Public hotspot connect: is there a shortcut?

Question

Level 1

12 points

Public hotspot connect: is there a shortcut?

This often happens when I open my MacBook in a place with a public hotspot: a Wi-Fi network connection is established, but the login window from the hotspot's provider doesn't appear.

To solve this, I usually open Network Preferences, then choose Assist me, then Diagnostics.

In this panel, the control lights for Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Settings and Network Settings are green, but the lights for ISP, Internet and Server are red.

I then have to hit Continue a couple of times to confirm the default choices in the ""Choose network port configuration" and "Select Wi-Fi network" panel.

This usually forces the hotspot provider's login window to appear.

Rather tedious. Does anyone know of a terminal command or a system preset to speed up this proces?

MacBook Air (11-inch Late 2010), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Aug 14, 2013 3:24 AM

Reply

Answer 1

braden85

Community Specialist

Aug 16, 2013 9:22 AM in response to rkranendonk

Hi rkranendonk!

I have an article here that may be able to provide some helpful information for you:

AirPort and AirPort Extreme: Using Public Networks, or "Hot Spots" to Access the Internet

http://support.apple.com/kb/TA21385

The relevant information for this can be found here:

Joining a network provider's hot spot

To join a network provider's hot spot, you need to set up an account with that provider. The provider typically offers a way for you to sign up immediately, at the hot spot itself. The provider may add variations to this theme, but it goes something like this:

Choose the provider's network from the AirPort menu, just as you would choose your own AirPort Base Station.

Open a Web browser, such as Safari.

The provider automatically pushes a page to your browser, or you enter the address specified in writing at the hot spot.

The page offers you a form where existing account holders may log in, and it includes a link for new customers to set up an account.

If your experience differs, follow the instructions that you find at the hot spot.

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities. Have a good one!

-Braden

Reply