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Solutions
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Paxfire Look-up Service?
The Paxfire Look-up Service is an easy and effective way for a network operator of any sort—cable MSOs, telco's, backbone providers, wholesalers, business networks, etc.—to generate significant additional revenue from traffic generated by your users over your network. More specifically, when an end-user types an invalid URL in the address bar of his browser—either a keyword such as "books" or a mistype such as "www.amazoooo,cm"—Paxfire can return a standard search results page that will generate revenue for the network operator when an end-user clicks on a paid link.
How much money can I make doing this?
Some of our customers literally generate millions of dollars a year using the Paxfire Look-up Service. The amount of money you generate will depend largely on the volume of search traffic is transported across your network and the general profile of that traffic. Generally speaking, networks with high-speed users, generate a lot more money than those with dial-up users. Meanwhile, networks with a lot of business traffic tend to generate a lot of money on weekdays, but relatively little on the weekend. It all depends. That said, no matter how you slice and dice it, the Paxfire Look-up Service will generate good money for you.
How do I keep track of the money I'm generating through the Paxfire service?
Paxfire provides you a web-based interface that will allow you to stay on top of the money you are generating. We also can send you regular financial reports via e-mail.
How much does the Paxfire service cost?
Nothing. Paxfire only works on a revenue share basis. We only make money if the network operator makes money. Period. Remember, the money only flows in one direction—from Paxfire to you.
What's the process for getting started?
First, we need to know whether or not you control the Domain Name Server, or DNS, for your network, specifically the recursive, or "look-up," DNS. If the answer to that question is "yes," then we can make money for you. The next step is to choose between the Paxfire Dedicated Service and the Paxfire Hosted Service and submit an application. One of our specialists will then contact you—either by phone or e-mail—to learn more about your network. The last step is to sign a contract. Our contract is not designed with any onerous "lock in" in provisions. Far from it. We let the money speak for itself. If we're making money for you, you'll keep the Paxfire service in your network. If we're not, you won't. It's that simple.
What is the Paxfire Hardware Look-Up Service and how does it work?
The Paxfire Hardware Look-Up Service is very popular among large and medium-sized networks. This service requires that you install one or more Paxfire appliances, also known as Paxfire Look-up Engines, or PLEs, into your network, specifically between the DNS and the switch. Typically, we find that larger networks prefer this option because it gives them control they want over their network. Generally speaking, you will need to install one PLE in front of each of your recursive DNS servers. If you have five DNS servers, Paxfire will send you five PLEs. If you have 10, we will send you 10 PLEs, and so forth. Other configurations are also possible. For instance, you could put a single PLE in front of a load balancer that is sitting in front three or four DNS servers. The key in any configuration, is that the Paxfire appliance must sit "in line" with the traffic on your network.
I'm concerned about putting a new device "in line" with my traffic? What is the Paxfire device fails? Will it stop traffic?
For starters, the Paxfire device sits in the most forgiving part of a network—in front of the DNS. The DNS protocol is designed so that if there's a problem with one DNS it will "fail over" to another DNS. That said, even if that weren't the case, Paxfire is keenly aware that DNS is a "mission critical" feature of any network. With that in mind, Paxfire has designed its PLE appliance with a variety of "fail safe" features that ensure that there's virtually no way it could block traffic on your network. If, for instance, the box failed in some way—power, software, etc.—the box is designed to, effectively, turn into a smart "wire" that will continue to pass traffic. If, for whatever reason, there was a problem, you can simply turn it off or take it out of the network.
Will the Paxfire device add latency to my network?
The Paxfire device is lightning fast. Depending on the configuration, it can handle up to 50,000 queries per second. Your DNS will fall over long before the PLE. While any new device will add some latency to the network, the latency the PLE adds is in the sub-millisecond range, far below what any human-being would notice.
How hard is the Paxfire appliance to install?
If you can plug in a toaster, you shouldn't have a problem plugging in the Paxfire appliance. It's really quite easy and shouldn't take more than a few minutes. If you have any questions or issues, a Paxfire technical representative is always just a phone call away. Virtually all installations have been completed with only Paxfire phone support.
Do I have to add a Paxfire appliance, or appliances, into my network in order to use the Paxfire service?
No. Paxfire also offers a hosted version of its service that does not require you to install a Paxfire appliance, or anything else, in your network. All you have to do is point your existing DNS servers over to one of Paxfire's DNS servers. Each of these servers (see map below) is strategically located right on the backbone of the internet to insure speedy performance.
The hosted service allows the network operator to eliminate the hassle—and cost—of running their own DNS servers while, simultaneously, generating additional revenue. Typically, we find that medium-sized and smaller networks prefer the hosted service over the dedicated service.
What will the end users on my network actually see?
Users on your network see standard-looking search results, which include free results and clearly labeled paid listings like the ones below:
What kind of reaction should I expect from my end users?
Generally speaking, users like the relevant results which come from Yahoo!, a respected search provider. What feedback you do receive typically will come from a small group of highly technical users. Even that feedback tends to fall away after just a few weeks—as they get used to the new behavior.
Where do the search results come from?
Our primary search partner right now is Yahoo. But, if your network has an existing exclusive arrangement with another major search provider we can also deliver results from that provider.
Can I put my branding on the page?
Absolutely.
Can end-users opt out of the Paxfire service?
Yes. Every page that's delivered to an end-user includes a link at the bottom of the page that allows that person to opt out. You can also opt out individual IP addresses or, for that matter, IP blocks at the network level by inserting those addresses or blocks into the PLE. Paxfire's opt out rates are tiny—just a small fraction of 1%.
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