WiFi Locator and booster/amplifier

[Kelemvor]

Howdy,

At our cottage, we don't have internet as we're only up there a couple times per year. However a neighbor does but the wireless signal is so weak we can only get it in one corner of the cottage. I'm looking for help with two things.

1) What is the best way to figure out exactly which neighbor it is that has the wifi? I know I can just walk around with my laptop and watch the Windows signal bars but is there better software to help me with that as I walk around?

and

2) What kind of equipment can I get that I can put in my place to boost or repeat the signal from their wifi so I can get it better in my place? Would I be best off to get a directional antenna and aim it at their place? Can I just get some sort of booster/amplifier that would detect that signal and then just retransmit it?

And yes, I know. Naughty me for using someone's wireless but let's move on beyond that shall we?

If you're going to steal someone else's wireless, that's on you but please don't ask us to help you.

admin allisolm

 

[ScottMac]

Howdy,

At our cottage, we don't have internet as we're only up there a couple times per year. However a neighbor does but the wireless signal is so weak we can only get it in one corner of the cottage. I'm looking for help with two things.

1) What is the best way to figure out exactly which neighbor it is that has the wifi? I know I can just walk around with my laptop and watch the Windows signal bars but is there better software to help me with that as I walk around?

and

2) What kind of equipment can I get that I can put in my place to boost or repeat the signal from their wifi so I can get it better in my place? Would I be best off to get a directional antenna and aim it at their place? Can I just get some sort of booster/amplifier that would detect that signal and then just retransmit it?

And yes, I know. Naughty me for using someone's wireless but let's move on beyond that shall we?

Stealing from your neighbor is never a Good Thing.

Buy your own bandwidth. With more ISPs imposing service caps or higher billing tier thresholds, you are likely to be stealing money as well as bandwidth.

 

[JackMDS]

Any active amplification device to increase the signal level put OUT by any consumer level 802.11(x) type device beyond that allowed by part 15 is illegal.

And stealing Bandwidth is? D: - - :\ -

 

[Kelemvor]

Any active amplification device to increase the signal level put OUT by any consumer level 802.11(x) type device beyond that allowed by part 15 is illegal.

I'm not looking to change anything power related on the access point, I'm looking to take that signal and give it an extra boost from my own equipment. Basically a repeater, range extender, bridge, whatever it's called I guess.

Was looking at something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-060-_-Product