Solution for creating an in-room wifi network

[kikiq]

I have used my Airport Express for years at BWV with no problems. Then suddenly last year I had exactly the same issue--wouldn't work with the outlet near the kitchen table but worked fine when connected to the modem under the lamp table in the living room.

We had the same problem at BWV in Aug 2009. After much tech input and snarky remarks about using Apple Express, another tech person actually came to the room and figured out that the wires from the modem to the drop near the kitchen table had been stapled/damaged and not working. He rigged up the "hockey puck" hookup and then noted in his notebook that the renovation include rewiring the room. He also asked us to say something when we checked out in order to cover all the bases.

I have noticed at home that the older model of the Airport Express does not have the same range as the newer model. Our older model barely made it to my DD's room upstairs. We since have replaced it with a newer model, strong signal upstairs and even on the front porch and on the patio.

 

[SamSam]

I also bring my Airport Express on vacation to use with my iPhone und iPad. However, I never got it to work at Disney even though it works perfectly at home and any other hotel I used it.

So, a couple of month ago, I bought a very cheap Netgear WiFi router and that one works perfectly at Disney. I now store it in my Owner's Locker.

Still bring the Airport Express for other hotels. Also did last month when we stayed at Kidani Village and Vero Beach, didn't know that Vero has free Wifi anyway. So in the end I didn't need the Airport at all. But I also tried it one time at Kidani and it never got a signal even though the Netgear worked perfectly.

I had set up both at home with the same parameters and they both work there but it seems Disney has some special settings...

We're looking for a new router to keep in our Owners Locker, do you happen to know the model of your Netgear Wifi?
TIA

 

[Thanlis]

I was looking for info on using a wireless router at the Boardwalk Villas, and this thread was superhelpful -- thanks to all. I thought I'd give back a little info in return. When iOS 5 comes out this fall, you will be able to set up an Airport router from your iPad or iPhone. Erg, I can't post links yet -- the story was on MacRumors.com on June 9th.

I completely agree that it was a real need, and a flaw in Apple's systems, so I'm glad to hear it's gonna be fixed.

 

[mom3girls2000]

I'm loving the PSA re. the abbreviated "ressie" LOL!

 

[jerseygal]

Need to purchase a travel router for our summer trip! Thank you in advance for info on Engenius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Brandis]

I have the Netgear WGR614 in my Owner's Locker. It's the cheapest model.

As for the "over the air" setup for the Apple Airport Express with iOS 5 I wonder if it will be supported by legacy models or only with the new ones which are hitting stores about now.

 

[Brandis]

The EnGenius router looks interesting as well, also like the size, unfortunately it seems they are not sold in Europe.

 

[Michael-DVC]

Not to get all geeky. But IOS5 for Iphone, IPad, and IPod, you will be able to configure your Airport Extreme via your device. The release comes out in the fall.

 

[Lew]

IOS5 for Iphone, IPad, and IPod, you will be able to configure your Airport Extreme via your device. The release comes out in the fall.

True and it's about time...

However, for those who need their home network to be functioning while away, buying a second AirPort Extreme or even an AirPort Express can be expensive. At $49.99 on Amazon, the EnGenius ETR9330 is ½ the price of an AirPort Express and ~¼ the price of any AirPort Extreme.