IPad wifi

What do you mean you signed up for Wifi?

I had Cox Wifi added to my internet service so that I could use my IPad away from home.  Believe that changed my service to Internet Preferred.  Don't know how to make it clearer than that.  Thanks for responding.

Do you mean Cox came out and installed a wireless router for you?

What did you mean specifically when you said "Wondering if I need to be away from my home wifi for this to show up." When your trying to use your Ipad, are you in your home where they put the wireless router?

OK, let's see if I can make this clearer.  I have a wifi network (router) at home which I use there.  When I leave there, I have no internet connection for my IPad.  So Cox tells me today when I am at the Cox Solutions store that they have Cox WiFi that I could use for that purpose.  I asked them to sign me up for that and was given Internet Preferred.  However, I have yet to see the network show up on my IPad in Settings.  Do I need to take some kind of activation action to have my IPad recognize the network?  If this still mystifies you, then I give up!  Thanks for responding - sorry if I'm still confusing you.

No, I think I understand now. Thank you. Sorry that it took me a bit, it is just the first I have heard of such a service, and not something I thought they offered. I found this link giving more info though.

http://www.cox.com/ocpv/wifi/faq.asp

http://www.cox.com/ocpv/wifi/locations.asp?switch_url=&ap_mac=

Reading through it it appears that the service you bought was access to a select number of Wifi Hotspots (see the 2nd link above). Are you in or near any of those locations? If not, I do not think the service will accomplish what you want. I might have some ideas on what you do need though, but first we should probably wait on a Mod to confirm what I suspect.

Something fishy here - I'm in Manchester, CT as is the Cox Solutions store.  Do not understand why they would sign me up for this if only hotspot locations are in CA - makes no sense.  I was able to use the IPad at that store so they had wifi there, at least.  I didn't get the impression that this was something new they were doing.  Will wait to hear from you further.  Thanks again.

I believe you were sold something you can not use. It may be the person who sold it to you misunderstood what they were selling. But it is also possible it is available in your area, just not documented. Considering you cant see any wireless networks though, I don't think this is the case. I would try calling the number below and asking them. Or if a Mod could be so kind to give their input?

Cox WiFi Service toll-free support: 1-800-505-3717. 

Take a look at this:

http://ww2.cox.com/aboutus/connecticut/our-story/our-services/wifi-hotspot-map.cox?campcode=gntile_wifi_find_011313

Ahh, there we go. Thanks for the link. I guess its just not documented in the FAQ. So are in range of any of those locations? Keep in mind the typical range of Wifi-G (best case) is 150-300 feet.

Wow, that's a very narrow range.  Will try a bit of roaming tomorrow to see how that works out around here.  Thanks again for your input.

No problem. The range is just typical of most Wifi-G AP's. They might have special ones with greater range, or repeaters, or even have some kind of Mesh Network, it is hard to tell with the information at hand. Best way to tell is go to the places where you want Wifi, and if you don't see the Cox network, your likely not within range. Any information you learn would be much appreciated, since this is not entirely documented. Thanks.

Just wondering what sort of alternative you might have had in mind.  Thanks.

1. What model Ipad do you have? If you have one with 3G built in, you may just be able to activate it via your cellular provider.

2. If you have a Smart phone, and specifically a Iphone, you can use your phone as a Hotspot. Only newer phones will be able to do it though, and some providers may charge a extra fee to use it.

3. Buy a portable Hotspot. Some are free/cheap with a contract but all will have a monthly fee. I suggest call whom ever you have for cell phone if your interested in this and see what is the best for your situation. Here are some from the 3 most popular providers for example/comparison.

ATT

http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/devices/internetdevices.html?taxoStyle=MOBILE-HOTSPOTS

Sprint

http://shop.sprint.com/mysprint/shop/phone_wall.jsp?flow=&tabId=dt_mbc&filterString=style_mobilehotspot&isDeeplinked=true&INTNAV=ATG:HE:WiFiHotSpot

Verizon

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneOverviewByDevice&deviceCategoryId=13

Just to clear something up, because I didnt know about this myself until this thread and its something I might use, is there any difference cost wise between Cox Wifi and Cox CableWiFi? They seem to be different access points on the map.