Best device to pick up local Wi-Fi signals

Heisenberg76 · Dec 19, 2016

Hi all,

Is there a particularly good device that can be used to pick up local Wi-Fi signals? I have a local library just around the corner and may be able to save myself a broadband bill.

I came across this:

http://iyouwebuy.co.uk/wireless-usb-wi-fi-adapter-48-dbi-antenna

Any ideas?

Many thanks.

Someone Somewhere · Dec 19, 2016

Pretty sure that high gain an antenna, driven at normal transmit power, will break the legal maximum transmission strength.

Heisenberg76 · Dec 19, 2016

Someone Somewhere :

In plain English?

Are you suggesting that such a device would be illegal?

Someone Somewhere · Dec 19, 2016

If they haven't turned down the radio power, yes. Too high signal strength and too much antenna gain means it'll shout down anything else in its path.

TMTOWTSAC · Dec 19, 2016

Have you considered trying a cantenna?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantenna

synphul · Dec 19, 2016

Another thing to check would be local regulations or laws regarding use of 'free wifi'. I don't know how it works in your region, rules may be different. Some places you can get in trouble even without a booster simply by using someone's free wifi. For instance many stores or pubs or hotels offer free wifi for their guests/patrons but if you're just sitting in your car using their wifi it can potentially be against the law.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_piggybacking

http://www.librarian.net/stax/1983/man-using-library-wifi-after-hours-gets-laptop-confiscated/

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2007/05/michigan-man-arrested-for-using-cafes-free-wifi-from-his-car/

These are just examples but it's best to know the legal implications up front as they apply in your area/community. In the case with the guy from Michigan, they went 'easy' on him since he wasn't doing anything malicious and didn't know it was illegal. He still got 40hrs of community service and a $400 fine which would have likely paid for his internet service at home for a year just for checking his email.

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Best device to pick up local Wi-Fi signals

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