Wireless Internet Access Problems

We are visiting a campground that has an unsecure wireless access. We can access their router from one area but receive no internet access. We move to another area and can access the internet. Then we go back to the same area that we couldn't access the internet before and then could access it. We tried 2 computers and an Iphone and experienced the same problem. The campground said others have had the same problem. Does anyone know what causes it? Thanks

 

Does the signal strength indicator (# of bars) drop in the "dead zone?"

Although the bars give a general idea of the signal strength in a given area, my experience has been any signal of 3 bars or less (out of 5) is - at best - an iffy connection.

My guess is the campground WiFi is set up using a directional antenna with a 180-degree or so signal range (as opposed to an omni directional 360 degree signal antenna found on home wi-fi routers). Motels, campgrounds, etc. often use this type of antenna to limit the signal to their property and avoid freeloading by others who are not registered guests.

I would bring this to the attention of the campground management. If enough guests complain, they may add an extra antenna to cover the dead spot(s).

Hope this helps.

 

My guess is that the first area you started in has signal on a wireless repeater. Though it looks like you are connected to the same device on one network, you are really on at least 2 devices. If you are on the router but not the 'net the first time, it's probably in the DNS settings. The second area you were in has the main router or a properly configured repeater. Unless you shut down or flush the dns settings, they can follow you back to the other area and mysteriously work for you.

 

I suggest that you could find out the issue here by doing an "ipconfig/all" from the working network and comparing that to an ipconfig/all when attached to the AP that doesn't appear to work...

My guess is that you maybe using a different DHCP server on the second AP somehow (sometimes repeaters and APs do have a DHCP server within or can forward DHCP requests to the router) and you may not have the DHCP router field configured correctly... feel free to post detail here and i can have a look if you wish

cheers