Microsoft yanks Windows RT 8.1 update

Microsoft yanks Windows RT 8.1 update after users report machine-bricking boot errors

Some users are reporting getting a blue screen and a message telling them that their ”Boot Configuration File is missing some required information.”

Here’s the company’s full statement, which doesn’t mention when the update will get back online.

Microsoft is investigating a situation affecting a limited number of users updating their Windows RT devices to Windows RT 8.1.
As a result, we have temporarily removed the Windows RT 8.1 update from the Windows Store. We are working to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience. We will provide updates as they become available.

iOS 7 and Captive Portal Issues

The release of iOS 7 has created some issues for wireless users. Specifically for updated iOS users connecting to wireless networks with captive portal functions. This is not a wireless hardware issue. The standard iOS pop up to connect to splash page may not function. Apple has changed the way iPhone performs the test to see if the device is connected behind a captive portal. Splash pages can be accessed by simply opening a web browser although some users are not familiar with that technique. 
There are other work a rounds and configuration fixes that can be applied to the wireless network. Contact SF WiFi for more information
support@sf-wifi.com

The Data Perfect Storm

The perfect storm of wireless data hit our San Francisco and Bay Area wireless networks last week.

  • Oracle Open World brought in the people and our networks observed almost triple the typical number of wireless connected devices at our hospitality and enterprise clients.
  • The iPhone iOS update then pushed bandwidth usage and data downloads to a new level. It seemed everywhere we looked iPhones were downloading the update.
  • We even had a IT manager asking where was all this traffic was coming from while he admitted he was currently updating his iPhone

Fortunately for our clients SF WiFi designs and installs high capacity and high speed wireless networks. We did not have one downed wireless network, one system reboot or a single screaming hotel general manager during this data perfect storm.

In fact this “data storm” was a great time for us to observe our network infrastructure under increased stress, look at config options and offer clients tweaks to optimize performance.

And congratulations to Oracle Team USA for winning the America’s Cup.

During the weeks of competition SF WiFi caught small views of the races as we commuted the city from project to project.

Racing on the Bay
Racing on the Bay