Tag: free wifi

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

No one believes in sitting at one single place to connect with the world. Which is why most homes have WiFi network installed these days. But the same WiFi connectivity can become a frustrating struggle if you find yourself struggling with bad reception, slow speeds and/or any other problem.

Read Also: How to Set Up WiFi at Home : 5 Easy Steps

To boost your home WiFi, this article presents 10 great ways.

1. Get a new WiFi adapter to attach to your old laptop

You can invest in a WiFi adapter and use it to boost the connectivity when using an old laptop. Such an adapter will come with 802.11ac technology. You can plug the adapter in one of the USB ports available in your laptop.

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They might look bulky, but definitely increase the speed of wireless network you receive from your router. However, it is important that you choose a high-quality adapter with good AC capabilities.

For instance, AC1200 is considered the minimum required level. Anything below this won’t provide the speed you are looking for.

2. Invest in a router of 802.11ac category

An 802.11ac is also known as an AC category router in the market. If you have a router which belongs to N or G category, you definitely need an upgrade.

These categories are considered cheap as they don’t have the capacity to transfer the high-quality speed of the network to the connected devices. Your network gets faster and delivers maximum connectivity when you have an AC category router.

Of course, you will feel confused when purchasing a new router. Which is why you need to understand the basics in advance before making a decision.

Most of your home devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and others consist of AC wireless technology. So, you can feel free to pick a router in the category of 802.11ac.

All the future devices in the upcoming years will include the AC wireless tech only. So, switching your router would be a wise move.

When you get a new router, you get firmware updates that protect against various security issues. These security features are not upgraded usually in N or G types of routers.

The strength of the performance in 802.11ac comes in the form of its range and speed. You can get dual-band or even a tri-band router to get better device connection management. So, all devices get the best speeds.

3. Consider a system of WiFi mesh

If your WiFi performance is not reaching every corner of your big home, you can think about several solutions. First of all, you can try to include different access points in your home to cover area corner with wireless network.

You can use a WiFi extender to enhance the signal in certain areas. Find places where you can use Ethernet cables to create wired connections.

Beyond all that, very big homes can also consider using the system of WiFi mesh. This will be a one-step solution for all the WiFi performance issues you find in some areas of your home.

Mesh systems are designed for easy installation and provide controllability using a specific mobile application. They surely use some speed, but provide better performance by enhancing the range and the quality of connections. This way, you can sit anywhere in your big house and still get the best possible speeds.

4. Keep your router in an open area

No one feels thrilled about the design of a router. Which is why people usually put in a cupboard or hidden behind the curtains. But the placement of the router also decides the signal performance you receive.

So, a router in your TV cabinet might not send proper signals in every part of your home. The best location for a router is out in an open area. The area should be a flat surface such as a table.

Moreover, you can try to get it installed on a wall. There are router mounting brackets available in the market, which you can use to fulfill this purpose. If possible, try to place the two antennas perpendicular to each other.

5. Select a central area for router placement

You should also carefully choose a central area in your home to place the router. This will ensure complete coverage of the whole house. The signal comes out from the antennas of a router.

Then, it extends in all directions. So, if you place your router in one corner, you will be wasting one aspect of signal that comes out of it.

Read Also: How to Fix the Most Common WiFi Issues?

Mostly, people feel restricted to place a router in a corner due to the short-length of cables. But the problem is resolvable with Ethernet cables. You can ensure the central location of Wi-Fi with Ethernet cables.

You will need professionals’ help to have these cables in your behind the walls or above the ceiling. If not, you can also use cable clips to attach these cables to the walls.

6. Find a suitable wireless channel

If other families also use WiFi in your neighborhood, their access points and routers can interfere with yours. This can degrade the quality of signals.

The good news is that a wireless network can easily operate via different channels. You simply need to pick a channel that has the least possible interference.

Generally, your router knows the right channel and pick automatically. But you should take a look to ensure if it is causing the network issues. There are tools that help you analyze your Wi-Fi, which you can find online.

7. Secure your wireless network from hackers

WiFi security holds great importance to keep your wireless network performance top-notch. If hackers get a chance, they use your network and reduce the quality of internet speed you receive.

The most important part of securing your WiFi network is keeping the firmware updated. Your router comes with firmware security features. It is important that you keep it updated with the new features provided by the manufacturers.

To create WiFi passwords, you should utilize WPA2 encryption, as it is the latest technology. At the same time, you can’t keep using the default password and username. It is too obvious to guess and opens your network for hackers. You should customize the login details and keep it secure.

Whenever you are not using the connection, use the physical switch off button on the router to turn it off. Switch it on with your fingers to start the WPS for configuration. Also, if there are remote management features available in your router, disable them whenever not required.

8. Use simple tricks to increase WiFi range

The range of a wireless network is the area it covers when sending the signal. You can increase its capacity by some simple tricks. For this, you will need an old can of beer.

Carefully cut out the top part of the can to make it look like a glass. Then, you need to make a hole in the center of the bottom of the can. Make sure this hole is sharp and wide enough to go inside your router’s antenna.

Now, you need to cut the beer can vertically once, and cut from the circumference of the bottom, leaving a little portion attached to the bottom part.

Use your hands to open the can to shape it like a curved antenna. Then, put it on the antennas by crossing it through the bottom hole. This will give a boost to your wireless network range.

9. Invest in a WiFi extender

If you want some serious improvement in the wireless range department, an extender would be a wise move. The Wi-Fi extenders are also known as boosters and repeaters.

They catch the signal coming from the main router and redistribute with higher quality. The amplification of the signal improves the range of a wireless network in your home.

You can easily install an extender in the area where the signal is weak. The process of installation doesn’t take more than several minutes.

Modern-age extenders allow you to control them using online or mobile phone applications. You can also adjust the Wi-Fi settings with them according to your preference. This increases the performance and experience of using WiFi routers at home.

10. Take your router to new access points

Good quality routers allow you to quickly and easily change their location to new access points. The process of hardware disabling takes seconds, so you can decide the location with respect to different access points.

You can do this manually and allow all kinds of equipment, old or new, to receive the best connection performance.

Read Also: 6 Easy Steps to Set WiFi Password

Along with all the mentioned ways, you can also think about getting stronger antennas for your router. Also, try to manage some applications on your device that take a lot of bandwidth.

And if you find yourself struggling with a low-quality wireless network speed or range, reboot the router. This process will start the router again and might bring back the regular strength in the wireless network.

Hopefully, these tips will help you!

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

Internet has come a long way since the last few years, changing the digital landscape and transforming it in the process.

Of course, the argument as to whether the digital companies owe their very survival to broadband or to WiFi is an open question for not many are aware of the key differences between both.

If you thought that both are one and the same, you could not be more wrong, here’s why.

Internet was available to all through dial-ups and modems, but thanks to various advances, customers can now access sites at a higher speed, upload or download large packets of data, thanks to broadband.

But with the advent of broadband, ADSL broadband, cable broadband, but a little later on, companies have started offering WiFi which can match most of what broadband has to offer.

In case, you are still confused as to the key differences between the two, then you need to read on.

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WiFi and Broadband

Before you can spot out the differences between both, you should know that WiFi is a wireless LAN technology that enables you to access the net.

The downside is that it operates over open spectrum at low ranges which means that you need to stay either in the same room or nearby to use the WiFi.

A few companies have even started boosting their WiFi signal so that customers can access the same over wider area. Broadband is also wireless, where you would be able to access your broadband connection through your phone or with broadband cable.

The other down-side to WiFi is that it is often subject to interference which is not the case with broadband.

Broadband enables you to connect online at high speeds; it comes with various options from ADSL, to cable that you can access at any time and also comes with a connection that is never switched off.

It should be pointed out that while the terminology of broadband is not all that surprising, not many are aware of the fact that broad band’s opposite term, narrow band has been used for dial-ups and modems alike.

There are various advantages to both, which you may want to take a closer look at.

But before that, you may want to know that WiFi essentially uses radio technology and is therefore subject to interference in case of severe solar storm, for example.

With WiFi, connection is often established with the help of a router, and with the help of a wireless adapter to create hot spots.

What’s more, with WiFi is, you should be able to connect more than one device to the network, and once the WiFi is on, it should start emitting frequencies between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

What has helped to make WiFi popular is the fact that it is compatible with almost all operating systems and just about anything else.

Just remember that if you are connecting online using WiFi, then you would be sharing the connection with many, and the speed may be limited depending on the strength of the signal.

Advantages and differences between Broadband and WiFi

When it comes to broadband and WiFi, it can get a tad confusing and that’s an understatement with more acronyms clouding the digital space than you can shake a stick at.

The fact is that even your local smart phone enables you to connect online with at least three methods, and all you need is to enable your laptop to one of these and you should be able to connect online.

WiFi is where telecom companies can provide you with WiFi access to your system by providing you with a modem and a router.

Once the device is switched on, you should be able to connect online as long as you stay in the same room or within 75 meters of the device,whereas with Broadband, you can count on a secure connection and stay connected for as long as you like.

Some of the pros and cons of WiFi and Broadband  are listed here

Pros

  • It offers you with high speed internet and the ability to connect with the same right away
  • It enables you to connect multiple devices to the same WiFi connection
  • It is reasonably priced but that depends more on your provider

Cons

  • One of the drawbacks is that a WiFi signal cannot really be considered secure, for “packet sniffers” can sometimes sniff out the signal and read the signal between a computer and a device.
  • WiFi is based on radio signals, and can also be subject to interference especially during severe solar storms.

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Broadband

Pros

  • It also offers you high speed internet and you need not switch it off anytime and it is always on. You should be able to transfer large amounts of data with the help of broadband and even access similar amounts of data.
  • It is a secure connection
  • It is a wired connection and enables you to enjoy high speed internet all the time
  • It is reasonably priced

Cons

  • The broadband connection is secure; in the sense that it does not permit you to share the connection with others, unless they log into the same system with your credentials.It should also be pointed out that you can connect a certain amount of devices with your broadband, and enjoy the perks of being connected via a broadband line.
  • It is a wired connection meaning that your system would have to be physically connected with the broadband cable.

As you can see, here are some of the pros and cons of a broadband connection and a WiFi and the cost for the same, can vary from one provider to another.

While you can use the hot spot and surf with your WiFi, the fact remains that WiFi lines are not that secure whereas broadband is, all the way.

Smartphones

Since the advent of smart phones and 4G, you can now connect online using the phone’s WiFi signal or use its broadband connection.

While there is not much difference between the WiFi Signal on your phone or its broadband connection, as both are dependent on the data package you subscribed with your operator, the fact remains that both are unique and use various methods to help you connect online.

And while it may not be possible for you to connect several devices with a secured and wired broadband connection, you should still be able to do so with your smart phone.

As regards the method, all you would have to do is to head over to the settings on the phone and check for internet and connections.

Now, click on the same and you should soon be able to access various options, from WiFi to broadband which you can then access with the help of mobile hot spot.

But in case the terms wireless and broadband are still a tad mystifying, here’s the breakdown – a wireless connection is one that utilizes radio frequencies to help you stay connected.

On the other hand, a broadband connection is one that offers you high speed data connectivity, without using radio frequencies and one that offers you both wired and wireless, which is what makes it all the more confusing as it is getting harder to tell the two apart, especially for the lay person.

Wireless routers

With more telecom operators getting into the play, it seems that more companies are now offering bundled routers and modems with their broadband connection.

Additionally they are also offering wireless routers which mean that you do not have to stay physically connected to the router in order to access internet.

Thanks to this, you can count on high speed broadband connection and move about, in close proximity as you access the same.

Conclusion:

Of the two, WiFi certainly sounds much better for the simple reason that you can connect multiple devices to the same connection.

This is not possible with a secured broadband connection but on the other hand, it should be pointed out that WiFi’s are not secure and in more ways than one.

What’s more, with a broad band connection, you should be able to access vast amounts of data, send over similar amounts with ease than you could do with your WiFi connection.

This is why broadband connection remains a hot favorite with many.

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

With internet getting faster, it was expected that most of the data providers would be hiking their charges, which is why it makes more sense to try and see if you can get an internet connection for free .

The average WiFi is costing the layman approximately $50 per month, which works out to a massive $600 per year.

With more innovations and updates in the digital spectrum, you can expect higher speeds, faster downloads,and higher fees.

Given all this, wouldn’t it be better to surf the net for free? Granted, it may sound like a dream but here’s how you go about the same.

Read Also : 15 Ways to Get Free WiFi Anywhere Around You

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Getting WiFi without internet

The fact is that free internet is not illegal, not in any sense of the word but the problem is that most do not know that you can indeed get free internet and end up paying a monthly fee for the same.

In fact, the government offers several programs for those who reside below the poverty line, which includes free internet, but other than that, there are a few options across the board that you may want to check out.

1. Freedom POP

Freedom POP is a company that specializes in offering free internet services, and of course, this includes the usual ads that run in the background.

But the fact is that this company provides you with free internet, and even sends you a free hotspot device.

You would be required to pay a small security deposit which is returnable at the end of the year, assuming you return the device around then.

What makes Freedom POP attractive is that all you need to do is to sign up on the website and they’ll send you the manual and charger, and you should be able to surf the net for free.

Keep in mind that initially, you would end up getting about 10GB of data for the first month but after that, this should go down to 500MB per month which is not much, but enough for you to surf online and check your emails.

2. WiFi free spot

This Company provides you with a list of all the local shops and businesses in your area that offer free WiFi.

All you have to do is to check online, for all the free listings and take advantage of the same.

The process is quite simple. All you have to do is to head over to your state and county, and the website should provide you with the list of all local businesses that offer free wifi without internet.

And if you reside nearby, then you can use their connection for free. And if you want to check all the local free WiFi spots, as you travel, you can download and install the WiFi Map, on your phone.

3. Check with your internet service provider

It may come as a surprise but many ISP providers offer dirt cheap data packages that you can avail and some even offer free internet.

Usually, your ISP may try up selling you their packages so that you end up with more data than you would ever need. It is important that you query them regarding the various data packages they have on offer and go in for the one that sounds like a good fit.

See if they offer bundled services for there are good chances that you may get internet for free. Usually, they offer free internet with bundled services for free for a year, after which you would be required to subscribe for the same.

4. 10 free hours of internet for a month

It may not sound like much but if you are not a heavy internet user, then this would be perfect for you.

Both Netzero and Juno are two ISP providers who provide ten hours of free internet a month. It is meant for those who are looking for ways to keep in touch with their loved ones via email.

This service is predominantly dial-up and you can use the same to surf online for free, ten hours a month.

But do note, if you are looking to use the same for watching videos or movies online, then it would get used up very quickly.

Read Also : WiFi Can Let You See Through Walls – Know How!

5. Ask a neighbor

It all depends on how good a relationship you have with your neighbor; assuming that it is good, you can request them to share their connection or you can make an offer where you get to pay for their WiFi connection every alternate month, which essentially means that you get six months of free wifi without internet.

If you are planning to head down this route, it may be a good idea to draw up an agreement so that your interests are protected.

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6. Municipal wireless network

The municipal wireless network is fast catching on. The local municipality offers free internet but with it, you would get more than a few restrictions.

Essentially, it is meant for local businesses to stay connected and as a resident, you can piggyback on the WiFi connection.

But it should also be pointed out that not all the municipalities have the same but only a select few but you can always check online as to whether your municipality offers you free WiFi.

Some of the restrictions involve you accessing the net for just a few hours, not more than that and you may have to access it in a café or in a park, and not inside your home.

7. Bookmark cheap internet

Sounds too good to be true but in reality, there is a dedicated website that provides you with up to date information on cheap internet offers – which ISP is offering what and whom to approach for the cheapest data package.

Given that the usual cost is around $50, with the help of this website, you should be able to find something that is affordable and in your price range.

You will have to click on “plans by state” for a list of current offers in your state and select one that you think is a good fit.

If you belong to the low-income group, then you would definitely want to bookmark this website as it has some fantastic offers, including the fact that you may be eligible for some of them on account of your current fiscal status.

8. Mobile hotspot

Of course, you can always use your mobile phone as a hotspot; the fact is that mobile carriers offer wifi without internet and often charge you as little as possible for using the bandwidth on their plans.

They generally upsell the same to you and bundled with the phone, you get free wifi without internet.

All you have to do is to head over to settings, click on the internet and the drop-down list containing more than a few options should open up.

Now, all that is left for you to do is to choose the ‘mobile hotspot’ and enter the keyword given in your system or laptop and you would be set to go.

Keep in mind that you are only allowed to use a certain amount of data each day, and additional charges may apply should you exceed the same.

Read Also : How to Set Up WiFi at Home : 5 Easy Steps

9. See if your school offers free internet

A good idea would be to check and see if your school offers free internet; some do specially to enable students from low-income groups to stay connected so as to enable them to research their papers, review their homework and streamline their performance as a result.

If you are planning to apply for the same, then you would have to apply to meet your district state commissioner and make your case, as to how you and your kids come from a low-income group.

There is no clarity on how families get picked for the same but one criterion is thought to be the income status of that particular family.

10. Cheap internet services

For example, AT&T offers you low-cost internet services for the low-income group; there is no bar and anyone can apply for the same and it costs only as low as $5 and nothing can beat this price tag when you compare it with the $50 one.

The only downside is that the speed is rather slow and can come down even to 3Mbps.

Or you can go ahead with internet essentials by Comcast which costs only $9.95 per month, and comes with a decent speed and certainly trumps AT&T.

These are some of the ways that you can get free WiFi without subscribing to any internet service provider.

It all comes down to what you plan to use the internet for and then, check and see one of the options listed above, and decide which one you want to go ahead with.

Just remember, that there is no such thing as a ‘free lunch’, and you would have to subscribe in order to get premium services.

Posted on by Wifi Attendance Super Admin

All those who travel frequently might need a WiFi connectivity to quickly check their inbox or make an online payment while roaming.

To meet all such needs, Android and iOS users can simply download some awesome WiFi apps on their smartphones for free.

All you need to do is to visit the Google Play Store or the iTunes and download them. You then will have an on-the-go free WiFi connectivity. Here is a list of such free WiFi apps for your ready reference and action.

1. Free WiFi

True to its name, Free WiFi is a simple yet effective free WiFi app. Just download this app onto your Android phone for you to get connected to the internet in any place and at any time.

In addition to saving your mobile data, this app allows you to connect to the public Wi-Fi without any hassles.

2. Wibrate

The Wibrate app which comes with an easy-to-use interface is compatible with both iPhones and Android phones. This is another free WiFi app. All you need to do is to go to iTunes and download this app for you to access the internet for free.

With this free WiFi app by your side, you can enjoy internet connectivity at different public places like cinemas, cafes, salons and libraries in your city.

3. AutoWiFi Lite

A convenient and free app for iPhones! This app stores all the data pertaining to the username and password, and once it locates a WiFi hotspot, it will automatically get connected to the nearest WiFi network, immediately.

This app does not call for launching the web browser every time you access a WiFi network that is in your vicinity.

4. Osmino WiFi

Osmino comes with a special WiFi manager that logs public WiFi hotspots along with their passwords so that private networks can use them. Tagged as a globally renowned free WiFi app, you don’t need to activate complex settings.

Once you run the app, it will automatically search for WiFi passwords for you to get connected to the nearest hotspot, through the use of its WiFi hotspot map.

5. Instabridge

Living by its tag name which reads “Free Internet for Everyone’, Instabridge is a promising name in the sphere of free WiFi apps compatible with Android phones. Once you download this app from the Google Play Store you will be able to access the nearest WiFi hotspots, all for free.

Without any data usage limit, this app provides useful data points about the speed and reputation of some favorite hotspots that you can connect to. You can also access offline maps to locate hotspots when you are roaming.

Also Read : 15 Ways to Get Free WiFi Anywhere Around You

6. Free WiFi Finder for iPhone

Tagged as an awesome app that provides an in-built list of local hotspots that can be accessed by any iPhone user, the Free Wi-Fi Finder is a cut above the rest. This app uses the GPS location of your iPhone and combines it with network triangulation features to help you identify free WiFi access points. This can be the best app for people who are constantly on the move.

7. WiFi You

WiFi You is another top pick amongst Android phone users who are looking to connect to free WiFi. Not requiring a password, this app which is listed on the Google Play Store comes with a host of additional features including a network scanner.

This app also suggests you to connect to the best WiFi. Allowing you to analyze the data you saved, this app just needs a single click before you can connect to any target network.

8. WiFiTrak For iPhone

All the Apple phone users looking to connect to free WiFi hotspots in your vicinity can also rely on the WifiTrak app which displays a list of WiFi networks. The best part of this app is that it segregates the most frequently used networks with the ones that are limitedly patronized.

Additionally, you may also set your minimum browsing strength while adjusting your scan time. After finding a suitable network, this app starts running, providing you with mail notifications or any other application that needs your attention.

9. WiFi Master Key

The WiFi Master Key is another free WiFi app that is compatible with both Android and iPhones. All the Android phone users can effortlessly download the WiFi Mater Key Free WiFi app from the Google Play Store to enjoy uninterrupted internet access, anywhere, anytime.

iPhone users can download this app from iTunes so as to enjoy secured and quick WiFi connectivity across the globe. In addition to helping you identify free WiFi hotspots, it also connects to a network with utmost ease and swiftness.

10. Swift WiFi

A yet another awesome free Wi-Fi app that can be installed on your Android phones comes with the Swift WiFi name. The fast connectivity provided by the app justifies the name.

A striking feature of this app is that it allows you to save your battery power by permitting you to turn on/off the WiFi depending on your browsing requirements.

 Closing Thoughts

The above-described 10 free WiFi apps which are compatible with Android and iOS devices enable you to stay connected with the World Wide Web at all times.

Not allowing you to spend a penny on your mobile data, these free WiFi apps truly are a boon to all those people who are frequently away from their home WiFi networks.

Enabling you to effortlessly connect to available WiFi hotspots, these apps do the perfect job of allowing you to access mails or to make any online payment while on the move.