Connecting EVERYTHING in my apartment through Optimum HotSpot

[SnoBro]

Ok so basically I live near an Optimum hotspot in Northern NJ. My parents have an Optimum account which allows me to get internet for free from my apartment.

All my T.V.'s (TCL 65" & TCL 40") are smart and connect through the hot spot with no issues.

Roomba, Kangaroo Doorbell (similar to Ring), the Roku remote from my iPhone, and an Amazon Alexa (which I gave away) will not connect to this hotspot.

I bought a TP-Link (TL-WR940N) Router thinking I could simply use the router as a "repeater" and connect everything through there since the issue seems to be that the devices can't be found on the public network.

What/How can I connect everything together without actually buying another plan?

I appreciate anyone's advice in advance.

[deanwebb]

Ah yes, the old question...

The answer we MUST first give is that we will not talk about getting around the law. We have members of the forums here with security clearances that need to maintain them, so we can not and we will not discuss illegal activity. There are other ethical reasons not to do so, but that's a very practical and direct consideration that doesn't have any room for a "just this once" argument.

Having said that, you are using your parents' account for access. You might check to see if there's a family access plan possibility. That's how I run my cell phone access: my whole family is all on the same plan, for access anywhere.

Looking at the access that works and the access that doesn't work, there really shouldn't be a difference between the two, unless the TVs are connecting via bluetooth or something like that and the other devices are looking for a standard wifi connection.

[SnoBro]

In no way what I am asking for is against the law. I have a paid Optimum Subscription that allows up to 50 devices connected to it. How is connecting to their Hot Spot in my apartment against the law?

Please enlighten me since you seem to be the "Guru" around here...and save all the "fluff"


Thanks.

[SnoBro]

Ok so basically I live near an Optimum hotspot in Northern NJ. I have an Optimum account at my house, but my apartment is near an Optimum Hotspot which allows me to get internet for free from my apartment.

All my T.V.'s (TCL 65" & TCL 40") are smart and connect through WiFi through the hot spot with no issues.

Roomba, Kangaroo Doorbell (similar to Ring), the Roku remote from my iPhone, and an Amazon Alexa (which I gave away) will not connect to this hotspot.

ROUTER ISSUE
I bought a TP-Link (TL-WR940N) Router thinking I could simply use the router as a "repeater" and connect everything through there since the issue seems to be that the devices can't be found on the public network.

What/How can I connect everything together without actually buying my own plan?

I appreciate anyone's advice in advance.

[deanwebb]

In no way what I am asking for is against the law. I have a paid Optimum Subscription that allows up to 50 devices connected to it. How is connecting to their Hot Spot in my apartment against the law?

Please enlighten me since you seem to be the "Guru" around here...and save all the "fluff"


Thanks.

Cool your jets, nobody said that this is illegal. We've dealt with requests about getting access through other accounts in the past and we want to be certain about the ground rules going forward.

At the same time, there are things that, while not illegal, might contravene terms of service, so we have to keep those in mind. Go back to the TVs vs the other devices - how do they connect to the hotspot?

Also, your first post said that you live near a hotspot. Now you say it's a hotspot they own in your apartment. Those are two different things. Or possibly not, if the terms of service for Optimum have a geolocation clause in them.

[deanwebb]

Also, merged the duplicate topic posted in R&S.

***

Checking the Optimum support pages, there's nothing in them that limits access: they have hotspots everywhere and seem eager and ready to connect up all your devices, so we're good there.

https://www.optimum.net/pages/internet/hotspots/faq.html - you may need to register the device's MAC address before using. Also a possible issue with signal strength: how many bars do the other devices show when connecting to the Optimum network?

[SnoBro]

And again more fluff...

Your clearly didn't read my initial question. If you don't know the answer it's ok, just don't reply.

[icecream-guy]

And again more fluff...

Your clearly didn't read my initial question. If you don't know the answer it's ok, just don't reply.

don't get no attitude, dude runs this place, he is just covering his A44.  pissing him off is just a quick way to get banned.
if you don't like his comments, just stick around and maybe someone else will chime in,  personally I have not experience with Optimum
just offering advice from another NF board admin.

Are your devices getting IP's from your DHCP Server?  what is the offered DHCP range?  is the router routing ? or is it a pass-thru device? have you configured NAT? can you post network diagram? this will help with visual picture.

[deanwebb]

And again more fluff...

Your clearly didn't read my initial question. If you don't know the answer it's ok, just don't reply.

Dude, the link has step-by-step instructions for you to try. If you're not going to do them, and if you're not going to give us the additional information we're asking for, then you're not getting anywhere fast.

And, yes, I do pay the bills for hosting the forums here. You're standing on my digital lawn, buddy. A little respect goes a long way when you ask for free help.

[config t]