So we're thinking about putting free Wi-Fi at the cafe. Anybody have any experiences to share? I'm under the impression that it is against the terms of service to share a Verizon DSL line (not sure how they'd ever know though.) Unfortunately it is impossible to find the real fine print on their site (well, OK, maybe it's not impossible, but I couldn't do it.)
I've looked at bway.net a bit, as I've always heard good things about them. They seem to be of the "it's your bandwidth, do what you want with it" school of thinking which is obviously what I'm looking for. Any experiences with them? How about speakeasy?
And finally, does it even make sense to sign a one year contract with a little guy like bway? (or speakeasy?) I mean taking into account possible legislation which would remove the onus presently on the big Telco's to share their lines with these guys. I've fallen a bit out of touch and no longer know where that legal stuff stands.
Help appreciated. If not, I'll update below as I find answers myself. Pretty fun project.
Took my laptop over for brunch today. I couldn't get any signal in the cafe, but up on the corner of Stanton and Clinton I could see three different networks. All with WEP enabled (encrypted so people can't log into the network - although, yes, WEP is very weak encryption.)
Interesting to note that this screen - which I really love - is pretty bad in bright sunlight. Also noted what a dork I looked like walking down the street with my powerbook open staring at the macstumbler screen.
I have speakeasy with an IDSL connection, which is all I could get. I do believe they have restrictions on *re-selling* service. I'll check the contract when I get home.
So far the service from speakeasy has been fine. I pay for 128 kbps (yes, IDSL is slow), but I really get 128 kbps, with peaks to 132 kbps.
Here's a resource I used to research my options ...
http://www.dslreports.com/
that previous posting is from mark, who is currently visiting NOLA.
360 Van Brunt, a restaurant in Red Hook, has wired the room. This is the only restaurant I know that is doing this.
I use a IPAQ and wi-fi turns out to be a killer application with a handheld. In a major city, there is just so many access points it is ridiculous. Of course, you feel silly wardriving too much. Kind of like the Verizon guy on tv who is always looking for a signal.
Nevertheless, it is amazing to see all the spots where you can get a signal. Like the take out stand at Dean and Delucas, like.....
Speaking about seeing an LCD outdoors, that is one of the great advantages of the LCD technology built into the current crop of pocketpcs.
Oh, year. Bway.net
My company used them when we first started a web site years ago. They were great and have been around a long time.
They are based on lower Broadway and have put up a free wi-fi site on the street. So, I guess they are commited to the technology.
Thanks Joe.
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I've looked at bway.net a bit, as I've always heard good things about them. They seem to be of the "it's your bandwidth, do what you want with it" school of thinking which is obviously what I'm looking for. Any experiences with them? How about speakeasy?
And finally, does it even make sense to sign a one year contract with a little guy like bway? (or speakeasy?) I mean taking into account possible legislation which would remove the onus presently on the big Telco's to share their lines with these guys. I've fallen a bit out of touch and no longer know where that legal stuff stands.
Help appreciated. If not, I'll update below as I find answers myself. Pretty fun project.
- jim 4-27-2003 12:00 am
Took my laptop over for brunch today. I couldn't get any signal in the cafe, but up on the corner of Stanton and Clinton I could see three different networks. All with WEP enabled (encrypted so people can't log into the network - although, yes, WEP is very weak encryption.)
Interesting to note that this screen - which I really love - is pretty bad in bright sunlight. Also noted what a dork I looked like walking down the street with my powerbook open staring at the macstumbler screen.
- jim 4-27-2003 8:45 pm
I have speakeasy with an IDSL connection, which is all I could get. I do believe they have restrictions on *re-selling* service. I'll check the contract when I get home.
So far the service from speakeasy has been fine. I pay for 128 kbps (yes, IDSL is slow), but I really get 128 kbps, with peaks to 132 kbps.
Here's a resource I used to research my options ...
http://www.dslreports.com/
- jimlouis 4-28-2003 5:07 am
that previous posting is from mark, who is currently visiting NOLA.
- jimlouis 4-28-2003 5:09 am
360 Van Brunt, a restaurant in Red Hook, has wired the room. This is the only restaurant I know that is doing this.
I use a IPAQ and wi-fi turns out to be a killer application with a handheld. In a major city, there is just so many access points it is ridiculous. Of course, you feel silly wardriving too much. Kind of like the Verizon guy on tv who is always looking for a signal.
Nevertheless, it is amazing to see all the spots where you can get a signal. Like the take out stand at Dean and Delucas, like.....
Speaking about seeing an LCD outdoors, that is one of the great advantages of the LCD technology built into the current crop of pocketpcs.
- Joe Dressner (guest) 5-02-2003 4:48 pm
Oh, year. Bway.net
My company used them when we first started a web site years ago. They were great and have been around a long time.
They are based on lower Broadway and have put up a free wi-fi site on the street. So, I guess they are commited to the technology.
- Joe Dressner (guest) 5-02-2003 4:53 pm
Thanks Joe.
- jim 5-02-2003 5:03 pm