Thread: WiFi question

Originally Posted by LOstBoy

I have been readin this particular section of this forum pretty regular since i found this site.

I have everything ready to be installed in my ride just waiting for warmer weather to do it is all.

One of the items I've picked up is the Orinoco with external antenna mod.

From what I've gathered here and elsewhere on the web using someone elses network with the Orinoco is no good and potential legal problems which I do not want.

I have been trying to find a wireless ISP with nationwide coverage and no ungodly setup fee's (example t-mobile, gotta buy their $199 laptop slot based card to access least that is what their cust service said, I have a modded desktop that is goin in trunk with no slot option available).

Any suggestions on a legal way to use this through some nationwide provider?
I have been searching the web for days and can find no one that gives service without some sort of equipment requirement to boot.

I have thought of some of the cell phone connection methods mentioned here but would prefer the speed of Wi-Fi.

Thanks in advance for any help on this.

WiFi is dependent on someoen providing the service. You can legally connect to WiFi-enable networks for 'net access lots of places: Starbucks, airports, hotels, Barnes & Noble stores, etc.
They have opened up their network for such access and ou'll have no problem using them.

Now, Joe Schmoe's WiFi that he has unsecured (andf there's lots of them out there) is his priovate network. If you don't have explicit permission to utilize his network and get caught, Joe has every right to prosecute you for theft of services.
Realistically, if Joe Schmoe is too stupid to secure his wireless connection, then he probably doesn't know how to catch you mooching his wireless, either.
This is all based on the assumption that all you're doing is connecting, grabbing an IP address and doing some surfing or downloading or whatever. If you go snooping around Joe's network and start screwing with his data, that's a whole other matter. That's easier to catch, easier to pinpoint a culprit and easier to prosecute, as well.

Keep in mind that if you're wanting to surf using your WiFi connection, you've got to have a wireless network to connect to. And THAT has to be connected to the net in such a way that will allow you to access the internet. So latching on to a wireless network doesn't guarantee you unfettered 'net access. Keep that in mind.

But look around.. some folks have business cable and can leagaly resell their bandwidth via WiFi. --keep looking.

i think with most verizon phones you can use a data cable to connect your phone to your laptop.. then use that to conenct ot the internet.. this uses your minutes tho (but if u have unlimited weekends and nights......)

i might go to radioshack and buy the $20 cable just so i can mess around with it and test out the speeds ect..