Free Internet - WiFi Router

[WolfpackFan]

Has anyone tried taking a WiFi router and connecting it to the DVC free Internet line in the rooms? I am very interested in doing this so that I can use my iPhone in my DVC room. We're heading down to SSR tomorrow and I might just take my router with me to try out. If it works I will probably buy a portable router.

Also, while on the subject. Does anyone know if HH is now wired for free Internet. I know I can get free WiFi in the lodge, but I sure would like to connect in our room in a couple of weeks.

 

[RobDoc]

I did this at OKW during our recent stay. I just hooked up the wireless router to the cable and could then use the laptop from anyplace in our villa via wireless hookup.

It worked very well.

I don't think HH has resort-wide wireless yet, but it is expected within the next several months. I think someone recently posted that it was expected by the fall at HH.

 

[vicki_c]

I'm confused - if you have an iPhone, doesn't it work like a regular cell phone w/Internet service - as in you don't need a WiFi spot to use it?

I don't have an iPhone, only the iTouch, so I definitely need a hot spot to connect, but I thought the iPhone did not.

And I have heard others have taken their wireless router to WDW and used it in the hotel - make sure you don't leave it open for everyone else on your floor to access (unless you don't care!).

 

[Grandbuddy]

I'm confused - if you have an iPhone, doesn't it work like a regular cell phone w/Internet service - as in you don't need a WiFi spot to use it?

I don't have an iPhone, only the iTouch, so I definitely need a hot spot to connect, but I thought the iPhone did not.

And I have heard others have taken their wireless router to WDW and used it in the hotel - make sure you don't leave it open for everyone else on your floor to access (unless you don't care!).

But the connection is much slower than with WiFi. Not quite the difference between dial-up and broadband, but still pretty slow...for what we've gotten accustomed to in very recent years.

 

[WolfpackFan]

I'm confused - if you have an iPhone, doesn't it work like a regular cell phone w/Internet service - as in you don't need a WiFi spot to use it?

Actually no. I terminated my AT&T account back in January, so my iPhone basically works like a Touch now.

 

[FLYNZ4]

I use the following:

http://www.buy.com/prod/Linksys_Wir...r_WTR54GS/q/loc/101/201684913.html?adid=17662

It seems to be discontinued... which probably means that there will be a new model being released... probably upgraded from G to N. I think they were selling for about $50 or so.

It works flawless... I set it up with address filtering, so only computers that I specify can attach to the wireless network. All four of of us can use our laptops concurrently with a single connection... and when in resorts with a fee based internet plan (ie: DVC prior to 5/4/08)... we only pay once.

What I really love is the form factor. The electrical power converter is built in, and it has retractable plug prongs. The entire unit is a tad larger than a pack of ciagarettes. I have seen other small units, but they usually have a detachable power brick... which is less desireable IMHO.

/Jim

 

[vicki_c]

Actually no. I terminated my AT&T account back in January, so my iPhone basically works like a Touch now.

Well, that would explain it! We're bringing our router with us as well - wish it could route all the way to the parks!

 

[WolfpackFan]

Cool. I am going to see if I can find one of them. That is exactly what I am looking for. For tomorrow I have an old Microsoft wireless router I'm going to take with me and try out at SSR. Do you know if they have ethernet cables in the room or do I need to take one?

 

[vicki_c]

The cables are there (they are not that long though). We have an Apple Airport Express that works well - here's a link, but it's $100.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore?productLearnMore=MB321LL/A

 

[iloveokw]

Doc, were you able to get the internet thru the router on the porch???

 

[RobDoc]

Doc, were you able to get the internet thru the router on the porch???

Yep - no problem at all. I've been using a Linksys Compact Wireless Router. It is a little large than a cigarette pack. I carry a cable with me, but they are provided in the room too.

You can also plug your laptop into the power outlet on the porch and use the computer comfortably from the table.

 

[pb4ugo]

Where in a 1br OKW villa can I connect my laptop?

 

[RobDoc]

Where in a 1br OKW villa can I connect my laptop?

The wireless outlet in the 1BR villa is next to the DR table - at the edge of the counter/cabinets. The cable (if needed) will usually be in the hallway closet or will be brought by housekeeping if not otherwise available.

It will easily reach from the counter to the table.

There is no connection in the master BR. With a wireless router, the laptop can be anyplace in the villa -including out on the balcony.

Enjoy!

 

[jagson]

Do studios have internet connections? If so, would a WiFi be feasible; ie, could you hook up a router, and use the connection outside the studio? Say in the lobby, poolside? What is the approximate range of the router?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Yep - no problem at all. I've been using a Linksys Compact Wireless Router. It is a little large than a cigarette pack. I carry a cable with me, but they are provided in the room too.

You can also plug your laptop into the power outlet on the porch and use the computer comfortably from the table.

Doc, can you provide a Model Number? This is a must buy! Thanks,

 

[ZekeKelso]

I use the following:

http://www.buy.com/prod/Linksys_Wir...r_WTR54GS/q/loc/101/201684913.html?adid=17662

I have one as well. Great product! Unfortunately, I don't think they are discontinued because they are upgrading to new models - they've been out of production for a while now. I suspect they are out of production because the entire world (with one glaring exception ) is going wireless, so the need just isn't there. Luckily, you can still get NIB Linksys travel routers off ebay for a decent price, and several other companies (Apple, Belkin, D-Link) make travel routers - though none are as slick as the Linksys model.

Side note - you can see how ubiquitous wireless has become when Doc refers to the "wireless outlet" - wireless becoming synonymous with internet. Doc seems to have the same router we mention above.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I have one as well. Great product! Unfortunately, I don't think they are discontinued because they are upgrading to new models - they've been out of production for a while now. I suspect they are out of production because the entire world (with one glaring exception ) is going wireless, so the need just isn't there. Luckily, you can still get NIB Linksys travel routers off ebay for a decent price, and several other companies (Apple, Belkin, D-Link) make travel routers - though none are as slick as the Linksys model.

Side note - you can see how ubiquitous wireless has become when Doc refers to the "wireless outlet" - wireless becoming synonymous with internet. Doc seems to have the same router we mention above.

oh, I have to have this! Okay, now I'm gonna be surfing all day 'till I see if someone has one. If anyone can post a link to a similar router, it would be much appreciated!!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Found alot on ebay! Thanks Zeke!

 

[Cap]

Back to one of the original questions - internet at Hilton Head.

As of earlier this month, the villas did NOT have either wired or wireless internet connections. There is wifi in the den at Building 11 (the checkin building) and at the beach house and the main pool area. I got kicked out of the main pool area at 10 PM when they closed the pool deck, and being lazy, didn't want to walk all the way down to the den.

While they have said for about a year that they were working on a plan to have internet connectivity at the villas, it hasn't happened yet.

 

[FLYNZ4]

I have one as well. Great product! Unfortunately, I don't think they are discontinued because they are upgrading to new models - they've been out of production for a while now. I suspect they are out of production because the entire world (with one glaring exception ) is going wireless, so the need just isn't there. Luckily, you can still get NIB Linksys travel routers off ebay for a decent price, and several other companies (Apple, Belkin, D-Link) make travel routers - though none are as slick as the Linksys model.

Side note - you can see how ubiquitous wireless has become when Doc refers to the "wireless outlet" - wireless becoming synonymous with internet. Doc seems to have the same router we mention above.

In addition to the Linksys router that I bought... I originally bought (and still have) an Apple AirPort. It worked fine, but I never got the WEP working right for some reason... and correspondingly... I never got as far as trying things like MAC address Cloning... and MAC address Filtering. I use both on the Lynksys to make our local network somewhat more secure.

/Jim