I have a wireless card in my laptop. I have a wireless connection at home and at a vacation house. But when I travel to a hotel or an internet cafe, I am asked for a security key. I thought by having a wireless card, I would be able to connect to a wireless connection at a hotel/internet cafe that provided wireless internet connection. Is there something I need to do to my settings?
2007-03-22 06:34:15 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
There's probably nothing wrong with your card or computer. The security key is a WEP (wireless encryption protocal) security key that you should obtain from the hotel or internet cafe. If the locations you wish to use are free WiFi, they'll give it to you, otherwise, they'll charge you by the hour/day for access to the WiFi network.
2007-03-22 06:41:09 · answer #1 · answered by John S Wiggins 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when I look at the wireless connections from my laptop, many of the networks that show up in my list have security keys that are required to connect to them. I don't think this has anything to do with how your wireless connection settings are, but rather how the individual admins of the corresponding networks set up their router and connection. For example, you can create your own home/office network that you can set a security key for so that others cannot access it from elsewhere without it.
When I once went to an internet cafe at Starbucks, rather than dealing with the security key issue, I had to sign on for a wifi hotspot plan through T-Mobile. I chose the cheapest plan I could (first 24 hours free, pay as you go for $1/10min. or $6/hr after that). You might just want to relocate to a place where you can pick up a network that doesn't require a network key to access it. I hope this helps. Good luck.
2007-03-22 06:42:41 · answer #2 · answered by hello_be_happy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A wireless card gives you the 'ability' to connect to a wireless network or wireless access point. It is up to the administrator of the wireless network / access point (cafe, hotel, etc.) to determine how that access is granted. Simply ask the place you are at if they will give you the access key. In some cases, such as Starbucks, they actually require you to pay a fee which is ridiculous. There are a number of websites that list out the free wireless hotspots in different areas.
2007-03-22 06:39:31 · answer #3 · answered by coolestguyever21 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the reason they ask for "security key" so people can't use their (the hotels people) internet. It is designed for the guests. They are like Starbuck coffees, and many other free hotspot, but they are only for their guests, which you have to pay (at some location), you have to ask them (the hotel people). Your wireless card is just a way to connect to internet, but w/o their permission (the hotel, internet cafe), you can't connect to the internet.
Here are few links to help you to find free hotspots on the go:
http://www.travelpost.com/airport-wireless-internet.aspx
http://www.wififreespot.com/
http://www.jiwire.com/search-hotspot-locations.htm
http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/
2007-03-22 06:43:09 · answer #4 · answered by digital_goddess_usa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the wireless network is encrypted, you need to obtain the security key to access the network. If the hotel/internet cafe wireless network is encrypted, ask them to give you the security key to use it. If they don't you may be trying to access the wrong network.
2007-03-22 06:42:42 · answer #5 · answered by Daniel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to ask the front desk of your hotel or the wait staff at your internet cafe. They are trying to lock out non-guests/customers from using their wireless.
2007-03-22 06:37:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the Front Desk at your hotel and ask for the Security Key.
2007-03-22 06:37:40 · answer #7 · answered by ELfaGeek 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will need to speak to someone on the premises (normally reception) and ask them for their WEP/WPA key. They will probably charge you for this service, as most places do. My recommendation is to find a Mcdonalds (sounds strange but bear with me) they are everywhere, most have unsecured wireless networks for their customers to use free of charge and they are simple to connect to.
2007-03-22 06:45:39 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well that is on the routers end... ask the owner of the router and get the encryption key....you can still access it... its just secured though...
2007-03-22 06:38:18 · answer #9 · answered by ranbrenjam2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably u might want to change ur router position .. As u said its down stairs there might be some range prbolem.. why dont u get ur router to the same level and try again?
2016-03-28 23:44:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋