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Technical Support Understanding Your Devices There are several pieces of hardware that provide you with your Internet connection. These include your router, the ONT, and the NID. Router Your router provides the Wi-Fi signals that your devices can use to get Internet access. This is how most of your devices will connect including tablets, laptops, smart TVs and even cell phones. ​ On the rear of your router, there are also four yellow ports labeled ETH1 through ETH4 that you can use for hard-wired connections. If you have a device with an Ethernet port, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect directly to your router. Connecting with a wired Ethernet cable has some advantages including optimal speed and reliability. The one big disadvantage is obviously that you will have wires running between your device and the router. Be sure you use an Ethernet cable with 8 pins on the connector rated Cat 5E or Cat 6. ​ Your router also has a blue Ethernet port labeled ETH WAN. This port should always have an Ethernet cable connected to it. The other end of that cable is connected to your Optical Network Terminal (ONT). Optical Network Terminal (ONT) Your router is connected to the ONT. The ONT is about 9 inches by 3 inches. The picture above shows a white ONT. Your ONT might also be black. The exact location of the ONT in your residence was probably something that the installer discussed with you when your fiber was first hooked up. The main job of the ONT is to convert the electronic signal coming from the router to an optical (light) signal that can be sent across the fiber. You will see a small black fiber patch cable called a “pigtail” coming out of your ONT. The other end of the pigtail is connected to the Network Interface Device (NID) that is mounted somewhere on the outside of your house. Network Interface Device (NID) The NID connects the pigtail from your ONT to the fiber running through your neighborhood and eventually back to the central office. This provides you with your fiber connection to the Internet. What do all these numbers mean? When signing up for your Internet and when using your Internet, you encounter a few numbers related to your service. It is often helpful to understand these terms. Connection Speed - 100Mbps, 500Mbps, and 1Gbps When you signed up for your service, you chose between one of three speeds, 100Mbps, 500Mbps, or 1Gbps. These stand for 100 megabits per second, 500 megabits per second, and 1 gigabit per second. ​ Networks transmit all information in bits. A bit is either a zero or a one. Everything that computers and networks do depends on this basic element of information, the bit. Everything you read or see on the Internet is represented as bits. How that works is a little complicated (lots and lots of math), but it works. On Ethernet cables, those bits get translated into different electric frequencies. On fiber cables, they are represented in different frequencies of light. Your Wi-Fi devices transmit bits using radio signals. The speed of your service determines just how fast those bits can be sent across your connection. A 100Mbps service is capable of transmitting 100 million bits of data every second. The 1Gbps service can transmit 1 billion bits of data every second. That’s fast! Wi-Fi Frequencies - 2.4GHz and 5GHz A couple other numbers you will come across are your Wi-Fi frequencies. These frequencies are unrelated to the speed of your service. They just determine the radio signals that you will use to get a Wi-Fi connection. Your router supports two radio frequencies, 2.4 GHz (gigahertz) and 5GHz. These radio frequencies are used for communication between your Wi-Fi devices and your router. It is very similar to how an FM radio works. Every radio station has its own frequency. For example, the FM station at 101.9 is transmitting at 101.9 MHz (megahertz). The 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency is great for devices requiring high speeds. A high-definition smart TV is a great example. It needs maximum speed to provide you with clear pictures and sound. 2.4GHz is a bit slower, but because it transmits at a lower frequency, it can go for longer distances, especially if there are walls between you and your router. If you are sitting on your front porch with your laptop or tablet, the 2.4GHz channel might give you better performance. Troubleshooting Your Internet Connection If your Internet has stopped working, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot your connection. The first thing to try is rebooting your router and your ONT. The easiest way to reboot them is to just unplug them and plug them back in. After the reboot, wait a couple minutes and try again. ​ If rebooting doesn’t work, double-check your connections. The Ethernet cable connecting the router to the ONT should be connected to the blue ETH WAN port on your router. Sometimes when customers move the router from one location to another, they will disconnect and reconnect that cable but forget to connect it to the blue ETH WAN port. ​ Another thing you can do is to check the status lights on the front of the router and the ONT. From top to bottom on the router, here is a list of the status lights and what they mean. Internet – This light needs to be green (flashing is OK). If it is off, again, double check your connections from the router to the ONT. If it is red, check the ONT status lights (see below). ETH WAN – This light also needs to be green. It indicates that your router is connected to the ONT using the blue ETH WAN port on the back of the router. If this light is off, double check your connections and check the status of the ONT. 5G WiFi – This light indicates that your router is transmitting on the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency. If the power light is on and the 5G light is off, your 5GHz frequency is turned off. To turn it back on, look on the back of the router. At the top, there are two small buttons labeled 2.4G and 5G. Hold down the 5G button for 10 seconds. This should turn your 5GHz frequency back on. 2.4G WiFi – This is just like the 5GWiFi light, except for the 2.4GHz frequency. The steps to turn it on are the same as 5G except you use the 2.4G button. WPS – This light indicates the status of WPS security. You don’t need to be concerned with this one. ETH1 through ETH4 – These lights indicate if you have devices connected to the yellow Ethernet ports on the back of your router. If a connected device is powered off, the corresponding indicator light may not be on. USB – This light indicates if you have anything connected to the USB port on the back of your router. It is unlikely you will need anything connected to this port, so it is usually off. Power – This light must be green before anything else on the router can work. It indicates that the router is powered on. If it is not on, there are a couple of things you can check. First, make sure the power cable is connected securely to the router. Also, be sure the other end of the power cable is plugged into a working outlet. Plug something else into the outlet to be sure it is working or try another outlet. One other thing to check is the power button on the back of the router just above the power cable connection. Make sure it is in the On position (pushed in). The status lights on the ONT are as follows: ​ VOICE – If you have voice service through REMC and your phone is connected, this light should be green. LAN – This light should be green (flashing is OK). If not, check the connection to your router. The Ethernet cable on your router should be in the blue port. FIBER – This light indicates a proper connection to the central office. This light should be green (flashing is OK). If not, contact REMC. POWER – This light must be solid green. If not, check the power connection to the ONT. Troubleshooting Speed Problems If your Internet connection is working but your performance seems slow, here are some things you can try. Slow performance can cause jittery audio, buffering when streaming, poor picture quality, and web pages loading very slowly. ​ Sometimes a simple reboot of the router and ONT can resolve speed issues. Just unplug both the router and ONT and then plug them back in. Once everything comes back up, try again and see if that fixes it. ​ If you are using a Wi-Fi connected device streaming audio and video and experiencing performance issues, be sure you are connected to the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency. The 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency provides the best performance. However, if you are far away from your router or have several walls between you and your router, you might actually be better off using 2.4GHz. ​ Another Wi-Fi issue can be frequency congestion. If you have too many devices connected to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz, it can slow down performance on that frequency. Try moving some devices from one frequency to another to balance things out. ​ Another less common issue to check for is interference. Gaming devices and microwave ovens near your router can cause issues. If you suspect this might be your problem, try relocating your router to an area away from interference. Another possible cause of interference is any sort of large metal obstructions near the router. These can include things like metal walls, filing cabinets, or any other large metal objects. Again, relocating your router to another area could help resolve the issue. If you need assistance relocating your router, contact REMC. ​ There are many possible causes for slow performance, many of which have nothing to do with your REMC Internet connection or the location of the router in your house. These are situations outside of the control of the REMC and can include problems with the broader Internet, the server(s) you are connecting to, and the devices in your home. Unfortunately, in these situations, all we can do is wait. ​ You can check your Internet speed using http://speedtest.seidata.com . Perform at least three speed tests, 5 minutes apart, prior to calling REMC for help. Use either a wired device or a Wi-Fi device connected to your 5GHz frequency. (Wi-Fi devices connected to 2.4GHz typically cannot perform better than 100Mbps.) It is important to use http://speedtest.seidata.com when contacting REMC to report a speed issue. Speed tests through this site are recorded at REMC and used to help troubleshoot. If you contact REMC to report a speed issue and have not conducted speed tests at http://speedtest.seidata.com , they will ask you to do so at that time. Router Hard Reset On rare occasions it becomes necessary to factory reset your Comtrend router. In most cases if this is needed, you will be directed by SEI REMC support to do so. If you have made any changes to your router configuration (e.g. Wifi Key, SSID names), these will be set back to the values printed on the sticker on the bottom of your router. To reset the router, you will need something small or sharp. A paperclip works best. The Reset button is located on the bottom of your router in a small hole (see video). With the router powered on, use a paperclip to press and hold the reset button until the power LED turns red. This will take about 10 seconds. The router will then reboot and all configuration settings will be set to what they were when your router was installed. How to Contact REMC When contacting REMC to report a problem with your fiber service, please be prepared with information about the status lights on your router and ONT. ​ Other reasons to contact REMC include visible damage to cables outside the house or on the road, even if your service has not been impacted. ​ REMC can be reached at 800-737-4111. Member representatives are available to take your calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Problems reported outside normal business hours will be addressed the next business day. Normal business hours are 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday except for scheduled company holidays. Additional Tech Support

Indiana Connection Magazine Indiana Connection's content celebrates the rural and suburban Indiana lifestyle, and also includes advice on how to stay safe around electricity and how to trim your energy bills. Plus, our members have access to the latest news about issues important to them as consumers of electric and diversified services provided by the REMC. Over 300,000 Hoosiers from all over the state receive the magazine, which is published by Indiana Electric Cooperatives, through their membership in their local electric co-ops. The magazine has informed, entertained and, most importantly, connected with its readers since its first issue in 1951. Back then, it was known as Indiana Rural News . ​ Through the years, the multi-award-winning publication evolved from a tabloid newspaper, to one with a new moniker - Electric Consumer - which referred to its electric cooperative roots, to a slick stock magazine. Finally, March 2019, the magazine rebranded as Indiana Connection, a name chosen to reflect their strong ongoing relationship with their readers. ​ Our readers can’t be pigeon-holed by their background, occupation, age, gender or race. They are anyone and everyone. They are uniquely “Indiana.” Learn More Want to receive your copy of Indiana Connection Magazine electronically? Sign up for the ePub .

Residential Water Heater Heat Pump Water Heater $500 Wi-Fi Enabled Electric Storage Water Heater $200 To Qualify: Must be installed in a home served by Southeastern Indiana REMC. Limit of two (2) rebates allowed per member account per useful life of rebate equipment. Minimum UEF rating ≥ 0.90. Must submit signed application with itemized invoice/receipt and proof of UEF rating. Wi-Fi unit must be built into the water heater when purchased and not a stand-alone equipment piece. Incentive amount cannot exceed 50% of equipment cost. Please review the complete list of terms and conditions. What Needs to be Submitted A completed Water Heater rebate application A proof of purchase/receipt Submit by Mail P.O. Box 196 712 South Buckeye Street Osgood, IN 47037 Applications must be received within 90 days of the rebated equipment's installation/service/purchase date in order to qualify for the 2024 rebate program. Applications received by Southeastern Indiana REMC between December 16, 2023 and December 13, 2024 are eligible for the 2024 Rebate Program. Applications received after December 13, 2024 will be processed under the 2025 Rebate Program requirements. The rebated equipment needs to be installed/purchased prior to submission of the application. Members must submit a completed application and required materials to qualify for any rebate. Water Heater Application Submit Online Upload the Rebate Application Upload File Upload supported file (Max 15MB) Submit an Itemized Receipt Upload File Image Upload (JPG, PNG) Upload File File Upld (PDF) Submit Thanks for submitting! SUBMIT YOUR REBATE APPLICATION

Most of us rely on our internet connection in some way, shape, or form. You go to your sister's house, and she has the kids watching Bluey while she cooks dinner. Your brother missed the game last night, so he is in the living room watching highlights of it on YouTube. Mom and Dad scroll endlessly on some form of social media to fill in the time gaps. All these scenarios have one thing in common: they are all connected. The newest development in any administrative position is the ability to work from home. With technology developing quickly, we reap the benefits of advancements, which allow us to get things done in the comfort of our dwellings. We have all been there; your child gets sick, or your childcare falls through. Maybe your car breaks down. Whatever the reason, working from home has given us the freedom not to risk our livelihood while living far more comfortably. Sadly, not everyone can get high-speed internet. Without Fiber, people in rural areas can’t enjoy connectivity like those in urban areas. While people in more populated areas get to see the benefits that the Internet brings to our lives, Broadband access in rural areas has been outdated since it began. Slow internet speeds, unreliable connections, and still at a higher cost than it is worth, broadband needed a makeover. And you all agreed! In 2019, Southeastern Indiana REMC surveyed to see the need for fiber optic internet in its service territory. With a resounding 90 percent yes, we began building in 2021. Fiber optic internet, with its fast and reliable connections, is a game-changer for rural areas, bringing the same level of connectivity enjoyed by much of the population. Today, infrastructure is built out to all areas in the original plans. “It is all about spreading the word now,” says B.J. Myers, VP of Communications and Creative Services. “Moving forward, we need to increase our take rates, getting as many homes connected as possible.” She also stated, “We will also look for expansion opportunities that make sense for the Co-op and the community.” Fast, Reliable, and Affordable Internet should be available for all. Southeastern Indiana REMC is about safely providing electricity AND diversified services to the members and communities we serve. Fiber is a service we are happy to provide to all who want to stay connected in today’s digital world. At Southeastern Indiana REMC, we’re committed to enhancing the quality of life for our members. Contact us today to learn more about how to get connected!

Many of us have a similar thought looming on our minds as Spring begins, what am I going to do with my landscape this year? While gardening and landscaping can be a nice hobby, we can also consider how to keep energy costs low all year round with our planting. A well-designed landscape can add beauty to your home and reduce home heating and cooling costs. Plant deciduous trees with high, spreading crowns to the south of your home to block sunlight in the summer and reduce the need for air conditioning. Deciduous means the tree sheds its leaves annually meaning they also allow sunlight to warm up our homes in the winter after their leaves are gone. You can also plant evergreen trees and shrubs with low crowns to block winter winds. Dense evergreen trees and shrubs planted to the north and northwest are the most common type of windbreak and can help lower energy used for home heating. Good examples of Deciduous trees that thrive in our area include most Maple, Birch, and Willow trees. Spruce and Cedar are two good options for the Evergreen as they tend to do well in Indiana. Consider planting these trees this spring to help reduce the cost of your electricity in the future. We know peak energy times can be hard on our community, that’s why we will be keeping our members informed with monthly energy efficiency tips! Check back again next month for more knowledge on how to lower your monthly bill. Source: energy.gov

Neighbors Beth and Missy were heading home after playing pickleball at a school gymnasium. They’d traveled this stretch of their county road together a hundred times over the years. But this drizzly morning was going to be like none before. With their homes almost in sight, they topped a hill. Suddenly, three deer lept into the roadway from an adjacent cornfield. Startled, Beth slammed on the brakes and veered to avoid them, but her tires slid on the wet pavement. Into the roadside ditch the SUV went, stopping with a thud. Its rear end came to rest against one of the utility poles lining the road. Both women were unhurt. They hugged in relief. Then, they did something that could have turned this property damage accident into a multiple fatality: They stepped out of the car. “Stay in the car, stay in the car, stay in the car!” is the mantra Southeastern Indiana REMC wants drivers to remember. “Whenever a power line is involved, even a minor accident can become tragic,” said Brandon Linville, Director of Operations at Southeastern Indiana REMC. “Staying put for all involved, and warning passersby to stay away, too, cannot be stressed enough. Do not get out until after first responders and/or utility workers arrive on the scene and say it’s OK to do so.” Staying put may go against a driver’s first inclination. You want to get out and check the car. But stepping out of the car immediately after striking a utility pole may KILL YOU. Here’s why: Power lines can fall. When a pole is struck, power lines and hardware can break loose from their insulated perches atop the pole. Fallen power lines can still be energized. Even touching the ground, power lines can be carrying 7,200 volts or more. They may not spark or buzz. Fallen power lines are hard to see. When knocked down and twisted with tall grass or trees as a background, especially at night, power lines are almost impossible to see. Electricity seeks the quickest path to ground. If you get out of the car and touch a live power line and the ground, you become that path. That amount of electricity passing through you can kill you instantly. If you are alive, you are safe. Immediately after a collision with a utility pole, you may not know if power lines have broken loose and are on your car. But if you are alive, you are not that deadly “path to ground.” If you were in that path, you’d already be dead. Stay put and stay safe. Call 911. After hitting a pole, call 911. Tell them you hit a pole and wait patiently. Tell passersby to stay back. First responders will see if power lines are down. If lines are down, they will call and wait on the utility’s responders to arrive before they can even approach the car. Beth and Missy were fortunate. The impact didn’t break the pole or damage its hardware; the wires held tight. Had they fallen, the two women probably never would have known what hit them — and killed them. Making a safe escape from downed power lines If your car comes in contact with a utility pole, power lines may have fallen. If that happens, stay in the car and call for help. A fallen power line could still be energized and could be energizing your car. If you step from the car, you could become electricity’s path to ground and be electrocuted. Only if the accident has caused a fire or there is another immediate threat to your safety should you exit the car. To be safe, here is how you must exit: Open the door without touching the metal of the door frame. With both feet together, hop out and away from the vehicle so no part of your body touches the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Maintain your balance. Keeping your feet together, slowly shuffle away so the toe of one foot moves forward along the length of the other foot. Keep both feet in constant contact and always touching the ground. Keep shuffling 30 or more feet until you are away from the car and power line. Be watchful for low-hanging power lines or lines on the ground. Source: ESFI.org What to do if you hit a utility pole If your vehicle comes in contact with a utility pole or a downed power line, the most important thing is to stay inside the car! Stepping out could electrocute you if your car is touching energized lines. While you wait for help: DO gather your wits. DON’T open the car door or reach out the window. DO call 911 if you have your cell phone. Tell them you’ve struck a utility pole and power lines may have fallen. DO tell passersby to stay back. They might walk right into a fallen energized line.