|
[Date Prev] [Date Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Date Index] [Thread Index]
|
Re: [PLUG] Verizon business installs of WiFi AP's
|
I've seen a lot of Verizon techs, and I have to say that some of them
are of the "I'm not paid enough to care" variety, and others actually
want to help you. In addition to the possible unhelpfulness of the
tech, it may be that Verizon's official policy is to not change the
SSID unless the customer specifically asks, probably because techs are
at high risk of choosing something the customer doesn't want, and
asking the customer takes technician time that Verizon doesn't think is
worth the slight increase in customer satisfaction.
You say the management is clueless, but I've found there are several
different kinds of clueless: the "would you please help me" kind of
clueless and the "I don't know how this works so don't touch it you
might break something" kind of clueless. If they are the latter, tough
luck, live with it. It also depends on how approachable the management
is--probably best if the management is also the owners. If the they
are approachable and likely to accept help, then offer your help for
free if it's worth your time.
Depending on who they want using the wireless (free-for-all? customers
only?) it might help if you explained how bad WEP is, either (if they
want it open) because users have to type in a 104-bit hex key, or (if
they want it secured) because it provides practically no security
whatsoever. Bringing up the issue of branding wouldn't hurt
either--connecting to a WAP named after the coffee shop (and possibly
using a branded WPA key) makes people remember "this shop has
wireless", whereas typing in a long inscrutable series of random
numbers and letters to connect to a similarly random access point makes
people stressed, especially if they mistype it.
Incidentally, the admin password for the router might just be printed
on it, or it might just be the default for that model (their
residential models are made by Westell, not sure about their business
equip).
If they're really nice and ok with you fiddling with their network, and
you make them happy, you might get some free coffee or something out of
the deal. So good luck!
--Gordon
Lee Marzke wrote:
FYI, I'm in a local hotspot that Verizon just installed in the last
week or so.
Bones Grill in Kulpsville, PA Googlemap: http://tinyurl.com/mvyoqj
which has great food, btw, and 25c wings Tuesdays.
The SSID is: 9FEF5 128Bit WEP ( using HEX key )
Are the Verizon guys just clueless ? Why wouldn't they at least change
the SSID
to something like BonesGrille Kulpsville The local management is,
of course, completely
clueless about WiFi.
This is a pain, as the Ubuntu network manager doesn't have a
description entry for
each saved WiFi AP ( So I guess I'll have to track them manually )
Lee
___________________________________________________________________________
Philadelphia Linux Users Group -- http://www.phillylinux.org
Announcements - http://lists.phillylinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-announce
General Discussion -- http://lists.phillylinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
|
___________________________________________________________________________
Philadelphia Linux Users Group -- http://www.phillylinux.org
Announcements - http://lists.phillylinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-announce
General Discussion -- http://lists.phillylinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug
|
|