A mighty fine idea... - Page 2

CrazyLittle · 04-05-2002, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ppgt94
Haha, right on! I'm not too sure about surfing the net while going 70MPH though

Do I hear "Voice Dictation"??

Next thing you know, people will be buying that KITT dashboard to "accessorize" their car MP3 players...

Gutter · 04-05-2002, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ppgt94
I'm not too sure about surfing the net while going 70MPH though

No, no. I'm talking about when it does grab a network connection, it downloads new email, weather reports, stock quotes, etc. I don't plan on having a full keyboard in my car, so I won't be able to send emails or look at websites or anything.

Wanted to clear that up since I'm that one that ranted about DVD players in cars. Surfing the 'net while driving is bad, mmkay.

MP3DUB · 04-05-2002, 08:43 PM

hehehehe, i was thinking about that, he doesnt get dvds, yet wants to browse the web

Typhoon747 · 04-05-2002, 09:24 PM

If you really want to have fun, download netstumbler. Plug your GPS in and map the wireless networks in your area.

TY

Aaron Cake · 04-06-2002, 11:35 AM

Contrary to popular belief, the SSID (or "wireless key") is not some magic codeword. 802.11b can ask an access point for it's SSID, or snoop the traffic and find it out. Most cards also have an "autoscan" feature.

I have tried "war driving" with an Orinoco Silver card, NetStumbler and an extra HP laptop I had access to. I only found my access point, and I spent a good 3 hours driving around the city in both the commercail and industrial areas. Perhaps if I had an external antenna I would have had more success.

CrazyLittle · 04-08-2002, 12:17 PM

Well the other question I would ask is "just how popular is 802.11 wireless in Canada?" Because in the US and especially the SF Bay Area, it's all over the place. Yes- you'd probably need a much stronger antenna then the built-in ones provide, but if you're moving around the area slowly, you'll probably be able to find some open networks.

dscustoms · 04-09-2002, 04:59 AM

If a company has set up their network correctly, it will provide service for a mobile user anywhere in their facility. That means having the 802.11 servers on the outsides of the building, and cruising by in the street nearby should work fine. I know what everyones saying, now I'm screwed, and I'll be spending hours driving around trying to steal network time just because I can, when I can go home and use my broadband for almost nothing. But hey, we are all adventurers, right?
Get out there and have some fun. This reminds me of taking my scanner and freq. finder out when i was in high school and listening into peoples phone calls.

All in the name of fun...

Dave

LoreleiGuy · 04-09-2002, 12:34 PM

I'm in Austin, too. I've haphazardly looked around for open wireless networks, but haven't stumbled upon any. Fortunately, I don't have to.

http://www.shmoo.com/cgi-bin/gawd/gawd.cgi/
That's a search engine for wireless nodes. They are supposed to be entered by the node owner...

I've got an 802.11b USB adapter in my setup, it works great for wirelessly syncing my mp3 directories between my car and my 2nd floor apartment.

One final note, if you get the Linksys USB 802.11b adapter DO NOT LEAVE IT IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT.

http://home.austin.rr.com/sshipman/l...ges/melty3.jpg

Aaron Cake · 04-09-2002, 04:50 PM

I would think that if a wireless network is set up improperly it would allow anyone to connect. When we set up wireless networks, we lock the MAC address filter to only allow certain cards. The reason "war driving" works is because no one knows how to set the damn things up correctly. All it takes in setting up encryption, and a MAC filter. You'd be surprised how secure that makes 802.11b.

Gutter · 04-09-2002, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LoreleiGuy
I'm in Austin, too. I've haphazardly looked around for open wireless networks, but haven't stumbled upon any. Fortunately, I don't have to.

I've heard there's an open network over around Origin and somewhere around the Arboretum. I still haven't picked a wireless card for my laptop yet, but that USB you have looks mighty nice. How much was that?

LoreleiGuy · 04-09-2002, 09:39 PM

I haven't really looked for the open networks around Origin or the Arboretum (though both are on my way to work). There's supposed to be one at Flipnotics coffee house too, but I haven't got down there.

Keep in mind, that the specs on these wireless cards are only in the couple hundred foot range. You're probably not going to just happen upon many networks.

The adapters I got were only about $90 each from Buy.com a while back. Linksys now has a "mark II" or some such new version.

Gutter · 04-09-2002, 11:45 PM

There are directional antennas (anntennae?) that you can buy which will increase your reception range.

I almost went over to Frys to get a nic, but convinced myself not to. I just quit my job to work on my business full time, so no extra money for toys.

dscustoms · 04-10-2002, 01:00 AM

Sorry, by "properly" I meant full coverage, and then they have to be an incompetant MIS who's probably a transfer from the accounting dept.

Dave

Defiler · 04-16-2002, 10:31 PM

Would it be possible to amplify the signal, from your car to get a greater range?

Gutter · 04-16-2002, 10:46 PM

Directional antennas will give to the boost you're talking about.

This one might be too expensive and complicated. It involves one high tinsel strength stretching apparatus, one thin hollow cylindrical object, and one wide cylindrical object. In other words, a bungee cord, a piece of PVC, and Pringles can (minus the Pringles).

Favorite line in the article: "12db to 12db can-to-can shot should be able to carry an 11Mbps link well over ten miles."