Schools began handing out hot spots to students last semester. These little devices will do in a pinch for remote work where a regular wireless access point connection is unavailable, but they have been renown for their unreliability. What can you do to make sure you get the most of your connection to them? What steps can you try when they break? What do you do when you've tried EVERYTHING, and they still won’t work?
Physical location matters
Most hotspots take advantage of cellular networks. The towers have antennas that transmit the signal. The closer you are to the signal, and the less interference you have, the better your chance of staying connected.
Tips:
Position the hotspot near a window
Keep the laptop as close to the hotspot as you can get
Avoid getting the hotspot near things like cordless phones, baby monitors, microwave ovens, digital TV dishes and fluorescent lighting
Homemade Booster
Most hot spots have an antenna even if it is an internal one. Grab some tin foil and a wok or other parabolic shaped object such as a large mixing bowl. Put the hot spot in the center and position the laptop so that it is front of center of the curve.
It may require some movement and re-positioning to get it optimal, but sometimes you can get up to 100 ft boost from this homemade trick.
Note: make sure the tin foil isn't blocking any signals you want, it is a booster as well as a reflector!
Troubleshooting What Comes First?
When hotspots break down, the best way to restart them is by turning off ALL equipment. Then first power on the hotspot, let it sit for a minute, then start up the laptop, then attempt to connect to the internet.
When All Else Fails
Cell phones normally come with data plans. Sometimes, you can add a service that comes with the ability to tether and create your own hot spot on your cell phone itself.
Here are some instructions of the most popular ways you can get this working on different devices.
There are often free wireless internet access points in small businesses, coffee shops, hotels and restaurant chains that you can also leverage if a hotspot wont co-operate. This website will suggest where they might be in your city.
Security Tips
Wireless that connects automatically with no password needed (very bad, sometimes dangerous)
Wireless with a general use password (okay, depending on the setup)
Wireless that provides you with your own personal separate login credentials and has a password portal (best)
Always enable windows firewall (if you use windows) when you are scooping up free wireless.
Disable file sharing on windows. If you are using a MAC, here are some alternate instructions to follow.
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