Connecting to public wifi

[cmzoet]

I full time in my rv. I recently bought a nanostation loco m2 and an airgateway router to set up a network in my rv. I mounted the nano on a pole and I extend it about 20' in the air and point it directly at the building containing the public WiFi access. At some parks the nano doesn't "see" the hotspot. These are at parks that generally state the WiFi is only available in the lobby, etc. which I assumed to mean that they don't have multiple access points throughout the park, or are these signals somehow limited which is preventing me from seeing them? Thanks for your help.

 

[Ralston18]

Many such places fully tout that "wireless" is available but only make minimal effort to ensure that the service level is truly meaningful.

Or even if viable, often poorly maintained and wireless service suffers.

Could well be that the initial signal strengths (limited to begin with) plus distance, interference, etc. degrade the signal to the point of being useless.

Other networks, buildings, trees, vehicles, and so forth can create problems. May change about as vehicles come and go....

And some parks provide passwords that change on a regular basis to keep non-patrons off of the network. Be sure to request the password when you check in and if unable to join the network, double check the information you were given.

 

[cmzoet]

Many such places fully tout that "wireless" is available but only make minimal effort to ensure that the service level is truly meaningful.

Or even if viable, often poorly maintained and wireless service suffers.

Could well be that the initial signal strengths (limited to begin with) plus distance, interference, etc. degrade the signal to the point of being useless.

Other networks, buildings, trees, vehicles, and so forth can create problems. May change about as vehicles come and go....

And some parks provide passwords that change on a regular basis to keep non-patrons off of the network. Be sure to request the password when you check in and if unable to join the network, double check the information you were given.

 

[cmzoet]

The park does not require a password or anything to log on. The signal and service are fantastic but are limited to the lobby and just outside on the patio. So my question is, are they somehow able to keep the signal from extending beyond that range so that no matter what I do with my nanostation, it will not pick it up? This is a very high end RV park and the internet and equipment are very good. I don't think it is an issue of sub-standard service.

 

[Ralston18]

To some degree - yes. The range can be limited. Via signal strength and wireless frequency.

E.g., the following links:

https://www.lifewire.com/range-of-typical-wifi-network-816564

https://www.techwalla.com/articles/limit-wireless-signal-coverage-home

Ask what routers etc. are being used. They may or may not be willing to tell you. Maybe more so if you are a "regular".

Or some antenna design that directs or otherwise focuses the wireless "zone".

Reference the following link:

https://www.lifewire.com/replacing-the-wifi-antenna-on-a-router-818336

Use the router's make and model to look up the specifications and any configuration options.