Turn off WiFI?

boe · #1 (**permalink**) 06-20-2007, 11:40 PM

Hello,

I was driving through downtown today - the little switch on the side of my 6800 is set towards the antenna with the X. As I passed chinatown and a few other places - it detected their wifi networks.

I don't think I'll ever use wifi and I'd like to reduce any drain. Any tips or am I being rediculous?

**Pibe38** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-20-2007, 11:42 PM

It must have turned itself on, it should not detect wi-fi networks with the switch off unless the switch is defective. Test it out.

boe · #3 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007, 12:03 AM

THanks -
How do you suggest I test it out?

I'm no longer driving through downtown but it definitely said - detected CHinatown - something like do you want to enable for vpn? Also found bacon - I thought that was some sort of advertizing till I read the rest since that was the first pop of that type I've ever gotten.

Anyone else ever drive the 110 to the 10 near downtown Los Angeles?

**Pibe38** · #4 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007, 01:11 AM

Just leave the switch off and go near a wi-fi connection, if the device detects it then it's definately not working.

boe · #5 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007, 09:01 AM

Thanks - I can't explain why but it only seems to detect municipal hot spots - it doesn't detect your home variety wifis - are they different other than coverage area? E.g. Santa Monica hotspot, chinatown hotspot, and two others in the downtown area.

**Pibe38** · #6 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007, 11:37 AM

I'd really have no idea... I doubt it, wi-fi is wi-fi, regardless of it being a/b/g, or the location, or the provider.

The only thing is that you obviously won't pick up networks that hide their SSID, so those networks had to be broadcasting their SSID in order for a device to pick them up.

boe · #7 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007, 11:41 AM

Interesting - I can tell you this - if I turn on the switch, it picks up my home wifi but doesn't with it off but I confirmed my switch was off as I was driving by the first hotspot that caused a popup on my screen while I was driving. I got another as I drove past the next hotspot.

**Pibe38** · #8 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 03:33 AM

Well I can tell you that you are not crazy...

I ran Sprite Backup, and when it resetted the phone and started running the backup, a popup came up showing what wi-fi networks were available... including my home wireless network.

Funny thing is... the friggin' wi-fi switch was off!!! WTF?

UTSAFTW · #9 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pibe38

Well I can tell you that you are not crazy...

I ran Sprite Backup, and when it resetted the phone and started running the backup, a popup came up showing what wi-fi networks were available... including my home wireless network.

Funny thing is... the friggin' wi-fi switch was off!!! WTF?

Perhaps then the switch is software based? If so, then it may be possible for the phone to be put into a "locked" state a-la most (if not all) mp3 players.