Travel router for iPad?
May 21, 2012, 8:43 am
#17
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From one post on the apple boards
The AirPort Express needs to be configured in Bridge Mode to work on most hotel networks. If you already have the Express setup to create a wireless network, you can check the Connection Sharing setting quickly as follows:
AirPort Utility - Manual Setup
Click the Internet icon
Connection Sharing = Off (Bridge Mode)
When you get to the hotel, connect the ethernet cable to wall jack, power up the AirPort Express and open the browser on your computer. The hotel's log in page will appear to so you can agree to terms and pay the fees, etc.
May 21, 2012, 8:53 am
#18
Join Date: Jun 2011
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As others have said, there are several threads on various options for this; an excellent choice is the Asus WL-330N3G, it's very versatile as a travel router. I've had great results with it.
May 21, 2012, 9:24 am
#19
Join Date: Dec 2009
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I picked up a Zyxel MWR102 for about $30. What I like about it:
1) Inexpensive
2) very small
3) USB (mini) powered so I don't need a separate power supply
4) since it doesn't need to be directly plugged into the wall, easier to position near RJ45 plug
For me it's a backup device as I have a mifi hotspot. I carry it for when I don't have mifi coverage and there is no wireless internet or when my wife and I are traveling so we both need to connect (and I take my mifi to the meeting...)
1) Inexpensive
2) very small
3) USB (mini) powered so I don't need a separate power supply
4) since it doesn't need to be directly plugged into the wall, easier to position near RJ45 plug
For me it's a backup device as I have a mifi hotspot. I carry it for when I don't have mifi coverage and there is no wireless internet or when my wife and I are traveling so we both need to connect (and I take my mifi to the meeting...)
May 21, 2012, 2:17 pm
#21
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May 21, 2012, 3:42 pm
#22
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Thanks for the replies. Since I'm not a business traveler, most of the hotels I've stayed at don't cater to them and it's wired free, wifi free in lobby only (must pay in rooms). I've used the wired in the past with my laptop, but I'd like to lighten up by bringing the iPad only and be comfortable, not facing the wall. Is it possible to use the Airport Express without having a computer along by sending the login page to the iPad?
May 21, 2012, 5:32 pm
#23
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 302
There are still hotels that charge for in-room Internet (wired or wireless) but offer free access in the lobby, common areas, business center or conference rooms. Sheraton Burlington, VT comes to mind immediately but there are others.
In this case, and if I don't have status to get free Internet, I'll ask for a room near the lobby or over the lobby on floor 2 and use my Linksys travel router to grab the free signal and re-distribute it in my room for all devices that I use.
Likewise, there are still hotels, especially in Europe that offer one free connection via a promo code or charge per device connected...again, in which case a travel router is a huge help!
May 21, 2012, 6:17 pm
#25
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May 21, 2012, 6:31 pm
#26
Join Date: Dec 2009
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The Asus WL-330N3G I mentioned above would work great to share a paid wireless connection with multiple devices. I like that it is powered by micro-usb, so I can hook it up to a portable battery and use it to share a GoGo wireless connection inflight.
May 21, 2012, 6:58 pm
#27
Company Representative - GogoAir
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The Asus WL-330N3G I mentioned above would work great to share a paid wireless connection with multiple devices. I like that it is powered by micro-usb, so I can hook it up to a portable battery and use it to share a GoGo wireless connection inflight.
Please don't.
May 21, 2012, 8:07 pm
#28
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While not what you were asking for, the one thing I would really think about in buying a travel router is what will you be using it for.
Most all of them, if not all of them will take a wired connection and rebroadcast it.
Not all of them will do the same with a wireless connection should you want to connect multiple devices in a hotel room to one wireless signal from the hotel. It may or may never be an issue, and may never be a needed feature for you, but I think that is the one thing that differentiates some of the products out there.
Most all of them, if not all of them will take a wired connection and rebroadcast it.
Not all of them will do the same with a wireless connection should you want to connect multiple devices in a hotel room to one wireless signal from the hotel. It may or may never be an issue, and may never be a needed feature for you, but I think that is the one thing that differentiates some of the products out there.
May 21, 2012, 8:31 pm
#29
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In Hotspot (Wi-Fi Account sharing) mode, the WL-330N3G connects to a wireless hotspot that requires authorization/payment (e.g. Hotel, Airport, and Coffee shop Wi-Fi service). With only one payment, you can share a wireless signal to all other Wi-Fi
So look for something like that in the literature (or just get the asus)
If they offer it they will usually put it up front in their datasheets.
May 22, 2012, 7:52 am
#30
Join Date: Jun 2011
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Fair enough; I've in the past signed up on my laptop and then disconnected to switch to my iPhone, which GoGo made easy to do on the same paid for connection; thought this would alleviate the hassle of switching the two. No plans do use the Asus for this then.