Is there a way to catch wifi networks outside the normal range? Some sort of amplification device?

Thanks.

Hi-Gain antenna seems to be the answer.

I understand that to avoid signal loss, I should avoid coax and add an additional access point at the antenna location - my roof.

Is there any info out there as to how best to do this? How do you protect from weather? What would be best - wireless to wireless?

I presume that I will need a special wireless device that will accommodate an external antenna? Any suggestions?

Any links you could offer me would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I have a current version iMac that I'm using at my home. Up the street about .5 mi there is a bakery with public wifi that I would like to access.

Does anyone have a recommendation for an all-in-one weather-proof hi-gain antenna/access point that I could mount on my roof that would extend my coverage to the bakery?

Any other suggestions would be welcomed too.

Thanks.

Hi

You're thinking this the other way around. The hotspot from the bakery sends its signal on a limited range and it doesn't matter what antenna you use as long as the signal is no where near your antenna. The only solution here is for the bakery to mount another hotspot closer to you.

Shucks.

The days of radio are not dead. I know a guy who pulls in dozens of "hotspots" by hanging his antenna outside his apartment window. He never pays for Internet access. The strength of the signals are reduced by the square of the distance from the source. (In my younger days I created one of the longest single-wire antennas in the world. I could talk (HAM) to Antarctica!)

WiFi is FM, which means that it travels in straight lines. Why buy a cantenna when you can build your own using a coffee can and a few cheap parts?

http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html

This link can help you choose the right antenna: http://www.radiolabs.com/Articles/wifi-antenna.html

This one can help you get setup, and it has realistic answers to the ethical questions too: http://www.slate.com/id/2109941/

_________________

Microsoft MVP Consumer Security 2006, 2007 & 2008

Thank you!