The first step is locating and connecting to the hotspot access point. In a wireless network, connecting to the access point is the same as plugging a cable into a hub or switch in a wired network. Wireless networks are identified by their SSID, which is the identifier for the network. Most wireless network clients will allow you to see a list of the networks available in an area. If you aren't able to see such a list, you might be able to tell your wireless card to connect to any available network.
In order to connect to a hotspot, you will need to get an IP address. In nearly every situation, your computer will do this for you automatically with DHCP. If you switch between different networks (wireless or otherwise), sometimes your computer may continue to use an IP lease from the previous network. In that case, you have to manually release and renew the lease. With Windows, you can use the ipconfig and winipcfg commands to interact with DHCP.
If you connect to a hotspot and get an IP address, but you are not able to reach other sites on the Internet, you may need to register with the provider. To log in, you need to open a new web browser window. Once you try to visit a website on the Internet, your HTTP request should be redirected to a page where you can log in. If you're not already a member of the specific hotspot provider you will have the opportunity to sign up.
Once you have signed up and logged in you are all set to utilize the hotspot!
 show feedback form
 close
by Optimized 
last modified: 2003-06-30 07:46:08 |
