Hot spots

[Stingray]

Hi there…
I have a T-43 with a factory installed PRO 2915. I wanted to get the T-Mobile Hotspots membership so that I can use the service at a nearby hot spot. I was wondering if anybody has the service here ad will my NIC have any issues connecting to the router at a T mobile hot spot? How would you compare the hot spot internet speed to a cable modem???
AK

[davidspalding]

I imagine it will vary depending on the equipment at a hotspot. Just because a hotspot offers 802.11b, there's no indication (that I know of) as to what the Internet connection is. Maybe T-mobile can answer that question.

For a litmus test, you might visit some sites with free Wifi and try the connection. I'd be really surprised if any hotspot had more than a 1.5-2.0 Mbps connection. Remember also that you're SHARING that connection with anyone else attached to the hotspot.

[DIGITALgimpus]

Yes, performance will be less than just about any broadband service you can get, because your /sharing/ your connection.

There is also less security in such a situation.

[GomJabbar]

Yes, performance will be less than just about any broadband service you can get, because your /sharing/ your connection.

There is also less security in such a situation.

True, but I expect it should still be somewhat faster than dial-up. Just speculation though (I haven't used T-Mobile's service myself). It probably depends upon how many users are on the router/AP at a time.

There are some businesses that offer free WiFi connectivity. In my area, Panera Bread and Peaberry Coffee are two such that offer free WiFi.

[DIGITALgimpus]

Yes, performance will be less than just about any broadband service you can get, because your /sharing/ your connection.

There is also less security in such a situation.

True, but I expect it should still be somewhat faster than dial-up. Just speculation though (I haven't used T-Mobile's service myself). It probably depends upon how many users are on the router/AP at a time.

That's correct.

Also note the security implications. Public WiFi isn't really that secure.

MuniWiFi on the other hand would likely be made secure thanks to more modern developments like WPA2.

Unfortunately most of the public stuff right now still uses WAP.

[turbolium]

security is not a big issue in my opinion
i used to run WAP on the older network and tryed to brake it for fun guess what ? no luck
unless you are planning to stay and work in one place for long then you need some protection otherwise what are the chanses someone will do anything to you??? just use firewall like ZA and you should be fine

[DIGITALgimpus]

WAP is trivial to break. It's not even really hacking these days, tools to automate just about all of the hard work are widely available online.

WAP is the technical equivilant of pig latin... it slows people down, but isn't really protective.

[d lehmann]

Hi there…
I have a T-43 with a factory installed PRO 2915. I wanted to get the T-Mobile Hotspots membership so that I can use the service at a nearby hot spot. I was wondering if anybody has the service here ad will my NIC have any issues connecting to the router at a T mobile hot spot? How would you compare the hot spot internet speed to a cable modem???
AK

T mobile advertizes t1 at all their supplied locations, so you should be able to establish very good speed (unless 20 other people you share with are downloading movies)
I have been doing the free wifi when travelling and it is always the same as a 1.5 adsl home account. I just use xp to cofigure and am usually connected in less than a minute.
If you are overly worried about security, then don't do it. I have never had any issues.