We do WiFi/networks for large houses and small businesses and we're pretty decent at it. I came across this article and was wondering what kind of equipment actually blocks other WiFi's from working? (yes, ernie, WiFi's)

The owners excuse is classic corporate BS. He needs to be kicked in the balls.

[Link: vegasinc.com]

Only $80 per day, hell of a deal... No surprise they didn't fight the FCC, they didn't stand a chance of winning.

Dont hot spots work on cell signal? there are a lot of cell signal blockers out there, even though they are illegal to deploy in the US (I believe you can legally own one but cant turn it on, based on an article I read a few years ago). So they most likely were not blocking the wifi signal between the hot spot and other devices. They were blocking the cellular signal between the hot spot and the service provider.

Bluetooth and WiFi work off of the same 2.4GHz frequency range. With the exception of the WiFi's 5.0GHz of course.

I read that article too and still would love to know how this company blocked the personal hot spots of cell phones but not their own.

Unless, the hot spots on cell phones are only on the 2.4GHz range while their working WiFi was on the 5.0GHz range. And they flooded the conference hall with a jamming signal for the 2.4GHz range. Thats the only way that I could think they've accomplished the blocking.

KOT

This really is an interesting idea. Research shows that the information out there is basically how to adjust your own device, whether router or phone, so other people can't use your wifi, this is totally different from blocking wifi to a bunch of people but somehow allowing it for your own customers.

I've seen bluetooth range reduced to about 18" on a show floor, so obviously too much wifi can create a problem. I just can't imagine how a company could do anything to a flood of RF in a location that would create "dry spots" compared to that flood!

Apparently the technology is nothing new, Marriott tried to pull the same stunt and got burned for it.
It involved sending deauthentication packets to specific access points and/or clients.
[Link: hackaday.com]
[Link: aircrack-ng.org]

Wireless is shared spectrum. An AP can easily spoof a deauth packet that tells the client to disconnect. Cisco builds this type of rogue management into their enterprise wireless system. It's intended to deal with rogue access points but can be used to target legitimate traffic as well. I've seen instances were one company nukes everyone around them by turning on rogue mitigation. It's usually done by accident but can cause havoc. A technical description, for those that are interested.

[Link: supportforums.cisco.com]