Miscellaneous Discussion Thread

Quote: Dieter

2.4ghz signals are heavily attenuated by water.
Less matter between the antennae generally means less attenuation - just inverse square losses, no extras.

In practice, higher is better, and aim your directional antenna carefully.
Microwave safety means be darn careful that when you're aiming, you're not pointing it at any irreplaceable bags of water like eyes or brains.

This is assuming that your (tablet or whatever) is one end of the connection, and a cell tower is the other end.
These are probably not the suitable approaches if they give you a hotspot cellphone thing to catch the tower signal and convert it to something your tablet or whatever can utilize.
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Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: Dieter

2.4ghz signals are heavily attenuated by water.
Less matter between the antennae generally means less attenuation - just inverse square losses, no extras.

In practice, higher is better, and aim your directional antenna carefully.
Microwave safety means be darn careful that when you're aiming, you're not pointing it at any irreplaceable bags of water like eyes or brains.

This is assuming that your (tablet or whatever) is one end of the connection, and a cell tower is the other end.
These are probably not the suitable approaches if they give you a hotspot cellphone thing to catch the tower signal and convert it to something your tablet or whatever can utilize.
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Thank you for responding, but I'm not really understanding exactly what you are saying. Seems like you're joking kinda?

I don't know where the cell tower is so I won't be connecting directly to it(is that even possible/legal?)
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Quote: Dieter

Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: Dieter

2.4ghz signals are heavily attenuated by water.
Less matter between the antennae generally means less attenuation - just inverse square losses, no extras.

In practice, higher is better, and aim your directional antenna carefully.
Microwave safety means be darn careful that when you're aiming, you're not pointing it at any irreplaceable bags of water like eyes or brains.

This is assuming that your (tablet or whatever) is one end of the connection, and a cell tower is the other end.
These are probably not the suitable approaches if they give you a hotspot cellphone thing to catch the tower signal and convert it to something your tablet or whatever can utilize.
link to original post

Thank you for responding, but I'm not really understanding exactly what you are saying. Seems like you're joking kinda?

I don't know where the cell tower is so I won't be connecting directly to it(is that even possible/legal?)
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No jokes.

One of the old wifi internet methods was indeed to have wifi towers everywhere, and you aimed a dish at it. In more urban environments, it was common to have fixed access points close enough together that half decent coverage could be had without microwave dishes on rooves, and laptops just kinda worked.

Did they give you a little wifi hotspot access point?
The closer your device is to it, the better it will work. I'd assume that you can get decent signal to your device in the same room as the access point; if they're advertising whole house wifi, that means you can carry the gizmo with you to another room.when you want signal over there.
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Quote: AxelWolf

No hotspot needed or provided, it's basically no different than going to McDonald's, the Airport, etc finding the wifi network and logging in.


COX HOTSPOTS

Wifi where you need it

Every internet plan comes with easy access to over 4M Cox Hotspots around the country. We’ll show you how to find nearby hotspots, get connected and surf the web with some extra security. https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/learn/cox-hotspots.html
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Quote: Dieter

Quote: AxelWolf

No hotspot needed or provided, it's basically no different than going to McDonald's, the Airport, etc finding the wifi network and logging in.


COX HOTSPOTS

Wifi where you need it

Every internet plan comes with easy access to over 4M Cox Hotspots around the country. We’ll show you how to find nearby hotspots, get connected and surf the web with some extra security. https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/learn/cox-hotspots.html
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I know that many provider provided cablemodems have a built-in WiFi router.
It would not surprise me if the provider forcibly enables this option to provide wifi coverage in the area where their customers locate the modems.

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Quote: billryan

Putting in my two zip codes, 85603 and 85617, there is nothing for miles and miles. I bought a portable wifi from Verizon for $5 a month for 36 months; that works great. Using the local wifi, I could barely watch a show without repeat buffering. That is now in the past.
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Quote: TheCapitalShip

Quote: Dieter

Quote: AxelWolf

No hotspot needed or provided, it's basically no different than going to McDonald's, the Airport, etc finding the wifi network and logging in.


COX HOTSPOTS

Wifi where you need it

Every internet plan comes with easy access to over 4M Cox Hotspots around the country. We’ll show you how to find nearby hotspots, get connected and surf the web with some extra security. https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/learn/cox-hotspots.html
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I know that many provider provided cablemodems have a built-in WiFi router.
It would not surprise me if the provider forcibly enables this option to provide wifi coverage in the area where their customers locate the modems.

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I HATE the technicolor modem/routers that Cox provides to the clients we work with. I could rant all day about how bad they are.

In relation to the topic, I do not know the exact situation so I cannot provide 100% accurate info, but would say...one of those 5G Home Internet Plans (from like TMobile) work for Axel? Almost every customer I have had that used a hotspot plan at one point switched because of how unreliable they were.
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Quote: AxelWolf

Apparently, Walmart family mobile runs off the Verizon network 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️.
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Quote: rxwine

Do ATT and verison use the same cell towers. Sounds like maybe not. Maybe you have a "cold spot".
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Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: rxwine

Do ATT and verison use the same cell towers. Sounds like maybe not. Maybe you have a "cold spot".
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FYI there are separate issues that I have been boring everyone with.

1. Attempting to increase my signal from the Cox hotspot.

2. Getting a good, reliable, fast hotspot service/device or a tethering plan at a good price.

I took my hotspot to a few different locations and it wasn't much better, the highest I saw was 13 Mbps.

I haven't done that with the phone since it doesn't matter if it works well in other places but not at my home.

But yeah, I guess Verizon might just suck in my specific location more than others.
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Quote: rainman

Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: rxwine

Do ATT and verison use the same cell towers. Sounds like maybe not. Maybe you have a "cold spot".
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FYI there are separate issues that I have been boring everyone with.

1. Attempting to increase my signal from the Cox hotspot.

2. Getting a good, reliable, fast hotspot service/device or a tethering plan at a good price.

I took my hotspot to a few different locations and it wasn't much better, the highest I saw was 13 Mbps.

I haven't done that with the phone since it doesn't matter if it works well in other places but not at my home.

But yeah, I guess Verizon might just suck in my specific location more than others.
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I think the problem is your Big Button flip phone.

T-mobile will let you test drive their 5g home internet for 15 days Its 50 a month.

https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet
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Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: TheCapitalShip

Quote: Dieter

Quote: AxelWolf

No hotspot needed or provided, it's basically no different than going to McDonald's, the Airport, etc finding the wifi network and logging in.


COX HOTSPOTS

Wifi where you need it

Every internet plan comes with easy access to over 4M Cox Hotspots around the country. We’ll show you how to find nearby hotspots, get connected and surf the web with some extra security. https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/learn/cox-hotspots.html
link to original post

I know that many provider provided cablemodems have a built-in WiFi router.
It would not surprise me if the provider forcibly enables this option to provide wifi coverage in the area where their customers locate the modems.

link to original post

I HATE the technicolor modem/routers that Cox provides to the clients we work with. I could rant all day about how bad they are.

In relation to the topic, I do not know the exact situation so I cannot provide 100% accurate info, but would say...one of those 5G Home Internet Plans (from like TMobile) work for Axel? Almost every customer I have had that used a hotspot plan at one point switched because of how unreliable they were.
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Thanks, yes, that would've been great.

Regarding the T-mobile $25 home internet, There's a waiting list or some nonsense, I keep trying. I think it's just a clever marketing ploy and few people can actually get that deal. They will only offer me 4g for $60 a month.

I'm trying to take advantage of the extra service offered and maximize the value since we are paying $241 a month just for internet and cable. I did just demand a reduction yesterday. I got more speed and they dropped the bill down to $190...That's still outrageous. I want another reliable option with 30 Mbps for a fair price(or to use the cox hotspot wifi free).
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Quote: Dieter

Axel,

What internet speed do you get when you run a speed test with a computer plugged into the cablemodem with an ethernet cable?

(All the parts of that are important. That is the maximum internet speed you can reasonably expect from your provider, wired or wireless.)

If that speed is OK, plugging in your own wireless router in a better location can improve your wifi coverage at home. Mine is in the closet by the laundry chute, because that's roughly the 3-space center of the habitable area. 5Ghz signal is strong in the high traffic areas, 2.4Ghz is strong to the whole house.

If that speed is inadequate, you'll need to get a different service provider that can do better.
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Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: Dieter

Axel,

What internet speed do you get when you run a speed test with a computer plugged into the cablemodem with an ethernet cable?

(All the parts of that are important. That is the maximum internet speed you can reasonably expect from your provider, wired or wireless.)

If that speed is OK, plugging in your own wireless router in a better location can improve your wifi coverage at home. Mine is in the closet by the laundry chute, because that's roughly the 3-space center of the habitable area. 5Ghz signal is strong in the high traffic areas, 2.4Ghz is strong to the whole house.

If that speed is inadequate, you'll need to get a different service provider that can do better.
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My home internet from Cox runs about an average of 170 Mbps
My ATT cell phone 5g Is between 150 Mbps and 280 Mbps don't have an average yet, I haven't checked enough times.

Both are great.

My Wife gets around between 20-30 Mbps on her straight talk 4g service phone.

Today my Cox Hotspot is terrible, it's clocking in at 5 Mbps but, yesterday it was hitting in the 50's-60's Mbps when I could actually connect.
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Quote: Dieter

Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: Dieter

Axel,

What internet speed do you get when you run a speed test with a computer plugged into the cablemodem with an ethernet cable?

(All the parts of that are important. That is the maximum internet speed you can reasonably expect from your provider, wired or wireless.)

If that speed is OK, plugging in your own wireless router in a better location can improve your wifi coverage at home. Mine is in the closet by the laundry chute, because that's roughly the 3-space center of the habitable area. 5Ghz signal is strong in the high traffic areas, 2.4Ghz is strong to the whole house.

If that speed is inadequate, you'll need to get a different service provider that can do better.
link to original post

My home internet from Cox runs about an average of 170 Mbps
My ATT cell phone 5g Is between 150 Mbps and 280 Mbps don't have an average yet, I haven't checked enough times.

Both are great.

My Wife gets around between 20-30 Mbps on her straight talk 4g service phone.

Today my Cox Hotspot is terrible, it's clocking in at 5 Mbps but, yesterday it was hitting in the 50's-60's Mbps when I could actually connect.
link to original post

I'm sure I'm missing some part of the puzzle, but it sounds like the hotspot you are connecting to may have varying levels of competition. 50Mbps divided by 1 is more favorable than 50Mbps divided by 7.

Posted from my Straight Talk phone on a lousy 1.3Mbps roaming link because I'm out in the sticks
-D
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Quote: unJon

Quote: Dieter

Quote: AxelWolf

Quote: Dieter

Axel,

What internet speed do you get when you run a speed test with a computer plugged into the cablemodem with an ethernet cable?

(All the parts of that are important. That is the maximum internet speed you can reasonably expect from your provider, wired or wireless.)

If that speed is OK, plugging in your own wireless router in a better location can improve your wifi coverage at home. Mine is in the closet by the laundry chute, because that's roughly the 3-space center of the habitable area. 5Ghz signal is strong in the high traffic areas, 2.4Ghz is strong to the whole house.

If that speed is inadequate, you'll need to get a different service provider that can do better.
link to original post

My home internet from Cox runs about an average of 170 Mbps
My ATT cell phone 5g Is between 150 Mbps and 280 Mbps don't have an average yet, I haven't checked enough times.

Both are great.

My Wife gets around between 20-30 Mbps on her straight talk 4g service phone.

Today my Cox Hotspot is terrible, it's clocking in at 5 Mbps but, yesterday it was hitting in the 50's-60's Mbps when I could actually connect.
link to original post

I'm sure I'm missing some part of the puzzle, but it sounds like the hotspot you are connecting to may have varying levels of competition. 50Mbps divided by 1 is more favorable than 50Mbps divided by 7.

Posted from my Straight Talk phone on a lousy 1.3Mbps roaming link because I'm out in the sticks
-D
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What purpose does the hotspot serve if you already have fast enough home internet wifi, and killer speeds on your ATT phone when you are out of home? I’m confused what use we are solving for. Is the hotspot for those times when you are out of house and in a bad ATT reception area?
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Quote:

Update your software. You know those messages you sometimes receive about updating your carrier software? Those updates are what tell your phone what towers to connect to. Ideally, you should always update, but if you haven’t recently, then you should check now whether you need to. Follow the applicable instructions for your Android or iPhone phone.
Turn off any services you’re not currently using. Services like WiFi, Bluetooth and Near-Field Communication (NFC) can sometimes cause problems by either trying to send your calls and data over a different service or allowing other devices to use up bandwidth that is needed for fast data or clear calls. Try disabling them on your phone and see if your signal improves.
Change your Voice and Data settings. Sometimes the 4G LTE network that you're on is overloaded and the 3G network, while technically slower, is actually a better option. If you’re on the 4G LTE network, try disabling it on your iPhone or Android phone (if supported), which will automatically switch you to the 3G network.
Turn airplane mode on and off. This will force your phone to reconnect to the cellular network. If you’re in an area that should have good signal but your phone doesn’t show it, try turning on and off airplane mode to force the phone to reconnect.
Reset your network settings. This is a last resort of you still can’t get your phone to connect and other phones from the same carrier are working in your location. Here are the instructions for Android and iPhones phones.
Manually re-select the network operator. This one only works for Android phones. Go to "Settings > Find Mobile Networks > Network operators". It will re-scan for all the networks available in your area. Check out this video to see how it's done.
Have your phone checked for damage. If you're in a location where other people with phones on your carrier have good service, but you don't, then that might be a sign that your phone, or more specifically the internal antenna, has been damaged. Your best bet is to bring it into the store where you originally purchased the phone and have them perform an analysis to see if the phone is operating as it should. If not, then it might be time for a new phone.
Change Your Location

Move up a floor (or multiple floors). Signal tends to be better on higher floors, as you're able to clear obstructions closer to ground level. If you're in a basement, moving up to the ground floor can help immensely.
Move closer to a window. Cell signal has an easier time entering a building when it’s not blocked by the construction materials, like brick, block, siding, or sheet metal, that the building is made of, so windows are typically areas where you'll receive stronger signal than behind a solid wall.
Go outside. The construction materials that make up the walls and roof of a building block cell signal, so going outside should allow you to receive a stronger signal from the local cell towers.
Move to higher ground. Mountains, hills, trees and other obstructions can often block signal. Moving to higher ground makes you more likely to connect with a cell tower and receive stronger signal.
Find our where your closest cell tower is. Put your city or zip code into Cell Reception or Open Signal to see a map of your local towers, and then try to either locate yourself on the same side of the building, or change your location entirely.

Quote:

There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.

Quote: lilredrooster

_____________


interesting factoid - to me anyway

"uh - oh - we gotta move now - here comes 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝟬 "

𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝟬 - the nickname pretty much everywhere for Cops came from the old TV Cop show "HawaII Five 0"

the show was named with the words 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝟬 because Hawaii is the fiftieth State - and somehow the phrase came to mean what is indicated


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Quote: lilredrooster

______________


I've lived in Maryland most of my life
I still don't know it it's a Northern or Southern State
if you google it - you will see some claim it to be Southern and some claim it to be Northern

very close to DC - as I am- we don't consider ourselves Southern - even though we share a border with Virginia which is definitely a Southern State

out in the sticks - even though it is North of DC they prolly think of themselves as Southern


Maryland was a slave state and is south of the Mason-Dixon line, so I'd call it a southern state.
When President-elect Lincoln passed thru it on his way to Washington, he had to do it in secret because of hostility. Union troops passing through Baltimore were attacked by mobs in the early days of the war. One of the North's early war heroes was killed in Baltimore, removing Confederate flags from a hotel.
Even though it never seceded( mostly because of Federal pressure on the state government), I'd consider it a southern state.
Not that there is anything wrong with that.



.
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Quote: billryan

Quote: lilredrooster

______________


I've lived in Maryland most of my life
I still don't know it it's a Northern or Southern State
if you google it - you will see some claim it to be Southern and some claim it to be Northern

very close to DC - as I am- we don't consider ourselves Southern - even though we share a border with Virginia which is definitely a Southern State

out in the sticks - even though it is North of DC they prolly think of themselves as Southern


Maryland was a slave state and is south of the Mason-Dixon line, so I'd call it a southern state.
When President-elect Lincoln passed thru it on his way to Washington, he had to do it in secret because of hostility. Union troops passing through Baltimore were attacked by mobs in the early days of the war. One of the North's early war heroes was killed in Baltimore, removing Confederate flags from a hotel.
Even though it never seceded( mostly because of Federal pressure on the state government), I'd consider it a southern state.
Not that there is anything wrong with that.



.
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Quote: lilredrooster

Quote: billryan

Quote: lilredrooster

______________


I've lived in Maryland most of my life
I still don't know it it's a Northern or Southern State
if you google it - you will see some claim it to be Southern and some claim it to be Northern

very close to DC - as I am- we don't consider ourselves Southern - even though we share a border with Virginia which is definitely a Southern State

out in the sticks - even though it is North of DC they prolly think of themselves as Southern


Maryland was a slave state and is south of the Mason-Dixon line, so I'd call it a southern state.
When President-elect Lincoln passed thru it on his way to Washington, he had to do it in secret because of hostility. Union troops passing through Baltimore were attacked by mobs in the early days of the war. One of the North's early war heroes was killed in Baltimore, removing Confederate flags from a hotel.
Even though it never seceded( mostly because of Federal pressure on the state government), I'd consider it a southern state.
Not that there is anything wrong with that.



.
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well, about 80,000 Marylanders served in the Union Army

and only about 20,000 joined the Confederacy

but your point about the Mason Dixon line is a good one

regardless - I've never thought of myself as being Southern - and I'm sure that most of those near DC do not think of themselves as being Southern


.
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Quote: TigerWu

Maryland and Virginia are a weird gray area between "North" and "South," at least nowadays. I grew up in Virginia, and we considered ourselves to be "Southerners." A lot of people had a Southern accent, but a lot of people didn't. But I've known people who were from deeper in the South that considered Virginia to be a Northern state. It has a lot of elements of both Southern and Northern culture.
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Quote: ChumpChange

I've only been south of the Mason Dixon line maybe 3 times in my life, so I don't have a southern accent.

Quote: billryan

Delaware is in the same boat.
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Quote: odiousgambit

Quote: billryan

Delaware is in the same boat.
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there were 15 slave states, but only 13 stars in the Confederate flag. A good trivia question then is, what 2 slave states were not in the flag? People have a tough time naming Delaware even if you give them Maryland as one.
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Quote: lilredrooster

______________


the Battle of Antietam - also called the Battle of Sharpsburg - near Sharpsburg, Maryland

9/17/1862

it was the bloodiest day in American History - 22,717 dead, wounded or missing - the battle lasted less than 12 hours


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