boosting wireless

[Andy_1984]

picked up about 15 wireless access points in my block of flats, the signal is weak and im trying to figure out a way of boosting the signal receiving strength of my wireless card. i watched this documentary months ago about a guy in a van armed with a laptop and an empty pringles tube picking up wireless connections from corporate buildings around him, getting a better signal with the pringles tube.

 

im wondering if there is someway of pluging a wireless adapter into the mains socket in the house and using the wiring of the flat to get a better signal.

 

anyone got any thoughts

[jeepster]

not sure how you think the electrical wiring would be any use getting a better signal. The pringles tube would act as a highly directional antennae, you can buy antennae on ebay that improve your signal strength and range, for £10 - £15 make you sure get one that has the same connection as on your router (usually SMA or reverse SMA)

 

On a second reading it looks like you may not have a router, and just want to use your inbuilt wireless to nick a connection, obviously these don't have external antennae, so an external (probably USB wireless adaptor would be best bet)

 

But remember nicking someone elses wireless bandwidth is theft

[Andy_1984]

But remember nicking someone elses wireless bandwidth is theft

 

its not realy theft, it would be theft if i hacked the private networks that are secured, but without a password on it its free access, would be their own fault for not locking down there router....

[jeepster]

In the eyes of the law it's theft, I'm not saying that's right or wrong, just telling it how it is

[Andy_1984]

In the eyes of the law it's theft, I'm not saying that's right or wrong, just telling it how it is

 

im 80% sure theres been no determination on if its illegal or not. after all you have a wireless connection and choose not to lock it down fully knowing others can connect to it. its a case of moral standards.

 

either way im still looking for a way to boost the signal.

 

i was thinking of using the electrical wiring of the block of flats to, in a way lenghten the ariel of a usb wireless adapter

[jeepster]

either way im still looking for a way to boost the signal.

 

And I told you one...........

 

If you're on a laptop, get an external wireless adaptor that you can fit a booster anntenae to

[ColinW]

This guy probably thought the same thing!

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4721723.stm

 

Now he's been fined £500 and had his laptop confiscated he probably thinks different. Never underestimate how petty the legal system in this country can be, especially if there is the slightest risk to the rich, powerful and technically inept!

[Emz]

This guy probably thought the same thing!

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4721723.stm

 

Now he's been fined £500 and had his laptop confiscated he probably thinks different. Never underestimate how petty the legal system in this country can be, especially if there is the slightest risk to the rich, powerful and technically inept!

 

for hijacking a wireless broadband connection

 

No, that is ever so slightly different still I think it is deemed as illegal anyway you look at it. If you walk into someones house but they didn't lock their front door, does that make it legal for you to be there without their permission? I don't think so. I have found it truly amazing just how many people have unprotected networks. Still imo, it's not worth the risk..

Edited November 16, 2006 by Emz

[chesters1]

plenty of people walking about with phones with their bluetooth connection on as well

[jeepster]

Presumably if I left my front door unlocked and my wallet on the kitchen table, Andy would think it OK for him to come in and help himself to my wallet and anything else he could find.

 

Or is that just 'A case of moral standards'?