Accessing free wifi http://columbiacity.wikidot.com/forum/t-256169/accessing-free-wifi Posts in the discussion thread "Accessing free wifi" Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:17:35 +0000 http://columbiacity.wikidot.com/forum/t-256169#post-848986 Re: Accessing free wifi http://columbiacity.wikidot.com/forum/t-256169/accessing-free-wifi#post-848986 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:35:50 +0000 davidkeyes The system was designed and intended only for business district coverage along Rainier Ave from Alaska to just south of Hudson, so you may just be out of the working coverage area. There are a few reasons there could be a "very poor signal." 1) You're just too far outside the intended coverage area, and you can see the signal with your laptop or other wifi enabled device, but the radio in your wifi device isn't strong enough to communicate back to the Seattlewifi radio (in essence still too far away), 2) There is blockage by trees, buildings, reflective windows or other obstruction (wifi technology is far from perfect, as we found out from this public pilot). Locating near a window could help, or getting an antenna booster could help, but not assured. These are available at stores, online or if so inclined, there are instructions at http://www.netscum.com/~clapp/wireless.html and http://www.seattlewireless.net/DirectionalYagi.
The wifi system is over 5 yrs old now, and the access points are old. The city has kept it going with no money to invest in replacement equipment. The design would be different if it was built or replaced, and if community coverage was the intent.

]]> http://columbiacity.wikidot.com/forum/t-256169#post-843360 Re: Accessing free wifi http://columbiacity.wikidot.com/forum/t-256169/accessing-free-wifi#post-843360 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:12:03 +0000 amy btw, it is a very poor wifi signal and is not very useful.

]]> http://columbiacity.wikidot.com/forum/t-256169#post-839581 Re: Accessing free wifi http://columbiacity.wikidot.com/forum/t-256169/accessing-free-wifi#post-839581 Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:56:46 +0000 DaveKeyes hi, Do you already know how to access wifi generally? It's somewhat different for Mac or PC, but here's a stab at explaining. Others may be able to pitch in. To test, you want to be as close to Rainier Ave as possible since that's where the antennas are and near the window in a place like Lotties, Geraldines, bookstore, laundromat, etc.
You want to open your wireless network menu, search for wireless networks. The city's Columbia City free wifi shows up as "seattlewifi" and it will show up as an unsecured network. Choose to connect to this network.
Then open your browser after it connects and try to go to a web page. A sign-in menu should come up.
You can call me at 291-4817 if you need additional talking through on this.

- david

]]> http://columbiacity.wikidot.com/forum/t-256169#post-839337 Accessing free wifi http://columbiacity.wikidot.com/forum/t-256169/accessing-free-wifi#post-839337 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:14:36 +0000 sandsnowdirt I have a new computer and would like to access the free wifi in CC, which should be possible based on my location. I am a bit technologically challenged; can anyone provide simple instructions on what I am supposed to do?

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