Reboot to Connect to Free Wireless

[PowerEngineer]

I'm using my laptop at home (where I have a wireless Belkin hub using WEP) and on business trips where I tap into free wireless services at airports and hotels. I've noticed that I always have trouble connecting to the wireless service in the Portland airport.

On my first attempt, I check for the best network source and select it. I get the initial connection, but never make it to their web "terms and conditions" page. I see that I'm sending packets just fine, but do not receive any after the first handful. I've tried all sorts of things, including ejecting and reinserting the PCI wireless card (Microsoft MN-720) and/or restarting the wirless software and/or stopping and starting the connection. No luck.

The only think that seems to work is rebooting the laptop. I can then immediately get the "terms and conditions" page and get to work (or play). I was just talking to another fellow traveler who has the same problem.

What do you think the problem is?

(Sitting here in Gustav's on Concourse C after rebooting again )

 

[demon42]

Im not sure what exatly the problem is, but next time instead of rebooting try disabling/reenabling the network connection.
In my experience, that does the same as a restart.

 

[PowerEngineer]

Originally posted by: demon42
Im not sure what exatly the problem is, but next time instead of rebooting try disabling/reenabling the network connection.
In my experience, that does the same as a restart.

That's one of the things I've tried without success.

I should also mention that once I've connected sucessfully, I can shut down and reboot elsewhere in the airport and not have any problem reestablishing connection.

(now waiting at Gate B3...)