Quick Wi-Fi Tips When Traveling

Filed in archive Mobility on July 22, 2009

© Johnny Jupiter

"To be happy in this world, first you need a cell phone and then you need an airplane. Then you're truly wireless." - Ted Turner

Your productivity as a business person is greatly expanded by the ability to access data on the fly. Surveys vary, but data suggest there is a 10-15% productivity bonus per employee when employees can access data while being mobile. The Dell Solutions Center offers a quick troubleshooting guide and access to FAQs concerning wireless connections. Consider these quick tips as well:

• Call Ahead and Ask! - Many travelers do not ask airlines, hotels, or other Wi-Fi destinations whether wireless exists, what type of service, and what connection settings are recommended.


• Move Closer to the Access Point. - I was in a rib joint/bar/pizza/coffee place with wireless (yes, it was great) and had a weak connection. I moved closer to the wireless router and my signal improved.


• Upgrade Older Cards and Software. - 802.11g and 802.11n are much faster and more secure than 802.11b. Consider an upgraded wireless card for your mobile computer. Also, firmware and supporting software for your wireless card is occasionally updated. Make sure your firmware and software is up to date.

Wireless hot spots can be finicky. Your computer's configuration is not the same as the person right next to you so it is not always easy to diagnose why a connection is not happening for you but the other guy has no problem. Frustrations can be limited by a bit of pre-planning.