SSR Computer Users Might want to bring....

[Mike Bartenhagen]

We just returned from a great trip to WDW. We stayed in the two bed room suite with my parents and I wish I would have brought a 50 ft. network cable. The only network connection in the rooms was in one of the bedrooms so it would have been nice to have a cable to reach into the main room so that we could use a computer while others were in bed.

Mike

 

[jekjones1558]

A travel router is another solution. I loved the freedom to be in the living area, on the patio, wherever.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'll second the suggestion for a small travel router. Even in the other resorts, its nice not to be tethered to one spot with your laptop. I've got an Apple Airport Express that's very compact and just plain works.

 

[jekjones1558]

I've got an Apple Airport Express that's very compact and just plain works.

Me too! It's about 4" x 3" x 1" so it is easy to pack!

 

[ccigliano]

Just wondering - is the Apple Airport Express only compatible with Apple computers?

 

[toocherie]

Here's another question--is there a security issue with using the wireless router?

 

[jlewisinsyr]

A router is a router, as long as it is transmitting on a band your wireless network can detect (ie. A, B, G, N).

I personally think the Apple router is extremely overpriced for what you get. There are many better (and cheaper) options, but some are hard to come by.

For security, it all depends on how you set it up. All wireless routers should be secured and not just plug and played.

 

[doconeill]

For security, it all depends on how you set it up. All wireless routers should be secured and not just plug and played.

Agreed. A router that does not support WPA should not be used, and you should be able to set it up in advance. Most routers from the past couple of years should support WPA.

Older routers that only support WEP security should be junked - WEP security is fairly easy to crack in a short amount of time.

I'm considering one for our next trip. At BCV, the connection in the 1BR was only next to the pullout sofa, so I could only use it on the table there while my kids were trying to sleep...

 

[jekjones1558]

Just wondering - is the Apple Airport Express only compatible with Apple computers?

AE works great with Windows and Apple. It costs more than some other routers ($99) but I liked the size and it just works. No problems setting it up and it has multiple security options. It also has other functions (playing iTunes music wirelessly through your home speaker system) that make it worth some extra money to me.

 

[macman752]

I agree, the AE is a great travel router. One can buy a refurbished model through the on line Apple Store for just 79.00. It comes with a full warranty and free shipping.

 

[Mike Bartenhagen]

I thought about a travel router but have a question. When first connecting to the wired connection it defaults to a SSR screen where you agree to 9.95 per day, etc.

When connecting a router in this type of configuration must you first connect a wired computer and then the router or do you just plug in the travel router and find the wireless connection?

Mike

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I thought about a travel router but have a question. When first connecting to the wired connection it defaults to a SSR screen where you agree to 9.95 per day, etc.

When connecting a router in this type of configuration must you first connect a wired computer and then the router or do you just plug in the travel router and find the wireless connection?

Mike

It should pass the agreement page through the connection, even if on a router.

 

[mel&me]

We just returned from a great trip to WDW. We stayed in the two bed room suite with my parents and I wish I would have brought a 50 ft. network cable. The only network connection in the rooms was in one of the bedrooms so it would have been nice to have a cable to reach into the main room so that we could use a computer while others were in bed.

Mike

I was a little mad about that. There was a port behind the couch but it does not work, Only the one in the bedroom was live. I might have to try a router next trip.

 

[iwannbindisnee]

but is there a difference between a "travel" router vs. our wireless router at our home? We just got a new router for home, but do have the one we just replaced, that works fine. Would I be able to bring that one, or is there something specifc about a "travel router"? Thanks, Debbie

 

[jdvm]

A LOT of our Members say they keep a wireless access point in their Locker so that more than one person can be online at a time.

John

 

[jlewisinsyr]

but is there a difference between a "travel" router vs. our wireless router at our home? We just got a new router for home, but do have the one we just replaced, that works fine. Would I be able to bring that one, or is there something specifc about a "travel router"? Thanks, Debbie

Not really. Travel ones are about the size of an A/C adapter and don't usually have additional out ports, so they really are just wireless.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Someone just posted that internet was still 9.95 a day, I thought it was now free??

 

[doconeill]

Someone just posted that internet was still 9.95 a day, I thought it was now free??

It _IS_ free - for DVC members staying at DVC resorts on points. It is 9.95/day for everyone else.

The opening screen still says it is 9.95, but there is usually a disclaimer that this does not apply to DVC members.

However, the system is not foolproof, and members should check their bills...

 

[disneynutz]

This is the wireless router that we use. It's about 5"x6" and has ports that we use to plug in my wife's computer from her work.

http://www.dvcwishes.com/store_computer.htm

 

[Cricket2]

While I do pack a Netgear router in our Owner's Locker for our regular trips, this next trip I'm going to bring a Cisco Aironet (~$700) and set it for both our secured connection (tagged) and a public connection. Cranked up, I'm going to have wireless at the pool hopefully

I always name our router something fun like "DVC_Rocks" or "Do_You_DIS_Too". I think next year I'm going with "One_Tequila_Two_Tequila"