Different wireless connections?

[Morrigan]

Do mobile devices (e-readers, tablets, smartphones etc) connect differently to wifi than a laptop or are they all the same?

[overyonder]

Originally Posted by Morrigan

Do mobile devices (e-readers, tablets, smartphones etc) connect differently to wifi than a laptop or are they all the same?

There are a few types of WiFi out there, namely Wireless-A, B, G, N. Additionally there are different levels of security (none, WPA, WPA2, others).

Beyond that, the software that runs to support the WiFi adapter can vary quite a bit in its functionality and the way it connects to the Internet.

What are you trying to find out?

OY

[CenTex]

If your wifi has security (WEP or WPA), you need to make sure your device is compatible with that security protocol. If it is, you need to enter you password on the device before you can connect. Otherwise, it works the same.

[Morrigan]

Thanks, all!

It's a public wifi (through my library, no password), and a laptop was connected but we couldn't connect with our phones or Kindle Fire.

Apparently it was something with a signal in part of the library being fine but not the section we're sitting at.

[GenYus234]

At various times, I've had a PS3, Android phone, netbook, and Nook connected to our WiFi.

[overyonder]

Also, some devices are not good at recognizing "captive" Internet: This is when it doesn't require a password, but needs you to click on a "Accept terms (etc)" button.

OY

[CenTex]

Originally Posted by overyonder

Also, some devices are not good at recognizing "captive" Internet: This is when it doesn't require a password, but needs you to click on a "Accept terms (etc)" button.

OY

That is a good point. If it connects, you may need to open a browser on the mobile device to click through, and sometimes it still does not work well.

[Troberg]

On paper, WiFi should work just nicely, regardless of how you mix and match. In practice, however, it's very often problematic.