For people who travel a lot, a reliable internet connection is a necessity. We all need an internet connection when we are away from home, to work, have fun and stay in contact with our family and friends.
Most modern hotels have an internet connection available, wired or wireless, free or at a cost. But the quality of the Wi-Fi connection depends on several factors, like how many people are using it at the moment or your room position.
Some hotels limit the number of devices connected to the Wi-Fi network in one room. If you have a travel router with you, most of these problems can be fixed. So, can a travel router connect to hotel Wi-Fi?
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What Is a Travel Router?
A travel router is the more compact and practical version of your home router, designed to be portable and easy to carry and install. It is a very useful gadget for those who travel often. It works as a Wi-Fi extender because you connect it to the network instead of your device.
TP-Link Travel Router Review
It is also useful for hotels that only offer wired internet; it allows you to create your private wireless network. Travel routers can also provide a certain level of privacy protection for all your smart devices.
The way it works is that you use it to connect to a network. It can be a public network, or in this case a hotel network. You’re still connected to your router, but the router is getting internet access from another one.
What Types of Travel Routers Exist?
There are three types of travel routers on the market right now. Let’s check existing options together, so you can choose the travel router that suits your needs:
- Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi routers: These routers connect wirelessly to other routers in the hotel. However, you need to set up a connection between them using a cable first. Once you do this, they can work wirelessly, and you’ll have internet access.
- Wireless router and access point: This type of router is more compatible and usually has a rechargeable battery with USB charging. You will need a laptop to set up a wireless network.
- Touchscreen router and access point: If you don’t need to carry a laptop with you, a touchscreen router could be the right choice for you. They have a built-in touchscreen, so you can set up a network connection directly on the router.
A big factor contributing to the quality of your Wi-Fi signal is the antenna on the travel router. External antennas can usually broadcast stronger Wi-Fi signals. Routers with internal antennas are more compact but have a weaker signal.
Why Use a Travel Router?
A travel router will simplify connecting multiple devices to the hotel Wi-Fi network, especially if you travel often. All your smart devices, if they once connected to the travel router, will connect automatically the next time you turn it on.
If your hotel room only has wired internet access, you can connect the travel router to an internet source with an Ethernet cable, to set up the private wireless network. Travel routers also amplify Wi-Fi signals, so they can be used as Wi-Fi extenders.
If you own a battery-powered travel router, once it’s connected to a hotel Wi-Fi network, you can carry it with you, providing a stronger Wi-Fi signal for your devices. Some hotels limit the number of devices connected, so a travel router helps you avoid these limitations.
Recommended reading:
- How to Split My Wi-Fi Connection? (5 Easy Methods)
- Why Is My Wi-Fi Always Looking For Networks? (Wi-Fi Connection Troubleshooting)
- How to Tell If a Wi-Fi Network is Monitored? (Signs a Wi-Fi Network Is Monitored)
Only your travel router is connected to the hotel Wi-Fi – all your other devices are connected to the router. Travel routers also isolate your devices from any outside attacks, so no one can get access to your smart devices.
Travel routers can give you another layer of protection. Most of them will create VPN (Virtual Private Network), so no one can see your browsing history or your current web browsing. All your devices will be anonymous.
How to Connect Travel Router to Hotel Wi-Fi?
Connecting your travel router to a hotel Wi-Fi is not complicated, and can provide multiple benefits. Depending on the travel router type you own, you might need a laptop and an Ethernet cable to connect the router.
The Ethernet cable should be plugged into the Ethernet port in your hotel room. Some of these routers don’t have batteries, so you might need to plug them into the electric outlet.
Beryl Travel Router Setup
You need to open the router login page on your laptop. Create a distinctive SSID and strong password. All other options should stay on default. Follow the rest of the setup instructions and click Finish.
Connect your smart devices to your router’s Wi-Fi network, not the hotel’s network. If your travel router has a USB charger, you can easily connect it to your laptop, and you’re all set. No need to worry about the battery.
If you have a touchscreen travel router, turn it on and scan for the hotel Wi-Fi network. Enter the password provided by the hotel staff and connect the router. Create your wireless network. Change the SSID and create a strong password. Finish the setup and connect your smart devices to the new wireless network.
It’s recommended to reboot your travel router after leaving the hotel or staying in another one, so you can configure it before connecting it to the new network. That way, hotel Wi-Fi will register your router as the only device you are connecting to a Wi-Fi network.
Conclusion
Can a travel router connect to hotel Wi-Fi? Yes, a travel router can simplify the process and solve problems that may occur while you are connected. First, if your hotel limits the number of connections per room, you can override this limitation.
Second, all your devices are protected from cyber attacks, since they are invisible to other devices connected to the same network. Travel routers isolate your devices by creating a private wireless network, protected with a password, just for you.
Hey, I’m Jeremy Clifford. I hold a bachelor’s degree in information systems, and I’m a certified network specialist. I worked for several internet providers in LA, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Seattle over the past 21 years.
I worked as a customer service operator, field technician, network engineer, and network specialist. During my career in networking, I’ve come across numerous modems, gateways, routers, and other networking hardware. I’ve installed network equipment, fixed it, designed and administrated networks, etc.
Networking is my passion, and I’m eager to share everything I know with you. On this website, you can read my modem and router reviews, as well as various how-to guides designed to help you solve your network problems. I want to liberate you from the fear that most users feel when they have to deal with modem and router settings.
My favorite free-time activities are gaming, movie-watching, and cooking. I also enjoy fishing, although I’m not good at it. What I’m good at is annoying David when we are fishing together. Apparently, you’re not supposed to talk or laugh while fishing – it scares the fishes.