wireless signals

[jen_in_southtexas]

I just closed my Sprint account after 9yrs cell phone service. I also had the Sprint aircard which was wonderful but closed that as well. They really upset me and that really was the last straw. I now have T Mobile. They have air cards but i dont want to get one right now. We do not have a land line nor do we want one.

I have been getting a free wireless signal but sometimes the reception is bad and am unable to connect. Is there anything that can enhance a signal with this free connection? I am NOT ready to subscribe to any internet service providers. Seems they all want you to commit for a long time.

Thanks.
-Jen

[MadTripper]

Depending on what you have for a wireless card, yes there is. You can build an antenna using a pringles can which simulates a Yagi antenna. I have built two out of coffee cans that work nicely. There is a ton of FCC rules to pay attention to but if you do a search, you can find some ideas/plans on the net.

Additionally, you could purchase a dual card access point and set one end up as a repeater to accept and send to the remote signal while the other provides the connection in an omnidirectional signal for your use.

Tripper

[macgeoghagen]

when i was pirating a low signal i used a wireless access point. it plugs into a regular RJ45 nic.

[Florida_boy]

If you are logging into someone else's signal you are stealing.

[DavidOH]

If you are logging into someone else's signal you are stealing.

No you are not!
For years I left my network open to share with my neighbors. I don't know if they even own a computer.
A few simple clicks will close if off if they don't want to share.

In my small town the public library, McDonalds, and others have free open networks, and advertise them!

[DavidOH]

Here is one of those antennas MadTripper mentioned:
http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html

There are many others to build if you are handy, or buy a better antenna.

http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/has.html
Nice video instructions here:
http://www.diylife.com/2008/01/24/the-10-super-wireless-internet-antenna/

I have this antenna. It is great if you don't have a wireless card in your computer:
http://www.ccrane.com/antennas/wifi-antennas/super-usb-wifi-antenna.aspx

Others available:
http://www.radiolabs.com/Articles/wifi-antenna.html

[FZRaven]

No you are not!
For years I left my network open to share with my neighbors. I don't know if they even own a computer.
A few simple clicks will close if off if they don't want to share.

In my small town the public library, McDonalds, and others have free open networks, and advertise them!

Actually you are, and people have been arrested for it. In every ISP's TOS there is a clause on wireless networks, basically it needs to be secured and not shared. It's for your use not everybody else on the block, they love money they don't want anyone getting anything free.

McDonalds, the library and other public places don't have a residential connection, They are not subject to the same TOS.

Just remember you can be charged, fined and jailed.

[macgeoghagen]

Depends on the ISP. when i asked my ISP about putting in a wireless router they said "youre the one buying the bandwidth, put as many computers as you want".

[ryanmercer]

Depends on the ISP. when i asked my ISP about putting in a wireless router they said "youre the one buying the bandwidth, put as many computers as you want".

Exactly, and I highly doubt the TOS state "must be computers in your possession on your property, used only by you and your immediately family"

[DavidOH]

Exactly, and I highly doubt the TOS state "must be computers in your possession on your property, used only by you and your immediately family"

Ditto! My ISP set up the wireless for me.
I made it clear that I didn't have any wireless devices at the time.

I am buying banwidth. If I use it or not.
They are not concerned about who, how many, or what type of computers are connected.

[sharp_shepherd]

I leave my wireless open so others can use or "steal" it. I don't care if they use it or not. It doesn't cost me anything extra so if i can help save anyone money then i will.