Frustrated With My Internet

[Maritime Q-Scout]

I know I've ranted about this before, but I'm doing it again.

So my building contracted out the internet that's included in our lease to a private company (http://www.prodataconnectivity.com/).

So I have to connect via wifi which is fine. And then I have to open up a browser to put in a password just like at a hotel. Again fine, except for I can no longer use the wifi on my Blackberry (I'm sure there's a way, might download a new broswer in lieu of the Blackberry one that's there).

However it will randomly disconnect me, sometimes it'll bring me to the signin page again, and other times it just will stop the internet. Even if I open a new browser it won't prompt me to input my password again.

Is there any way to fix things on my end? I don't know much about networking (other than this really shouldn't be a problem at this stage of the game, it's been 2 solid months I've been here).

[Bob]

You live in this building?

[Maritime Q-Scout]

if you want to call it living? Yes. More studying, sleeping, watching tv, and eating there. Oh an occassionally going on the internet

[wooohooo]

So this is disconnecting just on the blackberry? How about your computer or ipod or whatever wifi devices you have?

[wooohooo]

Originally Posted by Bob

You live in this building?

When your internet disturbs your 'alone time', the internet gets personal.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

Originally Posted by wooohooo

So this is disconnecting just on the blackberry? How about your computer or ipod or whatever wifi devices you have?

it won't connect to my Blackberry, and it'll cut out and I have to re-login randomly (sometimes it won't let me at all) on my laptop.

[Hemi-Cuda]

so what, you can't choose your own internet provider in this building? if you need to enter in a password via a browser, what about online gaming or downloading large files?

[Maritime Q-Scout]

well it's included in the rent as part of the lease, along with cable. So I'm assuming I wouldn't be able to get Rogers cable internet, but can't see why I couldn't pay for BellAliant myself. Only thing is, while the internet sucks I can't justify paying for the service, money isn't exactly something I've got tons of right now.

It seems if I disconnect when it stops working, try to connect to another network (there's an open network with one bar that comes and goes) then reconnect to the building's net again it'll prompt me to put in the browser passcode again and voila it works for the next little bit.

Just frustracting.

As for online gaming or large file downloads. I don't game so it doesn't pose a problem. I don't download a lot of large files anyway, so again that hasn't been much of a problem. Just the frustration of inconsistant ability to use the net.

It really sucks when you have to pack up and go to school to check CP and Facebook, or just catch up with family via email and a like.

[temple5]

Windows or Mac?

If Windows...
START > RUN > CMD > <ENTER> ipconfig /release <ENTER> ipconfig /renew

Try releasing your IP address when reconnecting. How "classy" is the building. If they are more a "home brew" IT setup they are likely using one of the WRT firmwares. With the hotspot firmwares it has options for timeouts. Its specifically designed so to disconnect computers that arent in use.

For the Sign in Page, is it just the normal username/password window or is it a webpage desinged window - the former means ad hoc IT service the latter means they put some time into it.

If they are using that and not a commercial router and security it should be possible to break their router security and add your PC's MAC address to the exceptions list so that their rules wont apply to you. You are in a great position to do that since you already have user access, just need to packet capture while connected to see what they are using - it should then be alot easier to run their encrption through a myriad of free online tools.

Just checked their website - looks pretty ad hoc to me, likely no more than a 15 employee operation.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

Originally Posted by temple5

Windows or Mac?

If Windows...
START > RUN > CMD > <ENTER> ipconfig /release <ENTER> ipconfig /renew

Try releasing your IP address when reconnecting. How "classy" is the building. If they are more a "home brew" IT setup they are likely using one of the WRT firmwares. With the hotspot firmwares it has options for timeouts. Its specifically designed so to disconnect computers that arent in use.

For the Sign in Page, is it just the normal username/password window or is it a webpage desinged window - the former means ad hoc IT service the latter means they put some time into it.

If they are using that and not a commercial router and security it should be possible to break their router security and add your PC's MAC address to the exceptions list so that their rules wont apply to you. You are in a great position to do that since you already have user access, just need to packet capture while connected to see what they are using - it should then be alot easier to run their encrption through a myriad of free online tools.

Just checked their website - looks pretty ad hoc to me, likely no more than a 15 employee operation.

Windows, upgrading to 7 whenever it arrives in the mail.

I'm going to try the IPConfig option next time it cuts out and see what happens.

It seems pretty ad hoc to me, but like I said I don't know a whole lot about that.

[Cactus Jack]

I have a problem and thought it better to post here than start a new thread.

I have a desktop and 2 laptops (1 mac, 1 pc) in my home all on wireless with Shaw. I finally password protected the connection and the internet works fine through the router for my desktop and even my I-phone. However, now neither laptop can connect and I don't know why. I have a feeling its a matter of adjusting settings because something is blocking the laptops from connection. Does anyone know which they could be? Thanks