Setting up OBi202/wireless adapter to work in a new WiFi Network w/o a computer.
Robin:
I would like to be able to setup the OBi202 (with wireless USB adapter) to operate in a different WiFi Network without having to drag along my laptop computer. For example, if I were planning a vacation at an out-of-state hotel, it would be wonderful if I could take my "wireless" OBi202 and an analog phone along so I could make landline calls from the hotel without having to use the hotel phone system.
Normally, one would use a computer to "select" the desired wireless network on behalf of the OBi202, plug in a corded analog phone, and then be free to make unlimited "landline" phone calls at will using Google Voice, etc. The problem is, I don't really want to drag a $2,000 laptop with me just for the one-time purpose of setting up the OBi202 in the new network environment. I was hoping I could simply "simulate" the SSID and Password of the hotel's/starbuck's/McDonald's wireless network at home, select that network while still at home, and then be able to operate the OBi202 in the new wireless network having the same SSID and Password without needing a computer to do the selection. (I understand that AT&T has a welcome screen that initially poses an obstacle, but AT&T informs me that they can waive that screen with a simple phone call.)
I tried this method at a local diner which has an ordinary, cable-based WiFi Network (without a welcome screen), but was unsuccessful. Someone mentioned that it would never work because I also needed to select an IP Address. I have absolutely no knowledge about this area of electronics or computers and would appreciate some help. In particular, I would like to understand why this procedure fails to work and whether or not there is any other way to get it to work without having to lug my computer around with me.
In the event that a computer IS required, would it be possible to use an inexpensive tablet (with a USB connection) in lieu of the computer? Would it be a major obstacle for the Obihai people to program the OBi to be able to select a network by using the corded phone's touch tones instead of a computer?
Thank you!
Robin
pc44:
Quote from: Robin on June 24, 2012, 08:05:05 pm
I would like to be able to setup the OBi202 (with wireless USB adapter) to operate in a different WiFi Network without having to drag along my laptop computer.
Hi Robin,
I don't see why this wouldn't work. For example, if you are able to set up your OBI202 successfully at your home/office using WiFi there, how is this much different? You can unplug your OBI202 and phone and leave your home/office. Then, return another day, plug everything in, and voila! you're connected. So, I think your idea of a pre-configured WiFi network setting should work.
Quote from: Robin on June 24, 2012, 08:05:05 pm
Normally, one would use a computer to "select" the desired wireless network on behalf of the OBi202, plug in a corded analog phone, and then be free to make unlimited "landline" phone calls at will using Google Voice, etc.
As long as you configure the ObiWiFi exactly/precisely for the public WiFi network that you are going to use, this should work. Also, you might try setting the Obi202 to use the specified Access Point Configuration that you want to use at the public location:
OBiWiFi Configuration -> WiFi Settings -> Basic Settings -> PreferredAccessPoint
Also, under OBiWiFi Configuration -> WiFi Settings -> Internet Settings, I would stick with DHCP for AddressingType, and I would also hard-code the DNSServer1 and DNSServer2. You could use Google's Public DNS of 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, respectively.
Quote from: Robin on June 24, 2012, 08:05:05 pm
Someone mentioned that it would never work because I also needed to select an IP Address.
Unless you are relying on Port Forwarding inside your router, I do not see why you would need to "select" an IP address or assign a static one. Google Voice should work on the OBIs without an internal static (or "selected") IP or router port forwarding. Although some have mentioned benefits in the past of port forwarding for GV, I am under the impression that it should not be necessary for GV connectivity.
So... is there something else that we are missing here? Do the public WiFis employ some sort of restrictions on usage? Are they possibly blocking certain ports? Have you tried this at two or more locations? I do think it should work as you described. So, there must be something else hindering us here. :(
pc44
QBZappy:
Quote from: pc44 on June 25, 2012, 07:51:36 pm
As long as you configure the ObiWiFi exactly/precisely for the public WiFi network that you are going to use, this should work. Also, you might try setting the Obi202 to use the specified Access Point Configuration that you want to use at the public location:
OBiWiFi Configuration -> WiFi Settings -> Basic Settings -> PreferredAccessPoint
pc44
I'm not sure that is always possible. As a last resort it may be necessary to ask the reception or some other guest to lend their computer so that the OBi202 can be setup.
pc44:
Quote from: QBZappy on June 25, 2012, 08:18:59 pm
Quote from: pc44 on June 25, 2012, 07:51:36 pm
As long as you configure the ObiWiFi exactly/precisely for the public WiFi network that you are going to use, this should work. Also, you might try setting the Obi202 to use the specified Access Point Configuration that you want to use at the public location:
OBiWiFi Configuration -> WiFi Settings -> Basic Settings -> PreferredAccessPoint
pc44
I'm not sure that is always possible. As a last resort it may be necessary to ask the reception or some other guest to lend their computer so that the OBi202 can be setup.
By "exactly/precisely" I meant entering the public WiFi's SSID, Password, and any other necessary OBiWiFi settings, such as PreferredAccessPoint. Do you think it would still not be possible, even with the correct configuration entered beforehand?
QBZappy:
Quote from: pc44 on June 25, 2012, 08:27:20 pm
Do you think it would still not be possible, even with the correct configuration entered beforehand?
That's the unlikely part. I'm not certain they would give that info before you register into the hotel.
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