Can I use my wireless router to connect to a wifi hotspot?

[rajorx]

I have a PC and a wireless router, I do not have a wifi card on my PC.Can I connect to a wifi hotspot using my wireless router. In other words can I configure my wireless router to work a wireless access point.

 

[Davie]

No, a router cannot be used to connect to a hotspot. Its a long story by a wireless router is in fact a form of wireless access point. A computer that has a wifi card can connect to an access point, be it a wifi router or the wifi hotspot at some store or airport. You cant use one access point to connect with another access point.

 

[TracyL]

There are very very few routers that have that ability. Some routers will allow the wireless to be setup as a "Client" or a "Repeater" but they are limited to very specific models from just a very few manufacturers.You CAN add different firmware to some routers that will allow them to be used as "client bridges" which is what you want to do to connect to a hot spot. (There are devices made specifically for this by the way.. they are called "bridges".)If you have a compatible router you can add DD-WRT, Tomato, OpenWRT firmware. These have the ability to set your router into the correct configuration to use as a bridge. All of them print a list of compatible routers.http://dd-wrt.com/dd-wrtv3/dd-wrt/hardware.htmlhttp://www.polarcloud.com/tomatohttp://openwrt.org/If your router is a Linksys WRT54, WRTxxx etc, a Buffalo unit, or one on the list.. then add the firmware, switch to "Client Mode" and connect. Do note that unless the HotSpot is a PUBLIC FREE USE one (without restrictions) you may be violating the laws in most countries. People have been arrested for using Hot Spots for "Clients" of the companies running them when they are not indeed a client.http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9722006-7.htmlhttp://www.sptimes.com/2005/07/04/State/Wi_Fi_cloaks_a_new_br.shtmlOther locations in which this has happened include the UK, Hong Kong, Canada, Florida, etc. So be sure you HAVE PERMISSION to use that "Hot Spot"!!!!!!

 

[Rainyday]

How to set up your wireless connectionNowadays, a modern notebook is built with a wireless modem that has a wireless power system and an activation button found on the keyboard. This button will allow your laptop to connect or disconnect with your wireless modem. If you do not have your user manual to be able to identify this key, here is what you can do: For Acer usersFor Aspire 16xx users: use the satellite-like button For Aspire 3005 users: found on the lower right-hand side of your laptop For Aspire 5612 users: a sliding button found on the side of the laptop For Aspire 9302 usesr: the blue-like button on the left-hand side of the laptop For Aspire 94xx users: the key found below the Lock keyFor Asus usersPress the F2 key and FN key at the same time For DELL users Press the FN and F2 keys together For Compaq users Press and hold the antenna-button on the upper section of your keyboardFor Fujitsu SiemensYou can either use the sliding “Wireless” button on the right-hand side of the laptop or use the Fn and F2 keys at the same time. Some models have the ON/OFF wireless button just below the touchpad.