found on the host’s server. This is one of the most common browsing errors, as it can easily be produced by entering a Web address incorrectly or by following an outdated bookmark. The best course of action is to try visiting the Web site without entering extended address information. If the content was simply moved to a different location on the site, you may be able to find the new location from the site’s home page.
For example, if you entered the Web site address http://www.example.com/browsers/test123.htm and you received a 404 error, you could try entering http://www.example.com/ instead to see if you can find the information you are looking for from the site’s home page.
401 Unauthorized
You will see this error in cases where the web server is expecting some sort of authentication information, such as Username and Password. If the server does not receive this authentication, it may produce a 401 error. You can click the Refresh button to see if the browser will refresh the page and prompt you for a username and password. If not, you may need to contact the site’s administrator to find a solution.
403 Forbidden
This error occurs when you do not have permission to view the content. This message usually means that the server’s administrator has protected the content so that it cannot be viewed by the public. If you feel you are mistakenly receiving the message, you may need to contact the site’s administrator to discuss your permissions.
500 Internal Error
This error usually means there is a technical problem with the server itself. The best course of action is to notify the site’s administrator.
Network Connection Was Refused By Server
This is a fairly uncommon error that can occur if the server is currently overworked and is unable to handle any more visitors. Try refreshing the page a few times to see if you can connect with the server. If you are still unable to connect, try again later. If the problem persists, you may also want to contact the site’s administrator.
Unable To Locate Host
Usually this error means that there is some type of connection problem between your computer and the server that is hosting the site. This can be caused by several conditions, such as an invalid domain name or a network failure. To find out more about this problem, try visiting a few other Web sites. If you encounter the same error message, there may be a problem with your Dial-Up or broadband connection. If you are able to connect to other sites, then there is likely some type of connection problem with the site from which you’re receiving the error. If possible, contact the site’s administrator.