navigate the hotel captive portal to avoid restrictions
navigate the hotel captive portal to avoid restrictions
Strictly speaking, the gadget linked to WiFi isn't necessarily the same one you log in with. In practice, connecting via a router and then linking your laptop to that router gives more options. It also provides a steadier link since routers generally have superior antennas compared to other devices. Just ensure DNS is sent directly to the upstream service instead of being stored locally on the router, to avoid confusion when the captive portal alters DNS. In the scenario described, you can switch between any device and move freely. You might need to use a device that allows login to the captive portal periodically, based on the provider's requirements. I've seen cases where the system never prompts for re-authentication if the router is configured to ping the internet, keeping the connection active. Keep in mind, though, you shouldn't repeatedly establish the WiFi connection; treat it as if you're connecting through your ISP and use the router in full NAT mode. If your free network supports 5GHz and your router offers dual-band 5GHz, that's perfect—you can still transmit on a different channel from the main signal. The best setup would be one running OpenWRT, which should handle this configuration smoothly. Also, remember that using a solid router lets you run a VPN on it for added protection across all connected devices.