Comments on: I love My MiFi!

By: Maggie

Maggie — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 01:42:06 +0000

I have great news for MiFi users who cannot connect to their VPN! I was trying to find a forum to specifically help a frustrated user like myself because I am sooo excited that I (not a techy) figured this out without the help of the trusted nerd community. I am hoping that by posting my solution here you (a techy) will find a place to post this.
After HOURS! on the phone with Verizon MULTIPLE times, and them shipping me a new device, I finally gave up and cancelled my 3G MiFi because my primary reason for having it was to log on to my VPN while traveling. Even the company IT support could not figure it a solution. I was able to get on te internet etc… but as soon as I would log in on the VPN, I would get knocked off and the MiFi would disconnect. I switched to a smart phone and ended up with the same problem…

Here was my solution (on a PC running Windows XP): I hope it works for others.
In your VPN server properties, click on Networking and choose TCP/IP protocol, then Properties, then Advanced and then check USE DEFAULT GATEWAY. If you have Vista, you probably have 2 TCP/IP options (version 4 and version 6) you will need to go through both independently to click on USE DEFAULT GATEWAY.

(When we set up our VPN, our IT support always told use to UNCHECK USE DEFAULT GATEWAY… I have no problems with Wifi in home or on the road with the change and can use my mobile hot spot now <3 )

If only I'd figured this out months ago … I WOULD HAVE LOVED MY MiFi

By: Jon Lowder

Jon Lowder — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:48:47 +0000

I did the same, especially for small vendors who were stretched just to be there in the first place. It’s a racket that hopefully will go away soon.

By: August Jackson

August Jackson — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:06:57 +0000

As I write this I am in a food court just outside the exhibit hall at SLA 2009 and connected via the MiFi. Everything is working smoothly. The SLA does offer free wifi at this conference (YES!) but I wanted to fire up the MiFi to check for you.

This is a good question because a lot of convention centers and exhibit halls are basically lead caves. I’ve been to a number of venues with poor signal, and this is kind of hit or miss. While Verizon Wireless tends to have the best coverage in the US this is no guarantee of wireless signal in many of these venues.

I absolutely agree with you on the pricing for Internet access on the exhibit floor. I was putting together an event a few years ago and on principal alone told exhibitors to buy wireless data cards because buying the hardware and several months of service was less than this particular hotel wanted to charge them for a few hours of Internet access.

By: Jon Lowder

Jon Lowder — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:46:08 +0000

Hey August,
I was in our local VZW store to upgrade my kids’ phones (serious hurt in the wallet, BTW), and saw the MiFi and remembered you lauding it via Twitter. If I was still traveling alot I’d definitely go for it. My question for you: did you get to use it at SCIP09 or SLA in their exhibit areas? If so how was the signal? I see this as a serious alternative to the criminal fees charged by venues for exhibitors’ internet access, especially since it seems to play well with VPNs which is a constant headache in exhibit setups.