Hack Your Wireless Network

You’re probably mastered the art of setting up a Wi-Fi wireless network in your home. But what if you want your network to extend for 5, 10, 20 miles or more? That may sound fanciful, but it’s not so tough to achieve long-distance wireless connectivity. You just need to add a few tools to the mix and get to work on your mash-up.

To help you, we tracked down a chapter from Mike Outmesguine’s ExtremeTech book, Wi-Fi Toys: 15 Cool Wireless Projects for Home, Office, and Entertainment, from Wiley Publishing You can find it online at PCMag. It details how to select your access point sites, choose your antennas, and more. Creating a long-distance link simply means marrying many of the essentials of wireless with a dose of physics to overcome the obstacles of a far-reaching connection.

Or perhaps you’re interested in the subtle art of wardriving using a car equipped with a computer, a wireless card, and software to identify the presence of a Wi-Fi signal, even if you’re out on a deserted highway. What an excellent idea! It’s surprising how ubiquitous Wi-Fi signals have become. You’ll find everything you need to get started as a budding wardriver at PC Mag.

Finally, several blogs contain complete instructions for upgrading the capabilities of Linksys routers. Take a look at www.lifehacker.com for some interesting examples. You don’t have to settle for bush league Wi-Fi.