Image via pxhere, CC0 Public Domain
When staying in a hotel, a decent internet connection is becoming as important as a comfy bed these days.
There are so many reasons you might need to log on, from checking your work emails, to finding some entertainment for the evening.
However, many hotel rooms, and public places across the world, will have filters and blockers on certain websites, while you’ll also find geoblockers with sites such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
So, how do you get around this? After all, the likelihood is you are going to want to continue your boxset watching.
Here are our top tips for opening up the internet and having full access to what you need in your hotel room…
Use a VPN
VPN’s are an absolutely fantastic thing to use, especially when away from home. Ultimately, you don’t know who is around you, whether you’re in a coffee shop or relaxing in your hotel room in a busy city centre. A virtual proxy network gives you a more secure connection and allows you full access to content.
While a hotel room may block certain streaming sites or even adult entertainment pages, a VPN will open everything up. There are dozens of great VPNs out there and you’ll find many comparison sites to visit in order to choose the best for you.
Not only will you have full access to sites, you’ll also be able to get around geoblocking. So if you’re in a foreign country, you’ll still be able to watch US Netflix or the UK’s BBC iPlayer.
Find a site through their IP
Hotels and public spaces will generally block URLs, but still allow you to visit sites via their IP. It’s an oversight that is so common and it’s such an easy way to get around blocked sites. All you need to do to get an IP address is do a Command Prompt and enter ping [the domain] and hit enter. This will give you the IP address. Simply type that in and you could get access to prohibited sites.
Another way of finding an IP address is to visit this site, simply type in the domain and away you go.
Use a Proxy
Proxies are another way that are generally enjoyed by users to get around restricted access.
A proxy essentially hides the blocked site from the internet service provider and will allow you access to whatever you need. They’re really simple to get hold of and you can find some great proxy sites via a quick Google search. It’s one of the easiest ways to get access to whatever content you need in your hotel room and one of the most accessible routes to do so.
Why is PS5 not connecting to the hotel wifi?
The main issue that a PS5 has when trying to connect with a hotel wifi is that the console does not have a web browser to authenticate the user, which is the usual way that a hotel wifi will work. By following the below instructions, you should be able to connect your PS5 to hotel wifi through accessing the Users Guides.
How to connect PS5 to hotel wifi
If you are stuck in a hotel and want to connect your PS5 to the hotel wifi, use these following instructions to help you, as long as it is not against the rules or conditions of the hotel.
Step One: Use the in-built PS5 Authenticator
Go to the Settings, and open the Network tab. Find the Hotel WiFi settings. Depending on the hotel WiFi settings, this might work straight away, but mostly likely it will require an authenticator so will not work immediately.
Step Two: Go to the User Guide
From there, open up the User’s Guide, Health & Safety, and Other Information tab
Step Three: Open the User’s Guide
Step Four: Click Yes on the popup
The popup says “The security of the page can’t be confirmed. The certificate provided by the server is invalid. Do you want to display the page?”
Step Five: Enter the hotel WiFi login
You should see the hotel sign-in page, where you can enter the login authentication information. If entered correctly, you will see a green tick appear to indicate that the information is correct.
Step Six: Test the WiFi Connection
To do so, visit the Network tab and click on ‘Test Internet Connection’. It might be rather slow but ensure that the test finishes. Once complete, your PS5 should be connected to the hotel wifi!
As a seasoned technology expert with a deep understanding of networking and internet-related topics, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article. My extensive experience in the field allows me to elucidate the technical aspects involved in overcoming internet restrictions, especially in hotel environments.
The article addresses the challenge of accessing unrestricted internet in hotel rooms, recognizing the importance of a reliable internet connection for various purposes such as work and entertainment. Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered:
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VPN (Virtual Private Network):
- A VPN is highlighted as a crucial tool for secure internet access away from home.
- It is mentioned as providing a more secure connection, ensuring full access to content even when faced with filters or geoblocking.
- The recommendation to choose a suitable VPN from numerous options and comparison sites emphasizes the importance of selecting the right service for individual needs.
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IP Address Bypass:
- The article suggests that hotels and public spaces often block websites by URL but may overlook blocking access via IP addresses.
- By obtaining the IP address of a restricted site through a Command Prompt or using online tools, users can potentially bypass website blocks.
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Proxy Servers:
- Proxies are presented as another effective means of circumventing restricted access.
- The article explains that proxies hide blocked sites from internet service providers, allowing users to access content without constraints.
- The simplicity of finding proxy sites through a quick Google search is highlighted, making proxies an accessible option for users.
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PS5 and Hotel Wi-Fi Connection:
- The article addresses a specific issue related to connecting a PS5 to hotel Wi-Fi, explaining that the console lacks a web browser for user authentication.
- Step-by-step instructions are provided for connecting a PS5 to hotel Wi-Fi, involving the use of the PS5 Authenticator and accessing the User's Guide to input login authentication information.
In conclusion, the article not only identifies common challenges faced by travelers in terms of internet access but also provides practical solutions, leveraging technologies such as VPNs, IP address bypass, and proxy servers. The inclusion of specific instructions for connecting a PS5 to hotel Wi-Fi demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in overcoming internet restrictions in diverse scenarios.
