Topic: Why Doesn't the DS Connect w/ Hotspots!?

I'm assuming you know what I mean by hotspots. ;P (The internet one)

Some hotspots may block certain devices

Yeah, some people can lock their internet access from other devices. For example, I can view about 5 different access points, but I can only connect to mine because it is unlocked.

Yeah but the hotspots at like coffee shops never connect with the DS, even though its unlocked. Does anyone know any public hotspot places where you CAN connect with the DS?

I haven't been able to get my Lite online in a while; I've tried it at Barnes & Noble, Burger King and even at McDonald's where it used to work and no go. Free Wi-Fi my artichoke...

Ha! That's exactly how I feel!

It is free wi-fi, for computers

I can connect at the mall, Mcdonalds (but only for my DSi browser for some reason) office buildings, and other such places. I don't have much of a problem with it, but my town is filled with old people, so every hotspot looks like "linksys" or "belkin" and there are no passwords

I find that offensive!

I've stopped outside my local public library and connected up without issues on my DSi LL.

There's a chain of hotels in the UK that are supposed to have free Wi-Fi, but I've tried 3 of them and have never been able to connect. It's annoying because I'd like to take advantage of it as well. Our internet connect at home is set to WPA so I can't access any of the game cartridge internet connecting features (like I'd love to be able to upload my Walk With Me data, but I can't access it at home.) I can only access using WPA encryption on DSiWare games.

@Sean Aaron - I'll have to try my local library. Maybe that one would work for me. Have you tried accessing at Starbucks? Some of them are supposed to have free access, but I've not tried yet.

I think it could depend upon the hardware being used. Some wi-fi hotspots use a browser interface which wouldn't apply here, so it might be as simple as not being compatible with anything other than a PC!

I've only ever tried my library as a lark, not to do anything seriously. Normally I keep my Wi-Fi switched off to conserve the battery and have only connected to access the Shop and download games, because I'm unwilling to run WEP on my router or my Airport network.

I just find out all of the WEP keys.

i tried mine at a panera bread, cosi and mcdonalds and they didnt work, only cosi's! but i know they have a train here in the US that has free wi fi... i wanna go on there and try it out. prob like 100 a person though...

Local libraries usually are hotspots and if its anything like my local library, you need a card and can only connect through the browser. As for café's and coffee houses you might want to consult the persion at the register.

@Metroid_fan McDonalds WiFi is free depending on the location and mostly you can only log on through your browser....

@Victoria Most of the hotels you need to buy a room to benefit from the "free" WiFi...

oh yes, I was staying in the rooms when I was trying to get onto the free wi-fi, but we could just never log into it. My husband is an IT technician, so it's not like he didn't know what he was doing. It could just be that internet access at the chain of hotels I've stayed at somehow didn't work, or didn't work with the DS. I wish I knew because I'd like to get online when I'm away from home, and don't usually lug my laptop around when I'm only away for a few nights.

Next time you stay at a hotel, you might want to go to the front desk or write a letter.

Well, on my first DS I used to be able to be able to get on the GTS in Pokemon Pearl without hassle, but I've yet to be able to do it on my second one (both Lites). I guess McDonald's changed the configuration of their Wi-Fi, or something; either way, it sucks...

Borrow from your neighbors... Like me!

I don't know if this helps, but I (possibly mistakenly) remember that when the DS came out that it connected via 802.11b. I'm assuming that my DSi has newer wireless tech in it and although it doesn't have any problems connecting via DSi Shop or in DSiWare games, like many others, I'm having problems with cart games going online. So, for cart games might still need 802.11b or mixed setting to work, maybe you should edit your settings on your router and try, it couldn't hurt and you can always switch it back. Kinda works for me, I think, I've been able to update Personal Trainer: Walking for the first time in months and its on and off in DIY, so its still a little wonky at times, though it might have to do with other settings on my router.