Better Internet signal

[bradvo]

I mentioned this inthe BOC on one of Dougs postings but thought you guys may be able to help since you all seem pretty connected where ever ya go.

We have a laptop with wireless card but want to improve signal strength, I do not want to spend allot. Also like the free signal when we can get it.
Any ideas on what i could be mounting or attaching???
Thanks
Brad

[SomeSailor]

Lots of ideas. I can show you how to build a sharp looking omni antenna for around $20 that'll get you around 16db of gain.

I just replied to your post over there, but did you know that the Washington State Ferries have FREE internet access through WiFi? This means you can pull into somewhere close and cruise the Internet there too.

[Randygh]

Mike--What is the distance of WiFi transmission? 50', 200', 100 yds??? If we're moored in Friday Harbor on G-dock could we pick up the signal from the free WA state ferry site? Is the signal line-of-sight?

[bradvo]

Mike , I went back to Boc and read your reply-thanks. Here is the thing, we will be spending more time around the Gig harbor area during the fall and winter months. We have copped a signal coulple weeks ago that was fairly strong so we know where that spot is. If I had a better antenna of sorts would this help a weak signal get stronger??? The washington Ferry system is not going to help us much at this point. Also if we have to pay a day or two no big deal, free is just better.
Sounds like that omni would help in this case.
Brad

[Go Aweigh2452]

I thought the Ferry signal went dead when they pulled in to port. It is active only while underway?

[SomeSailor]

It's active in the receiving lanes, and then once you get out away from the landing... it comes up again. It's free for now, but who knows, they'll probably start charging for it. :(

It's also free on all Sound Transit buses now too.

Range on WiFi is a very touchey subject, and very open to discussion. I can tell you that you CAN get a directional signal as far as 6-7 miles. I have a friend running an ISP on Whidbey that shoots broadband access to Camano from Whidbey. Normally though, you can count on a 1000' or better with a cheap antenna... maybe half mile or better with a good omni.

As far as grabbing a free signal... just be careful. Some folks are buttheads, and would as soon turn you in as look at you. I had a heated discussion with a former member here that I'm sure wouldn't think twice about it.

[Randygh]

Now I'm curious about the trespass laws of WiFi. Hypothetical situation--if I moore in a private or public marina, for example Blakely Island, and one of the nearby homes has a WiFi transmitter and my computer receives the signal, am I stealing or trespassing on his WiFi system? How would the homeowner know I was receiving his signal and that I logged onto the internet? Who would the homeowner notify about someone "stealing" his signal? The local PD or SO? What would the charge be--Theft, third degree since the value of the stolen service is <$250.00?

[bradvo]

Ya , goot question- but me I don't give a crap, it hanging out there and I the mobile boating bandit am going to reach out and snag it- not like I am a neighbor-In fact who knows , my neighbors might be using mine at home.
Mike, i remember reading those posts.
Brad

[SomeSailor]

and one of the nearby homes has a WiFi transmitter and my computer receives the signal, am I stealing or trespassing on his WiFi system?

Yes. It's criminal trespass. More specifically it falls under laws regarding network intrusion, but the result could be the same.


How would the homeowner know I was receiving his signal and that I logged onto the internet?

Most routers keep access logs. Mine here logs all access, and network address translations. I'd know when, who, and where you went.


Who would the homeowner notify about someone "stealing" his signal? The local PD or SO?

The local police would be a good place to start. The law broken is the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00001030----000-.html).

But it hasn't been fully tested in the courts yet. A Florida man was recently arrested for doing just that though. We'll have to wait and see what the result is I suppose. [/url]

[SomeSailor]

Ya , goot question- but me I don't give a crap, it hanging out there and I the mobile boating bandit am going to reach out and snag it- not like I am a neighbor-In fact who knows , my neighbors might be using mine at home.
Mike, i remember reading those posts.
Brad

I feel the same way. You're welcome to use mine anytime. I leave one IP address open for just that reason. :D

[Numbknots]

Brad,

I subscribe to VZ EVDO service and found Broadband accesss nearly everywhere in the sound as far North as I have been (Port Ludlow) The convenience of always having at least a ISDN speed is great and VZ is now rapidly expanding its EVDO signal area. For me it wasn't an option as In the new place I bought I yet to be able to get cable or DSL.

My internal WIFI card gives me the option of using either card depending on signal strength? I also us "Net Stumbler to surf for WIFI signals as I travel. Got to love that program as it even gives you GPS coordinates if your computer is connected to a GPS---Sweet----

Tim

[bradvo]

Tim, that sounds like a nice set up- is this a reasonable fee.
Reason I do not want to spend much more is I already am to friggn connected- broadband at home, sat tv with all channels, even paying extra service for boat, land phone,couple cell phones - same as allot of us but makes me cringe when i add it all up.
Brad

[Stompor]

Is this the service you have Tim?
Verizon Wireless (http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/promotion/controller?promotionType=miniPac&action=miniStart)

I was looking at Verizon's sevice and also thinking of making a Stompbox (http://www.stompboxnetworks.com/index.html) for the boat / car.

[SomeSailor]

It'd be nice if it was on an unlimited connection. That thing would whirl through my Verizon plan in no time :)