Optimum WiFi is introducing automatic sign-in, which allows you to register up to four WiFi devices and seamlessly connect to thousands of hotspots without being prompted to enter a username and password.

Automatic sign-in is currently available to Optimum Online® customers using an iPhone, iPod touch or laptop in all areas, and will become available to users with additional WiFi device brands (e.g. Blackberry, Samsung, Sony PSP, etc.,) in the near future.

There are a number of easy ways to register.

Register at an Optimum WiFi Hotspot
If your WiFi device has a Web browser, the easiest way to enable it is to take it to any one of our thousands of hotspots and follow the steps outlined below. The registration instructions vary, depending on whether you're using an iPhone, iPod touch or laptop.

iPad/iPhone/iPod touch Users:
Upon your next successful login to an Optimum WiFi hotspot, click on Automatic Sign In. Then, the page will expand for you to enter a Device Name (e.g. John's iPhone), provide an E-mail Address and click enter.

Laptop Users:
Upon your next successful login to an Optimum WiFi hotspot, you will be prompted to register your WiFi device. Simply click OK, choose your Device Type, enter a Device Name (e.g. John's Phone), provide an E-mail Address and click submit.

That's it! Now you will be able to access Optimum WiFi hotspost without having to login.

Register at Home
If your WiFi device doesn't have a Web browser, you can manually register the device at optimum.net from your home computer by following the steps below.

• Locate the MAC Address for your WiFi device. The Media Access Control (MAC) address is a unique 12-character identifier for a specific piece of hardware. To locate the MAC address for your WiFi device, consult the manufacturer or choose from the list of popular devices below for instructions.
  • PC
  • iPad/iPhone/iPod touch
  • Mac
  • Windows Mobile Device
  • Android
• Make sure your WiFi device is turned on.
• Sign-in to optimum.net with your Optimum ID and password.
• Go to "My Account" from the top navigation and select "Automatic Sign In" under "Optimum WiFi".
• Enter the MAC address for your device. Note: If you are using Internet Explorer, you will be prompted to install an ActiveX add-on before confirming the MAC address. If not, you will be asked to re-enter your MAC address for confirmation.
• Select the device type (from the drop down menu), enter a friendly name for the device and enter your e-mail address.
• Click Submit.

When your device has been registered correctly a confirmation message will be presented.

In order to access Optimum WiFi®, you will need your Optimum ID, password and a WiFi enabled device.

If you already have an Optimum e-mail address, your Optimum ID is simply every character before the @ sign. For example: Your e-mail address is jsmith@optimum.net or jsmith@optonline.net. Your Optimum ID would be jsmith. You would log into Optimum WiFi using the same password you use to sign into your Optimum Online E-mail.

If you choose to register your device with automatic sign in, your device will connect automatically each time you are close to an Optimum WiFi location. Click here for additional information.

Forgot Optimum ID or Password
Click here if you do not remember your Optimum ID or click here if you forgot your password.
Once you have your Optimum ID and password, you will be able to sign into Optimum WiFi if you are near an Optimum WiFi hotspot using your WiFi enabled device.

Create an Optimum ID
If you have Optimum Online and you would like to create an Optimum ID in order to use Optimum WiFi, click here. You will be directed to the Optimum ID Management Center to set up your Optimum ID.

• You will be asked for your account number, last name and phone number. Your account number can be found on your Cablevision bill.
• Please note that in order to create your Optimum ID for the first time, you will need to access the Optimum ID Management center from the computer that is connected to your Optimum Online modem.

Once you have created your Optimum ID and password, you will be able to sign into Optimum WiFi using your WiFi enabled device.

Automatic Sign-In
Optimum WiFi automatic sign-in allows you to register up to four Wi-Fi devices and seamlessly connect to thousands of hotspots without being prompted to enter a username and password. Click here for further information or view the tutorial to learn more about Optimum WiFi automatic sign in.

To login to Optimum WiFi, you simply open your system's web browser and navigate to any website. You will be redirected to the Optimum WiFi login page. Enter your Optimum ID and password and off you go.

No, you do not need any special software to connect to Optimum WiFi. You can use the software that comes with your WiFi-enabled laptop or handheld. We have listed steps for connecting with some of the more common devices here. If you don't see yours listed, please let us know.

Check hotspots
First, make sure you are in a Optimum WiFi hotspot. Using your WiFi-enabled device, look at the list of available networks and make sure that you see the network name "optimumwifi". This is sometimes called the SSID. If you don't see "optimumwifi" in the list, you are not in a hotspot. You can check the map to find a spot close by.

Check signal bars
If you do see the "optimumwifi" network name and still can't connect, again, check out your WiFi-enabled device to see how many signal bars are present. If you only have one or two bars you may need to move closer to the center of the signal. The map can be helpful here as well, or just move around a bit to see where the signal is stronger. Remember, the smaller the device, the closer to the access point you'll need to be. This is because the antenna in the smaller devices are usually not as strong as in a laptop.

Service Issue
If you still cannot get online and you are sure that you have your Optimum ID and password right, it is possible that we are having a service issue. You can either contact us, or if you don't have time right now - Share your experience with us here.

Optimum WiFi works with all major web browsers on both laptops and handheld devices. To use its "remember me" functionality, cookies need to be enabled in your browser.

Optimum WiFi works with any operating system that supports a WiFi network adapter and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) network connection.

If you have forgotten your username or password you can contact us when you get home and we'll get you up and running again.

If you see the "optimumwifi" network name or SSID and still can't connect, again, check out your WiFi-enabled device to see how many signal bars are present. If you only have one or two bars you may need to move closer to the center of the signal. The map can be helpful here as well, or just move around a bit to see where the signal is stronger. Remember, the smaller the device, the closer to the access point you'll need to be. This is because the antennas in the smaller devices are usually not as strong as in a laptop.

Optimum WiFi's hotspots are a collection of thousands of internet access points strategically placed outside to create the largest coverage area. These access points are so strong that they often provide coverage inside as well but that coverage is not assured. If you think having additional coverage inside would be helpful - please let us know.

WiFi is a technology that allows you to connect to the Internet at broadband speeds without any wires. Faster than dial-up and 3G, and with hundreds of millions of devices already in market, WiFi is the most popular way to wirelessly connect to the Internet.

You can manage your Optimum ID here. Use the Manage Options drop down next to the Optimum ID to change your password and other information.

An Optimum WiFi hotspot can be made up of any number of access points, depending on the size of the public space. Sometimes just one will do for a small park, other times many may be called upon to provide coverage for a large downtown area. Each hotspot is uniquely designed for Optimum coverage in the specified area.

Each Optimum WiFi access point covers about 650 feet. The effective reception area will vary with many factors, including signal reflection off of buildings and other structures, and even weather. The Optimum WiFi network is made up of clusters of access points called hotspots that are strategically placed to give you the best coverage throughout the area. If you have experienced a weak coverage area, please let us know. (Pssst. We take compliments too.)

Using your WiFi-enabled device, look at the list of available networks and make sure that you see the network name "optimumwifi". This is sometimes called the SSID. If you don't see "optimumwifi" in the list, you are not in a hotspot. You can check the map to find a spot close by.

Optimum WiFi is currently available throughout the Cablevision service area and we are adding more locations everyday. We don't currently have locations in any other states. If you'd like to suggest additional coverage areas, please let us know where you'd like to see us grow and how often you think you would use an out-of-service area network.

Yes, in fact, we'd love for you to use your Optimum Online e-mail account. The same Optimum ID and password allows you to manage your e-mail account and get online.

Yes you can. WiFi is a great technology to use for this because it is super fast. Let us know what you are listening to so we can add it to our playlist.

Optimum WiFi has taken several important steps to protect your data transmissions when you are connected to OptimumWiFi. . Whenever you login we help protect your privacy and the safety of your Optimum ID and password by providing 128-bit encryption. This is the same standard used by thousands of online banking and financial services sites around the world to protect your critical transactions. This is true for other Optimum services such as your e-mail, and the Optimum Store. Each and every time you login, we are looking out for you.

However, for the most secure online experience possible, be safe and smart. Sensible security practices should be observed when you connect your system to any kind of network, wired or wireless. Using a firewall, an anti-virus program, and/or turning off file sharing, when using your computer or handheld on a network, at home, or on the road can help keep you safe. Keep your Anti-Virus programs up to date, and perform regular system scans to detect any problems early.

Yes, as an Optimum Online subscriber, Windows users are entitled to download the CA Internet Security Suite Plus 2008 at no additional cost. It includes both anti-virus and firewall programs.

Firewalls are software programs that you can install on your computer to prevent unwanted users from accessing your computer when you connect to a network. Many personal computers have firewall protection built in today. If yours does not, there are many versions available at a reasonable cost.

Its best to keep file sharing turned off when connected to a public network, in order to avoid the inadvertent sharing of data, or allowing someone to place data onto your system.

Keep up to date with the security patches from your system's manufacturer. This will help maintain your security profile as time goes on. Yes, we know these can be time-consuming, but better safe than sorry.

Over-the-shoulder screen readers are just plain rude. Some may just be curious but others may be trying to gather information from you. Send them on their way with a privacy filter that fits over your screen, and only allows you to see your screen when you're positioned directly in front of it.

VPNs are popular among laptop users that connect to corporate networks on the road. They encrypt all traffic between the laptop and the company's servers. You can take advantage of VPNs by subscribing to a Personal VPN service, so that all your traffic to and from your personal computer is encrypted.

Some security steps have nothing to do with computers, and everything to do with common sense. Don't write your Optimum ID or password down where it can be read by somebody else, and don't share your Optimum ID or password. These two tips can go far in avoiding problems.