Unsecured wifi networks

Question

hi. While I have no problems accessing secure networks, whenever I find an unsecured network I join it but then cannot access websites as it says I cannot connect to the server. Is there a reason for this? Are iPod touch's not meant to access unsecured networks? All help appreciated

Answer 1

A A P L wrote:
Two different problems.
I've had people ask why they can't use SB's network because it's not got a "lock" on it.
It is controlled, but no "open"
Scott
These WiFi networks operated what's known as a "walled garden". You get an Internet connection, but it's restricted to a special homepage from which you can only set up a login account. This allows them to charge for your Internet access (and, im my experience, it tends to be expensive). Because they're already restricting your access in this way, and they aren't bothered whether your traffic is encrypted, they don't tend to bother with WEP/WPA/WPA2.
Another kind is the WiFi network that does not use encryption (and therefore appears 'unlocked'), but does restrict on MAC Address - the equivalent of a nightclub doorman. Again, you won't be prompted for a passphrase, but you still won't get an Internet connection unless you find out the MAC addresses from the list and manage to convince the router that you're 'on the list'.
As a side note: I actually wish my iPod touch didn't prefer (and automatically connect to) these random unsecured networks instead of my own router that has a much stronger signal (as I am sitting about 3 metres away from it!).