Why bring wireless router?

[pjynx]

In the thread titled "What is your not so normal item to pack"...I've seen a few people mention bringing a wireless router for the hotel room. How does this work? I mean, I know how the router works, we have one at home for our 2 laptops. But why bring one to the hotel? Is it just for hotels that are hard-wired (and don't have wireless svc)? Or will it boost the signal when you are in a hotel room that's far away from the "hub" where the hotel router is located?

I'm curious because it drives me nuts when I book a hotel (after carefully selecting one that offers wireless) and then getting stuck in a room too far away for a decent signal! Thanks!

 

[nkereina]

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, as I don't usually use in-room internet at WDW, but I believe the internet in the rooms there are hardwired with an ethernet cord. No wireless in rooms. So, you'd have to plug it directly into your computer to use it which means sitting at the table or wherever the cord is. If you have a router, you can use wireless and sit on the bed, etc. They may have wireless in the lobby but then obviously you'd have to sit in the lobby. I used to work in a hotel (not Disney) and there was no wireless in the rooms, and sometimes people would do this.

 

[chartle]

yes there is very little on site wi fi.

if you have something like a ipad a wi fi router from home is the only way for it to connect

 

[StitchSpawn]

I'm bringing one my next trip! We are staying in a two-bedroom at SSR, but there is only one hook-up and it's in the dining room area. I will definitely want to chill in bed on the computer. Also, by directly connecting, only 1 person at a time can use the internet. I plan to bring my router, hook it up. I heard that once it's hooked up, your computer will connect to it (use your password for your router if you have one) and when your browser pops up, you will be prompted to pay for Disney internet. I'm excited to try it!

 

[pjynx]

Thanks for the info! Sounds like it's only to help in those places that are hard-wired. We're staying off-site and the place advertising free wi-fi in the rooms, so hopefully we'll have good luck with a strong signal.

 

[Virtucomp]

Yes wireless router is for convenience and also so a laptop and maybe an Ipod touch can access the internet.
Make sure you have some security on your router so you neighbors can't share your internet connection for free.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

As far as I know SSR internet is free. We did not pay for it this past May nor last year either. Found the internet to be slow at night and faster in the morning.

 

[webcs]

As far as I know SSR internet is free. We did not pay for it this past May nor last year either. Found the internet to be slow at night and faster in the morning.

Wired internet is FREE for all DVC members staying at DVC florida resorts and people DVC rents to.

 

[bookworm75]

Wired internet is FREE for all DVC members staying at DVC florida resorts and people DVC rents to.

Is this new? When we rented DVC points last December (2010) I had to pay for the internet connection.

 

[chartle]

Wired internet is FREE for all DVC members staying at DVC florida resorts and people DVC rents to.

Is this new? When we rented DVC points last December (2010) I had to pay for the internet connection.

I thought it was not free for renters only owners.