Finding Wi-Fi on the Road

endlesstravel wrote:
I'm on the road full time and staying connected for work and life is important to me. I don't pay for wi-fi. I find hot spots that are strong enough that I can use in my camper from the parking lot. I would love to hear other people's techniques for finding wifi.
Here are my usual spots:
Starbucks: Usually the strongest signal of all the places listed.
McDonalds
Corner Bakery Cafes
Denny’s
Dunkin’ Donuts
FedEx: Strong Signal
Whole Foods
Office Depot
Panera: Strong Signal
Caribou Coffee
Tim Hortons
Coffee Bean
Tea Leaf
Public libraries: Occasionally will need a passcode, that you can get at the front desk.
Hotels and Motels
RV Campgrounds
Book Stores...yes they still exist
Large truck stops: Flying J, Love’s, Pilot, and TA
Websites to help you find locations:
AnchorFree:Only shows free wi-fi hotspots.
JWire’s Wi-Fi Hotspot Shows you paid and free
Google Maps: Go to the “Find Businesses” tab under the search box. Enter “wifi hotspot” in the first box and the address in the next box. It will show you an extensive list of paid and free Wi-Fi hotspots.
Wi-Fi Boosters for Your Laptop
Wi-Fi adapter for your laptop that will help your computer find stronger signals. For a even stronger boost you can get a Wi-Fi antenna that you keep in your camper window.
Also, a great resource I like for Finding Free Wi-Fi on the Road finding free wi-fi

:R

THIS POST is the reason as to why you should always HIDE your WiFi SSid and or set the encryption codes from default.

I personally find "free WiFi" to be unreliable (dropped connections and variable connection speeds due to poor signal strength) and not worth chasing it as a real viable on the road means to get Internet.

If the campground "offers" WiFi for "free" I will use it, but it never is as good as my home DSL connection and just basically serves the purpose of checking emails. But as for surfing leaves a lot to be desired.