Free Wireless Internet

Wi-Fi signals carry

The nature of Wi-Fi means that sometimes a Free Wi-Fi signal can be picked up outside the property "boundary" of the provider. It may be more comfortable for you to be sitting on a bench across the street or in your car or RV and have Free Wi-Fi access thanks to a nearby provider you found listed in the Wi-Fi FreeSpot Directory. If you can figure out a way to say "thanks" that would be nice.

What do I need to use the Wireless Internet Access connection at a Wi-Fi-FreeSpot?

You'll need a wireless/Wi-Fi enabled laptop or other device like the Palm Tungsten C handheld.("Wi-Fi" is a registered certification mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. For more information about the Wi-Fi Alliance and its certification programs for 802.11-based products and services, please visit www.wi-fi.com) Most recently manufactured laptops are configured for wireless and most will come equipped with a wireless adapter card. Otherwise, you'll need to purchase an adapter card ($35-90).Most hotspots and Wi-Fi-FreeSpots are equipped with 802.11b access points although others may offer 802.11a or 802.11g access points or combinations of two or all three. When purchasing an adapter card for your laptop be sure to read the manufacturers specs for compatibility and interoperability information. More wireless access point and PC adapter card product information.

You can use a Wi-Fi signal sniffer like the WiFi Seeker to see if there are any signals nearby before using your laptop to connect.

What if I need Help connecting?

Most locations are striving to make the connection process as easy as possible. The goal is to automatically configure your laptop for connection. But, as you can imagine, with lots of different vendors selling access points and cards there could be specific configuration instructions you'll need to follow. By and large do not expect much help from the staff at the location. They are waiters, waitresses or baristas, not tech support people. Hopefully they will at least be able to supply you with an instructional guide but don't count on it. If you are using a hotspot that offers free access you won't find any toll free tech support number to call (that's one reason why they are able to offer the access for free). You'll probably be on your own so it would help to familiarize yourself with the instructions for your wireless card beforehand or bring them with you. Some hints that should work in most locations - 1) Be sure to set your TCP/IP properties to "Obtain and IP address automatically" (DHCP). 2) Make sure your computer is not configured to automatically use a dial-up connection. 3) If requested, choose Infrastructure mode rather than ad-hoc mode. 4) Use the SSID name provided by the location or try choosing "any". 5) Turn encryption (WEP) off. 6) Make sure your battery is fully charged. Most hotspots will not have many wall plugs available for use by customers.