On 12/04/2014 04:03 PM, Rich Shepard wrote: > Some hotels have weak wifi radios; about 60% is the strongest signal wicd > shows in my room. Is there an antenna or USB-based booster that works on a > linux-running laptop to strengthen that signal? > > Other places (e.g., pricey hotels and convention centers) have no free > wifi access; some will charge $$$ per day for access as a 'guest.' Is there > an external unit that will allow my Slackware running laptop to access the > 'Net via my account with Verizon Wireless? I was told by an exhibitor at the > trade show such beasts are available from Verizon but I find nothing about > this on their Web site. I'd rather buy than rent from Verizon if possible. > > Rich
Rich Just about every cell phone carrier has a hotspot device. These are essentially wee routers that interface Cellular signals to wifi that that the laptop can use. That way, you don't have to wrestle with drivers etc. for the cellular dongles that plug in to a USB port or PC Card slot. Any modern cell phone capable of 3G and better has wifi hotspot capability (tethering). We use it here with iPhone 3GS (iOS 6) on T-Mobile (free with data plan), iPhone 5C (iOS 7 and 8) via AT&T (costs extra but then my employer pays for it). Android devices are similar. If your current cell phone carrier does not activate your phone hotspot (tethering) capability without charging an arm and a leg, your 1st born, and/or a testicle, there are a number of small wifi hotspot devices from the prepaid carries. For example, Novatel mifi http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiFi There are many other devices too numerous to list. These gadgets are getting a bit dated, since any cell phone can be a wifi hotspot. I'd go with a prepaid carrier that uses easily swappable SIM cards. That gives the most flexibility. The "rental plans" from the big carriers are never a good deal (free device with 2 year contract, restrictions apply, coverage may not exists...). Any AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, etc store will *not* have good deals on these devices. Head over to Fry's, Best Buy, or online (newegg.com , e.g.), or even give T-mobile are https://ting.com/shop a shot. -Ed _______________________________________________ PLUG mailing list [email protected] http://lists.pdxlinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
