OK..... really really new at this

catparker5 · 07-19-2004

I am so new at this, it's not funny, so dont bash me too bad.

I have a Compaq Armada Laptop, I am using a D-Link AirPlus DWL-G650 card in it, to access WIFI at local hotspots only. I want to be able to access the internet from home with out getting out of the house. Do I (a) have to purchase a card i.e. Merlin C201 or Sierra AirCard and get service through i.e. TMobile, etc etc... or can I use the DLink Card I have, the net stumbler program and a big frickin antenna to connect to something? Yeah, I know.. askin alot. Note, I live a little out in the country in GA, so the only thing we get good range of is deers in the yard. What do you suggest? Thanks much in advance.

Chris · 07-19-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by catparker5

I am so new at this, it's not funny, so dont bash me too bad.

I have a Compaq Armada Laptop, I am using a D-Link AirPlus DWL-G650 card in it, to access WIFI at local hotspots only. I want to be able to access the internet from home with out getting out of the house. Do I (a) have to purchase a card i.e. Merlin C201 or Sierra AirCard and get service through i.e. TMobile, etc etc... or can I use the DLink Card I have, the net stumbler program and a big frickin antenna to connect to something? Yeah, I know.. askin alot. Note, I live a little out in the country in GA, so the only thing we get good range of is deers in the yard. What do you suggest? Thanks much in advance.

I suggest you get some form of authorized service as you mentioned. Connecting to networks without the owner's permission is a crime and discussions of criminal activity are not tolerated here.

catparker5 · 07-19-2004

Ok.... what if there is a WIFI place of business near buy offering free internet..... is that still considered "illegal"? And if not, is there an antenna that will reach up the road a fetch?

Thorn · 07-19-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by catparker5

Ok.... what if there is a WIFI place of business near buy offering free internet..... is that still considered "illegal"? ..

That would depend on how the service is offered. Many places offer such services to the patrons for use on the premises. They might not appreciate a camper. It may also be a Theft of Services or similar violation depending on state law.

Quote:

Originally Posted by catparker5

... And if not, is there an antenna that will reach up the road a fetch?

A single antenna is probably not the answer. Since this is two-way radio you need a balanced system.

catparker5 · 07-19-2004

Three of the owners are good friends of mine and said if I can reach it, I can use it.... they get plenty of business from us, believe me..... These are places that we frequent regularly... but anyway..... one actually is the library as well.. offers free wifi, nothing to buy...

Having the permission to use their services at 3 of them.... can I use the card I have with a booster antenna, or would I still have to purchase the i.e. Merlin or Sierra card for GPRS strength. (did I say that right?) One of them is my employer where I work from home, she is just far enough away not to pick it up, couple of miles..... What are my options (legal ones of course).

wrzwaldo · 07-19-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by catparker5

Three of the owners are good friends of mine and said if I can reach it, I can use it.... they get plenty of business from us, believe me..... These are places that we frequent regularly... but anyway..... one actually is the library as well.. offers free wifi, nothing to buy...

Having the permission to use their services at 3 of them.... can I use the card I have with a booster antenna, or would I still have to purchase the i.e. Merlin or Sierra card for GPRS strength. (did I say that right?) One of them is my employer where I work from home, she is just far enough away not to pick it up, couple of miles..... What are my options (legal ones of course).

Your best bet at this point would be to coordinate with the owners and see what they suggest for connecting to their systems. As Thorn mentioned it is a balanced system and there may be some antenna work required at the AP end.

Thorn · 07-19-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by catparker5

Three of the owners are good friends of mine and said if I can reach it, I can use it.... they get plenty of business from us, believe me..... These are places that we frequent regularly... but anyway..... one actually is the library as well.. offers free wifi, nothing to buy...

Having the permission to use their services at 3 of them.... can I use the card I have with a booster antenna, or would I still have to purchase the i.e. Merlin or Sierra card for GPRS strength. (did I say that right?) One of them is my employer where I work from home, she is just far enough away not to pick it up, couple of miles..... What are my options (legal ones of course).

If you have permission, then it should be fine.

To reach "several miles," you have to design a two-way system. As I stated, this must be balanced. Both ends must transmit and receive reliably in order for it to work. This isn't like putting up a TV antenna.

First you must have direct RF Line Of Site (not merely visual LOS.) You will need directional antennae on each end, and masts to raise the antennae on each end above the surrounding terrain and obstructions. Search Google for "Fresnel Zone." Don't forget to add low loss transmission lines, lightning protectors and associated parts. You would also have to have a card capable of connecting to an external antenna.

Figure on spending a minimum of $200-$500 to start. Even then it may not work.

Thorn · 07-19-2004

By the way in looking at your original post, you asked about using NetStumbler. NetStumbler would not work for this (it isn't what it's designed for) and it would actually cause problems if used on a system like this.

07-19-2004	#1 (permalink)
catparker5 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 4	OK..... really really new at this I am so new at this, it's not funny, so dont bash me too bad. I have a Compaq Armada Laptop, I am using a D-Link AirPlus DWL-G650 card in it, to access WIFI at local hotspots only. I want to be able to access the internet from home with out getting out of the house. Do I (a) have to purchase a card i.e. Merlin C201 or Sierra AirCard and get service through i.e. TMobile, etc etc... or can I use the DLink Card I have, the net stumbler program and a big frickin antenna to connect to something? Yeah, I know.. askin alot. Note, I live a little out in the country in GA, so the only thing we get good range of is deers in the yard. What do you suggest? Thanks much in advance.

07-19-2004	#3 (permalink)
catparker5 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 4	Another question Ok.... what if there is a WIFI place of business near buy offering free internet..... is that still considered "illegal"? And if not, is there an antenna that will reach up the road a fetch?

07-19-2004	#5 (permalink)
catparker5 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 4	I promise I have permission Three of the owners are good friends of mine and said if I can reach it, I can use it.... they get plenty of business from us, believe me..... These are places that we frequent regularly... but anyway..... one actually is the library as well.. offers free wifi, nothing to buy... Having the permission to use their services at 3 of them.... can I use the card I have with a booster antenna, or would I still have to purchase the i.e. Merlin or Sierra card for GPRS strength. (did I say that right?) One of them is my employer where I work from home, she is just far enough away not to pick it up, couple of miles..... What are my options (legal ones of course).

07-19-2004	#8 (permalink)
Thorn Did you do the math? Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Villa Straylight Posts: 10,039	By the way in looking at your original post, you asked about using NetStumbler. NetStumbler would not work for this (it isn't what it's designed for) and it would actually cause problems if used on a system like this. __________________ Thorn "Lawyers should never marry lawyers. This is called inbreeding. It produces idiot children and more lawyers."

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