Wirless Network Without the Network

mavsfan642

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Aug 1, 2010
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Okay guys so I'm having a dilemma. Before I begin I understand that what I'm asking might not even be possible, and if it's not, at least finding that out would be enough help. The problem I'm having is wireless internet in college. The university I'm attending does not allow wi-fi in the rooms of the residence halls and I don't want to be restricted by an ethernet cable throughout the entire room. What I'm trying to figure out, is is it possible to to set up a wireless network with something like Bluetooth for instance that only I could connect to? All I've been able to find that is similar to this is using a mobile device as a Bluetooth modem, but I'm looking for something that will run off of a traditional RJ-45. I know it's possible to hide a wireless network from a wireless router, but I'm looking for a solution to the problem that would avoid a wi-fi router completely because if I had one and it was discovered I could be banned from the school network. Any information, ideas, or solutions would be great! Thanks!
 
How about a portable wireless router?

TRENDnet 300Mbps Wireless-N Travel Router Kit

http://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-300Mbps-Wireless-N-Travel-TEW-654TR/dp/B002G1CLS0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368082100&sr=8-1&keywords=travel+router+kit


Edit: So they check for people using these devices?

"if I had one and it was discovered I could be banned from the school network. Any information, ideas, or solutions would be great! Thanks! "


I think you can just get a router and make it so it cannot be seen though.
 
If anybody bothers to load up a WiFi watcher like inSSIDer, it's obvious someone is running it even if there is a hidden SSID.

Should be a way to use bluetooth though - if you have two devices eg a desktop and a laptop, you could share the connection over that. Bluetooth is notoriously slow though.

Other option is simply to ask why they are banned, see if you can get them to change the policy, or allow networks in the less-congested 5GHz band.
 
But what is a wireless network ? Do they mean 802.11 or any form of radio transmission. Bluetooth runs on exactly the same frequencies as 802.11 wireless. It is just lower power. They are a number of proprietary radio solution...many times used by video surveillance system. Another solution is to use something like motorola canopy system that is used for outdoor wireless. These "special" solution tend to cost more because of supply and demand.

Still it depends WHY they have the restriction. If they have their own wireless most these systems will interfere just like a 802.11 router...but then so will a cordless phone or baby monitor.

Many years ago they used to sell infared wireless systems but I have not seen them in years so I don't know if you can still get them.

Still if you are talking about a single room how huge a deal is it really to use cables.....it would be more a issue if they only provided wired and said no wireless and you need to connect something like a phone that only connects via wireless.
 

mavsfan642

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Aug 1, 2010
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I'm going to do my best to answer all of the questions asked but I apologize if I miss one.

Edogawa: I do not know if they actively search for the devices, but I do know that there are room supervisors who would more than likely report me if they discovered a router in my room. I believe they do periodic checks just to make sure everything is running smoothly in the dorms. The problem would be with anything that broadcasts a wide range signal, like a wireless router, because as Someone Somewhere said, there is software that can detect wi-fi networks even when the actual network is hidden.

Someone Somewhere and bill001g: In regards to why they actually have the restriction, I can't find any information other than that they basically don't want everyone setting up routers all over the place. They mention in the policy explanation that in the past, having large amounts of routers set up has led to crashing of the entire network. I personally don't know why that would happen but I guess they have a reason. I guess I'll just keep looking into devices that connect directly to the network through adapters without "broadcasting" the network. From what I have heard from friends that already attend the university, there are no exceptions to the policy.

bill001g: Although it is a single room that I will be sleeping in, I share a common living area with three other suite-mates and I'm just looking for something more convenient for moving back and forth from the living area back to my bedroom.

Edit: formatting