If you’re an avid Wi-Fi hotspot user, or roam between multiple wireless networks, you might want to consider using Easy WiFi to simplify the process. Offered by Devicescape, Easy WiFi makes it easier to connect to and use multiple public and private Wi-Fi networks.
Once you input login credentials for Wi-Fi hotspot providers, the client application will automatically connect to the networks when in range and enter the credentials for you. You don’t have to keep entering the username and password to use the hotspot. Easy WiFi also supports private networks. You can input the network name and security settings for other networks you use. Easy WiFi will automatically connect to those networks as well.
The best part of the Easy WiFi solution is that you enter the hotspot credentials and private network details in your account on its site. The data is stored on is central server. Therefore, all your computers and mobile devices are automatically configured with all your networks.
The Easy WiFi solution supports many of the popular devices and platforms:
- Windows
- Mac OS X
- iPhone & iPod touch
- Android
- Windows Mobile
- Nokia S60 Phones
In addition to acting as your global Wi-Fi connection manager, Easy WiFi offers a directory of hotspots. It actually automatically connects you to those it detects. Additionally, you can search its hotspot map for locations where you can get wireless Internet. On some devices, this map is built into the Easy WiFi client application, whereas on others you’ll just have to browse the map on the site.
Sign Up for an Account and Add Networks
First, you should sign up for an account on their website. Then while you’re on your account, you can add your hotspot and private networks. To get started, select the My WiFi Networks link and click the add a network button under the hotspot or private network lists.
One important note to keep in mind: if adding an open hotspot that does not require a username and password, treat it as a private network.
When adding a hotspot account, you can search for the name of the hotspot network or leave the search field blank to browse all the supported hotspot providers. Once selected, you’ll be prompted to enter the login credentials, such as a username and password, you already have established with the hotspot provider.
If the hotspot network is not listed in their directory, it is not currently configured with their service. If you have a free moment, you can actually help them add the location or provider to their database, or let someone from the network know.
When adding a private network, you’ll give it a name and enter its SSID (network name) and security settings. Networks using WEP or WPA–PSK (Personal) encryption are supported, as well as open or unencrypted networks. However, WPA-Enterprise connections with 802.1X WPA2 networks aren’t supported, and WPA2 networks aren’t at all.
Download the Easy WiFi Client and Register Devices
For all the magic to happen, you must install and register the Easy WiFi client program on your devices.
For the iPhone & iPod touch, use the iTunes App Store. On Nokia S60 or Windows Mobile phones, go to my.devicescape.com and select the download button and follow the instructions. For Android phones, you can get Easy WiFi directly from searching the Android Marketplace on your phone.
On Windows or Mac OS X, you can download the client from the Easy WiFi Download page.
After you have the client installed, you must register the device with the Easy WiFi service.
To register a Windows computer, open the Easy WiFi program and click the Signup to add more Wi-Fi link on the main window. This will take you to an Easy WiFi sign-up/login page. If you already created an account like recommended earlier, you want to login with your username and password using the form on the top of the page. After you login, it should say it has added the device and it will be listed on the My Devices page.
For help on setting up your mobile devices, refer to their manuals:
Let It Do Its Magic
Now that everything is configured, sit back and let Easy WiFi do its magic. When you’re within range of a hotspot or private network you added or an Easy WiFi location, it should automatically connect to it when you aren’t connected to any other network. However, remember some devices and operating systems don’t support all the features.
Eric Geier is the Founder and CEO of NoWiresSecurity, which helps businesses easily protect their Wi-Fi with enterprise-level encryption by offering an outsourced RADIUS/802.1X authentication service. He is also the author of many networking and computing books, for brands such as For Dummies and Cisco Press.
