Mini-Usb to Ethernet?

lexluthor · #1 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 04:58 PM

I'm going to be flying Virigin Atlantic soon and I see that they are planning on putting Ethernet jacks at each site.

Is there any sort of adapter that would allow me to plug my Touch Pro into an Ethernet jack to gain internet access?

**Darkjedi** · #2 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 05:17 PM

unfortunately not, the USB doesn't support the ethernet protocol and I can't think of any program that can emulate it either. What you can do is hope that you sit next to someone who has a laptop and ask him to share it wirelessly.

lexluthor · #3 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 05:23 PM

I didn't think that would be easy.

Hmmm, since they do have power at each seat, I could bring some sort of wireless router I suppose.

It's probably not worth it and they probably wouldn't even allow it though.

You'd think that if they are going to put Ethernet jacks in the seats, they could just do wifi also, but I didn't see anything about wifi on their website.

**Darkjedi** · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexluthor

I didn't think that would be easy.

Hmmm, since they do have power at each seat, I could bring some sort of wireless router I suppose.

It's probably not worth it and they probably wouldn't even allow it though.

You'd think that if they are going to put Ethernet jacks in the seats, they could just do wifi also, but I didn't see anything about wifi on their website.

They are probably still iffy about broadcasting EM radiation inside a plane. They only just started allowing limited cell/text use on planes in Europe.

I wish they included AC power and ethernet when I flew Virgin a little while ago. Would've made the 6 hour trip a little better.

APOLAUF · #5 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 05:53 PM

The problem is simpler than that - the USB port simply doesn't operate as a host controller or root hub. It is a client interface only. If it DID support host interface mode, then yes, you could easily plug in a USB to ethernet controller, no problems. But, since it doesn't, it's not possible without changing the system board.

**schettj** · #6 (**permalink**) 02-11-2009, 09:29 PM

OMG please let me know which VA flight you are on, so I can avoid it

No radios on! Please! Lol, WIFI, yeah, what could possibly go wrong?

Anywhoo... take a laptop (hey, can you say netbook? http://www.amazon.com/Acer-Aspire-8-.../dp/B001BBS76Q) and plug *THAT* into the ethernet port. Then fire up activesync (or syncce under linux) and plug your TP in via USB to share the connection.

Wifi on a Plane. I'm sick of these MotherF***ing Wifis on this MotherF***ing plane.