WiFi & Waiting for Region Handshake

I have read all about not using SecondLife over WiFi. Problem is I am at a location where that is the only Internet access available. The speed is excellent and poses no problems to any other Internet applicaions.

The Linden solution is simply to go to wired access. Well, right now that isn't possible for me. As a paying customer, I would think a better answer could be provided.

Perhaps I haven't been able to find the help file with a workaround for the problem (other than going wired). If so, please point me to it and I will follow the instructions

Whenever I see someone with problem with their network and its connections to SL, my first question is always, 'are you using WiFi?'. Because WiFi can be unstable/unreliable, the first line of troubleshooting is to eliminate the wireless nature of the connection from the problem. THEN pursue other possible causes.

Personally, I've reverted to an all wired network for SL.
BUT: If you have no choice other than WiFI:

1. WiFi has its very own unique conveniences and problems. They are NOT caused by SL, and can't be cured by SL. You'll see similar issues pop in any real time streaming game or video done over WiFi. To my knowledge, there IS NO work around. You'll just have to grin and bear it.

2. Since the last Wednesday update, there have been all sorts of problems. People with wired connections are having problems as well. Wait and see if the system stabilizes.

3. Re-Read the threads. there are some very simple specific things you can do.
-Make sure you are using a channel that is unique to your router and not one that collides with everyone else in the vicinity.
-Enable password security so others don't jump on and use up your bandwidth
-Remember that your WiFi router uses an ANTENNA to broadcast to your computer's ANTENNA. Be sure to orient these so they maximize their reception. Also, there are WiFi Router antennas that can be AIMED at your usual computer spot.

4. I suppose there are some possible 'low level' parameters that can be tuned in your PC.
Things like the following:
-tcp_recvspace
-tcp_sendspace
-rfc1323
-MTU path discovery
-tcp_nodelayack
-sb_max
and if someone wanted to post suggested optimum values, I'm sure they'd be welcome.
These would have to match your particular combination of WiFi Router, WiFi Receiver, Operating System, and ISP connection.

There might be a utility which would simplify 'tuning' your performance, otherwise, the only way I know of to do this is via command lines in a terminal window. (If you're on an XP system, IPCONFIG in a Terminal or Command window is the usual way to tweak these.)

There are just too many combinations of WiFi hardware and routers and Operating Systems for me to offer up a fixed set of rules. Sorry.

I can see where trying to use wifi in a public hot spot would cause problems, but I use wifi at home with my laptop and have had zero problems playing SL.

Same here. Most of our avatars over the past -two years- have been built over WiFi. I suspect its more of a router issue than the fact that it's wireless. (People seem to naturally blame a wireless link since it 'seems less substantial' than a wired one. Most often, the problem isn't the "wireless" segment, its the router itself.)

You may be running into restricted ports, traffic shaping, horrible latency or QoS limits, or just a crappy router.

But believe me, SL can be used over WiFi. Also believe me that decent wireless routers are few and far between these days.

However, problems that have to do with routers, their configuration, and their quality, SL and LL can't be responsible for.

Particularly in the case of "waiting for region handshake", i'd look at the open port configuration -- if you have any control over it. A lot of public hotspots strip out anything that isn't on one of the "popular" protocol's ports. (sometimes everything but 80/http is restricted.)