If you have wireless network capabilities in your laptop or handheld computer, bring it along to the NGS conference this week. You should be able to check your e-mail and even surf the web while in the Exhibitors' Hall. This free service will be provided by Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter.
This wireless service will not use the network provided by the convention center. If everything works as I have planned, I will be able to provide open Internet access to newsletter subscribers from within the Exhibitors' Hall, and you can use it to check your home e-mail at no charge. All you will need is a handheld or laptop computer that includes "Wi-Fi" wireless connectivity.
To access this wireless network, stop by Booth 809 and see me. I will give you the details on how to connect.
There are several caveats, however:
- All of this depends upon wireless connections in a place where there is no possibility of testing in advance. While everything should work, there is no guarantee. The hardware has already been tested in several other locations and has always worked reliably. However, there is always the possibility of being in a "wireless dead spot" in Rosemont or the possibility of some critical piece of equipment failing at an inopportune time.
- I will ask you to limit your usage by using common sense. Please keep in mind that the network is wireless, so it will be slower than a T1 line. In addition, you will be sharing it with me and with other convention attendees. Feel free to check your e-mail and look at a few web pages. However, please do not use this shared resource to download large files or otherwise use more than your "fair share" of network time. Please consider your fellow conference attendees who also wish to use the wireless network.
- Exhibitors are asked to not use the wireless network in their booths for product demonstrations or other "customer-facing" uses.
- I assume that you already know how to configure and use wireless connectivity in your own computer. The parameters I give you will work for me and for others. If they do not work for you, please be aware that I will not have time to set up or to troubleshoot your computer. I suggest you first test your computer's wireless connectivity BEFORE traveling to the conference so that you will know in advance how it works.
- The EOGN wireless network is available free of charge. However, if it becomes saturated, I may turn it off or change the encryption key without notice.
- The EOGN wireless network is not sponsored by or sanctioned by the National Genealogical Society or the other sponsoring organizations in any way. If it does not work, please do not complain to them! This is strictly my own personal project; so, stop by Booth 809 and complain to me! (smile)
Again, this wireless access does not use the network connectivity provided by the convention center in any way. The hardware used is rather unique and probably is not available in your local computer store. Stop by Booth 809 and I'll show you how it works. I may also write about "how to set up portable wireless networks" in a future Plus Edition article.
I hope you enjoy the free wireless access provided by this newsletter. Your Plus Edition subscription dollars were used to purchase the required hardware. In effect, your subscription dollars are being used to provide another service to you.
- Dick Eastman
UPDATE: I have checked in at the convention hotel and am using the new shared wireless connection right now. It seems to be working well from my hotel room. Let's hope it works as well from the convention center next door!
