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Q: What do you do when your internet connection in China gives out?
Besides go to Starbucks 
I just had a new internet connection installed to a new apartment, and it keeps giving out. I've been searching out technical answers, but am just wondering how everyone else is holding out.
10 years 28 weeks ago in Web & Technology - Other cities
It rarely happens. I have frequent disconnects that will disturb streaming or file downloads, but never longer periods of time without connection.
There used to be some unprotected wifi's in the hood but I see now they are all password protected, so I guess if it should fail there is no alternative than to talk to the wife and dog, nearest Starbucks is almost 5Km away, there is of course a small cafe down on the corner with free wifi (it's even unrestricted and one can Facebook from there) but it is a very slow connection and their coffee is so-so.
It's a China Telecom line, the building I live in is connected with fiber and there is a 5 floor "box" some clicks down the street which I believe is China Telecom's local main hub. Downstream I usually get about 10Mbps, upstream is tragically disappointing.
I also have internet trouble from time to time, so I carry a spare pre-paid 3/4G mobile router with me. Good in Mainland, HK, Macau, and Taiwan. It's paid for in 4 month chunks for 1500 HKD, with 20 GB of capacity. You can find something along this line. It's useful for long train/cab rides or just times when you feel like doing a little work in a green space.
Oh, I just wanted to add that you can download a packet reading tool for nearby wifi networks to crack passwords. I often leave a computer on at home at all times, you could do that. A few days worth of packets is enough to find the passwords you would need to always have a stable connection.
moparfan:
Great advice. And, I'm going home to change my wifi password.
I had this problem too and went to the place where I pay my internet bills (China Unicom internet). They then sent a guy to my house to check the problem and he eventually installed a new rooter. It was a big pain though because he was only available during work hours when I was also supposed to be working. Expect major disruption to your life when trying to get the simplest thing done here!
moparfan:
This is actually what happened. The internet guys made a record 3 return trips before they finally solved the problem. Our router was fine, something weird "behind the scenes"... there's a room outside our apartment designated as the "internet hub“, and the magic occurred there and out of sight.
I go to my 3G if my net fails, My samsung and give fast wifi to any computer. I can't say enough good things about smartphones and direct internet connection features and wifi sharing hot spots.
I use a laptops & PC's 85% less now due to Smartphones.
ironman510:
Is the phone from China? Maybe its a locked feature, but it shouldn't be.
But no, you dont need to Root your phone and you should not root your Phones unless its from China.
Just for to: Tethering and switch on wifiHotSpot
Panic and think why the world is so cruel, prepare myself for suicide and cry until the connection is back (which usually returns after 10 minutes...)
All kidding aside, I just watch some series I already downloaded or lie on my bed and read a book.
I knit, drink coco and watch a little light pornography.
