1 Solution
What is the point of the WiFi enabling feature on the DROID X ? It seems that there is an additional $20 / mo. charge for it.
Solved! Go to Correct Answer
A typical mobile device with Wi-Fi (Smartphone, Laptop) has a "wireless adapter".
In your home Wi-Fi network you have a "wireless access point (WAP) connected to your router/broadband link which provides a broadband link to your mobile devices.
The purpose of the Wi-Fi tethering in the DROID X is for:
* When your are not near a Wi-Fi network, but you have 3G access.
* Now your DROID X can become a WAP itself, (setting up your own mobile Wi-Fi network for up to 5 devices) to share the 3G broadband link.
* Now your laptop's Wireless Adapter can connect through the DROID X WAP and share the 3G broadband link.
In other words, the DROID X can "tether" it's 3G connection via Wi-Fi by acting as a WAP.
So I've been looking at the manual on this feature and I think I "get it" about the WiFi thing ... but I *do* have a follow-up question.
The thing that would REALLY be the thing I want most is the ability to connect my LAPTOP to the phone - tethering it so I can use my Laptop away from home.
This vs. the "hot spot" feature which apparently costs $20/mo. Is this possible? Are there APPS out there that allow me to do this? Thanks
I believe what you are talking about is the option to allow your Droid X to be a WiFi hotspot for up to 5 devices. According to the plan options/overview I got when I bought my phone it costs $20/month to do that.
In case this isnt obvious, its free for you to connect your phone to a free/ your home WiFi connection
Wifi = Free connection to your home wireless network and utilize Home/cafe internet on your phone instead of 3g.
Wifi Hotspot = Pay Feature where you can share your Phone's 3G internet to 1-5 other wireless devices such as a laptop.
Why would I want to use wifi, if the data plan is all inclusive? Is it a performance or a signal strength issue?
If I get spotty data signal in my house, are you saying I could throw it on my wifi router to maybe get better signal?
Thanks.
Todd-B wrote:Why would I want to use wifi, if the data plan is all inclusive? Is it a performance or a signal strength issue?
If I get spotty data signal in my house, are you saying I could throw it on my wifi router to maybe get better signal?
Thanks.
A decent wifi connection is ususlly slightly faster than the phones 3G. I said usually. If you have a weak wifi connection at your house but a strong 3G connection on your phone, my original statement may not hold true.
As I have come to understand this, WiFi "ANYTHING" is a $20/mo. charge... So even if I wish to use my local Router for Internet on the phone, I will be charged for this. Am I misunderstanding this again? Maybe it's just the "tethering" aspect of this that is the $20/mo.
thanks
As the users above have posted, connecting your phone to a WiFi connection is absolutely free. Using your phone as a 3G hotspot so other devices can connect to your phone and use WiFi will cost the of $20 a month.
These are two different things you are confusing.
If someone is not smart enough to understand WIFI i don't think they should be allowed to own a smart phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My god WIFI has been around like FOR EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@teon39,
I really don't like getting into flaming wars, but what you just said was quite assinine. You don't think I understand what Wifi is? Seriously? Could there possibly be abother explanation of my question?
Let's see ...
I'm a software developfor, with over 20 years experience. No, I'm not an Access developer. I've never seen the need for a phone with email, because ... you guessed it, I sit in front a computer for 8 hours a day!
So .. I finally decided to try something more modern and I'm blown away by how the the new phones blurr the lines of connectivity. I never even thought of some of these concepts.
My first impression was ... what the HELL would a cellular phone possibly need wifi for? I mean, it's a freaking PHONE FOR GOD's SAKE!
{please keep your posts courteous}
Todd - the reason for WiFi on the phone is to be able to connect to WiFi if you have a spotty/bad 3g signal. Otherwise you will have very slow downloads on a 1x signal. I have a couple of spots in my house where I turn on WiFi if I am looking to download something from the Market, or want to listen to the radio on the phone. Also WiFi is a LOT FASTER than 3g. So if you want to use the Blockbuster App to watch Movies on the phone, WiFi is a much better option than 3g
Cody - The software to tether your computer to your phone is available on Verizons site. It is called Desktop Connect, and yes, the tethering is $20/month service. To connect your laptop to the phone will be a slow connection through 3g. Unless you are mobile, it is not optimal in my opinion to tether your phone and computer. If you think that you will just connection your phone through WiFi and tether your computer to the phone that way to get more speed, you should just connect your computer to the WiFi and bypass the phone. Saves money that way.
A typical mobile device with Wi-Fi (Smartphone, Laptop) has a "wireless adapter".
In your home Wi-Fi network you have a "wireless access point (WAP) connected to your router/broadband link which provides a broadband link to your mobile devices.
The purpose of the Wi-Fi tethering in the DROID X is for:
* When your are not near a Wi-Fi network, but you have 3G access.
* Now your DROID X can become a WAP itself, (setting up your own mobile Wi-Fi network for up to 5 devices) to share the 3G broadband link.
* Now your laptop's Wireless Adapter can connect through the DROID X WAP and share the 3G broadband link.
In other words, the DROID X can "tether" it's 3G connection via Wi-Fi by acting as a WAP.
Can someone explain to me how to enable use of my Droid X as a Wifi Hotspot? Is it as simple as downloading an app directly to my phone through the Verizon website, or do I have to actually go to a Verizon retail location and get it set up? I don't see anything in the phone's settings that allows me to enable this feature.
Start a new topic or ask questions in the open forum.
