WiFi: Trying to hit a McD 5mi away

[sdguy]

What antenna would y'all suggest to try to do this. Or is it even possible? I've read a yagi has pretty good reach, but what dbi should I be looking at? Would it be better to run cat5 down to the computer? Thanks

[anyonomus]

What antenna would y'all suggest to try to do this. Or is it even possible? I've read a yagi has pretty good reach, but what dbi should I be looking at? Would it be better to run cat5 down to the computer? Thanks
Do a google search for "cantenna" .. U can make one yourself out of an old juice can or buy one premade..

I used to get almost 7 mi "over water" with one ,,,,no obstructions in the way... for free wireless at a neighboring village at the cabin..

[Bigpineguy Retired]

Clear line of Sight is the upmost importance in this case....As stated, Over water is about as clear line as you can get, otherwise , a 23DBI grid or yagi up high enough could reach it , you could also add a 1 watt amp to really boost the signal up...

[slugworth]

I believe getting anything beyond their parking lot is considered stealing wifi.

[sdguy]

I believe getting anything beyond their parking lot is considered stealing wifi.

uuhh...so?

[Night_Predator]

I believe getting anything beyond their parking lot is considered stealing wifi.

Not if they are broadcasting it for public use unencrypted. There is no law that states that you can only receive a wifi signal in a parking lot that is being made available to the public. Further they’re not going to know or care.

[Nostradamus]

Not if they are broadcasting it for public use unencrypted. There is no law that states that you can only receive a wifi signal in a parking lot that is being made available to the public. Further they’re not going to know or care.

actually that would depend on what you are connecting to their hotspot for really. if it is for some illegal activity you can be damn sure they would care especially if they came under investigation because of something you or some one else is doing. why anyone would operate one of these with all the possible legal ramifications is beyond me and I have been down this road before as well but the bottom line is by connecting to their service you are also agreeing to their TOS and it would be in your best interest to find out what those are as well before connecting

[Bigpineguy Retired]

legally, there is a very fine line..... I didn't think too many ppl cared about that part.... :tehe: Surfing the web...I.E... checking forums, email , facebook....they wouldn't care.... Go messing around with Child porn, and chit like that....Then , they would care! And even from 5 miles away, Yes, they would and could find you, if they wanted you bad enough....

[satchick]

On that same note, connecting to an unsecured wireless network presents a huge security risk. Don't even think about doing any online shopping or banking, or sending any kind of remotely sensitive information while connected to such a network. In addition, it's possible that someone else could access data on your machine if your security and sharing settings are incorrectly configured.

[slugworth]

Not if they are broadcasting it for public use unencrypted. There is no law that states that you can only receive a wifi signal in a parking lot that is being made available to the public. Further they’re not going to know or care.
it's for their customers.
Beyond the parking lot, you're leeching.
Downloading dvd's would raise flags

[hacker888]

A Biquad you can buy on eBay for about $30 works well.

[Tubbs]

Do a google search for "cantenna" .. U can make one yourself out of an old juice can or buy one premade..

I used to get almost 7 mi "over water" with one ,,,,no obstructions in the way... for free wireless at a neighboring village at the cabin..

REALLY?

I could never get my CANTENNA to work very well

[Tubbs]

Clear line of Sight is the upmost importance in this case....As stated, Over water is about as clear line as you can get, otherwise , a 23DBI grid or yagi up high enough could reach it , you could also add a 1 watt amp to really boost the signal up...


Hey,

What kind of amplifier are you using to boost a WiFi sig?

[Tubbs]

I believe getting anything beyond their parking lot is considered stealing wifi.

Well, Maybe I want to eat my Quarter powder with cheese at home! LOL

[hondoharry]

How about putting a wifi antenna on a sat dish in place of the LNB and aiming the line of sight horizontal to your target? It would have to face downwards or perhaps mount it upside down to get the correct horizontal aim with the offset dish.

[anyonomus]

REALLY?

I could never get my CANTENNA to work very well
\

YES REALLY..!!!!!!
it is a shame that u could not get it to work well..
switch to using a 20" sat dish as a reflector for the stub (as mentioned above).. u may have better luck in making it work . ;)

[hacker888]

I could never get the Wifi Dish working myself. I always got a better signal via a stand alone biquad.

[FTA]

i just made a dishtenna using a dwa125 wireless n and stick the dish on a firm tripod with an arm on it ... i can reach ALMOST a mile with trees in the way i am picking up a timmies about 5 blocks away good luck!