Telecom Free WiFi Hotspot issues

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Telecom Free WiFi Hotspot issues

coffeebaron

6304 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3566

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#129534 18-Sep-2013 21:09

I've been checking out a few Telecom free WiFi hotspots, but have struck a couple of issues.

1. Devices are not automatically reconnecting
2. I couldn't use a VPN (PPTP)

1>> When you first activate a device, it says "once you've completed this step, you'll be able to automatically connect from this device..." but each time you come back in range, you have to manually open a web page and click connect. This is not good, with more of these sites going in the chances of your device connecting is significant, thus the chance of no internet on your mobile device (because you have to manually connect) is common. Thus no emails etc etc coming in, because you happened to be in zone :(

2> In the FAQ it mentions, this is not a secure connection. Hmm, you'd think we'd be able to take precautions then by opening up a VPN?

Good thing its a free service for now.

Rural IT and Broadband support.

Broadband troubleshooting and master filter installs.
Starlink installer - one month free: https://www.starlink.com/?referral=RC-32845-88860-71
Wi-Fi and networking
Cel-Fi supply and installer - boost your mobile phone coverage legally

Need help in Auckland, Waikato or BoP? Click my email button, or email me direct: [my user name] at geekzonemail dot com

plambrechtsen

1948 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 459
Inactive user

#898030 18-Sep-2013 21:15

Why aren't you using ipsec or ssl vpn? PPTP isn't a vpn stack I would be recommending.

In regards to the reauth. I think changes are ahead. ;)

Inphinity

2780 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1184

#898032 18-Sep-2013 21:20

plambrechtsen:
PPTP isn't a vpn stack I would be recommending.

Sure it is, PPTP is certainly Very Poor Networking :P

coffeebaron

6304 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3566

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#898064 18-Sep-2013 22:04

plambrechtsen: Why aren't you using ipsec or ssl vpn? PPTP isn't a vpn stack I would be recommending.

To see if it works on Telecom WiFi of course :)

It's also a simple VPN to setup when there are very basic security requirements; i.e. instead of having port 3389 open for direct RDP.

Rural IT and Broadband support.

Need help in Auckland, Waikato or BoP? Click my email button, or email me direct: [my user name] at geekzonemail dot com

richms

29098 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10208

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#898097 18-Sep-2013 22:47

I keep getting authentication error in the wifi listing when trying to use the hotspots. Shouldnt be since there is not authentication on an open AP.

I am sure there must be an app to automate the clicking of the button on webpages like the login redirect. If I dont notice the thing popping up in the notification bar because I am in a fullscreen app or not paying attention I usually just blame lousy mobile data for it failing.

SSL worked, without openvpn support on stock android I havent really got anything to VPN into since that is all my seedbox provider offers and I have had no luck at all getting a VPN working to back home on the fritzbox.

Richard rich.ms

mixja

23 posts

Geek

#898140 19-Sep-2013 05:13

PPTP really is a "legacy" VPN technology with a couple of main issues why you shouldn't use it:

- It uses RC4 encryption (40-bit by default IIRC), which is considered very weak by modern standards (was OK 15 years ago)
- It often gets broken by NAT

The latter will likely be the reason why PPTP is not working on the Wifi.