"In the process, we've hacked [a tool that maps MAC addresses to IP addresses to pinpoint switch ports] to be able to discover the hotel infrastructure and [a free tool that monitors a device's configurations and maintains a history of changes in a Concurrent Version System (CVS) repository] to be able to at least minimally work with HP/Colubris APs, and added their private subnet to our management station to facilitate discovery, scripted changes, and monitoring," Elliott wrote, describing something close to a NOC trouble-shooting system put together on the fly.

A lot of attendees apparently saw immediate improvements.

"[M]y network connectivity all of a sudden got a whooooole lot better," emailed James Polk, also from Cisco. "I'd guess in the 12:30-1 a.m. timeframe. It was quite a surprise. Course, I expect a lot of folks are asleep (like I should be), so the contention should be less. That said, I was up at this time last night and the network was probably the worst yet."

"On a very quick check, it seems much better for my and ," wrote Ben Campbell. "Will check the laptop shortly."

Others reported no change.