Long-Distance WiFi Device

[Dynamo1181]

Anyone used or heard of the success of a person using the WifiRobin? Also, which antenna was used with the unit?
thx
A

[osirissail]

Originally Posted by Dynamo1181

Anyone used or heard of the success of a person using the WifiRobin? Also, which antenna was used with the unit?
thx
A

Not to be a "party pud" but WifiRobin bills itself as a "hacking" system to steal access to wifi from secured systems. IMHO, I don't think CF is the forum for promoting illegal activities . . .

[off-the-grid]

But is it actually illegal to a hack a secure Wi-fi network for the sole purpose of getting internet access?

Probably varies by country to country, maybe even state to state.

From what I understand, in the police state of Florida, it's illegal to even connect to a non secure Wi-fi network without permission.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by grunzster

But is it actually illegal to a hack a secure Wi-fi network for the sole purpose of getting internet access?

Probably varies by country to country, maybe even state to state.

From what I understand, in the police state of Florida, it's illegal to even connect to a non secure Wi-fi network without permission.

If it's locked and you hack it it's illegal. But then if your a hacker you probably don't care.

It technically illegal in all states to use non public wifi you borrow on. I.e. If you just grabbed someones open signal. That's different then say free wifi at Starbucks.

[Dynamo1181]

A question to forum members regarding a device that is legal in parts of the world is promoting an illegal activity? What about guns on board or Americans vs others sailing to Cuba?...Please!
A

[off-the-grid]

Correction...make that the police state of the US.

In that case what is even the point of having Wi-fi on the boat, when in the US?

May as well just get off the boat and sit in Starbucks, enjoy the AC for a while, and actually interact with other human beings.

[osirissail]

Originally Posted by grunzster

. . . In that case what is even the point of having Wi-fi on the boat, when in the US? . . .

For-pay WiFi exists in most places here and around the world and it can be accessed from your boat using powered amplified WiFi antenna systems. It is a great convenience to be able to sit down below in your cabin and be "on-line" especially if anchored out for a night or two and launching the dinghy and trying to find a shore-side "hotspot" is inconvenient or difficult do to location and weather.

As to hacking secured Wifi here is an article from CNET, a very respected source for computer information - FAQ: Wi-Fi mooching and the law - CNET News

[Extemporaneous]

Originally Posted by Dynamo1181

A question to forum members regarding a device that is legal in parts of the world is promoting an illegal activity? What about guns on board or Americans vs others sailing to Cuba?...Please!
A

Please STOP!

Go have a Gun conversation somewhere else!

This thread has been too valuable to many of us.

Extemp.

[off-the-grid]

osirissail,

Considering how many networks are secure these days, the fact that using non public networks, even if not secure is illegal, and the ridiculous rates a lot of these pay networks use, I'm really starting to think Wi-fi aboard in the US is useless.

You're better off just tethering your phone. And that's often just as fast, sometimes even faster than many of the Wi-fi networks. The only exceptions I really see are if you're in a marina that has a weak signal, or if you're staying on the hook in an area where a cable provider has a signal, assuming you already have an account with them, which includes free wi-fi access.

[ArmyChief]

WifiRobin has its market...just dont think most here are willing or want to try and hack into someones secure network. Hardware wise..its pretty standard..1 watt output with a 5dbi antenna. Now is that 1 watt transmitter power BEFORE the antenna or combined into a 1 watt EIRP? I'm pretty sure most marine developed hardware devices blow this thing out of the water on pure power and gain.

[ronh732]

As an some one who works in the IT industry, I can tell you that WEP can be cracked in about 30 seconds and is no longer considered secure. Most new wireless access points do not even support WEP encryption any more. The new Encryption methods cannot be cracked in a reasonable amount of time. I wouldn't even bother with the wifi robin. I'll leave the ethical debate for another forum.

Back to the main question...
There are many hi power, long range devices on the market. Be sure to get one that acts as a bridge and an access point. You need the bridge to connect to a remote wifi hotspot/access point and you need your own access point to connect your on board wireless devices.
There are also many antenna options available. With clear line of site an omni directional antenna can get up to 2km range, a uni directional antenna can get up to 20Km, both depend greatly on the power of the access point/bridge. The uni directional antenna would need to be pointing toward the access point you are trying to connect to.
A higher gain antenna will also increase the range but the higher the gain the narrower the receiving band, so rocking of your boat can interrupt the signal. putting your antenna on a gimbal mount will reduce this problem.
Engenius makes some nice outdoor units that would work very well on boat.

[osirissail]

Originally Posted by grunzster

osirissail,
Considering how many networks are secure these days, the fact that using non public networks, even if not secure is illegal, and the ridiculous rates a lot of these pay networks use, I'm really starting to think Wi-fi aboard in the US is useless. . . .

Being primarily an international cruiser, my experience with WiFi inside the USA is limited but I have noticed a lot of cities making free "public" WiFi available. In fact, I am using one now.
- - Prices in the Caribbean for the paid WiFi services run from US$40 to US$100 per month and average about US$8 to US$10 for a single day or less usage. I don't know how that compares with pay WiFi inside the USA.
- - Another option that is gaining popularity is the cell phone company provided data (sort of WiFi) services. You get or purchase a USB little device that plugs into your computer and pay for a subscription from the cell phone company. Then you can use the access to the internet anywhere the cell phone company has service. I am looking at that seriously as coastal cruising along the US east coast involves some rather desolate areas, yet cell phone access still works out there in the middle of nowhere.

[Dynamo1181]

Thx for the past posts. I apoligize to those who thought the questions I broached was to conduct/promote an illegal activity or to carry guns , maybe while sailing to Cuba. The question and respective replies to all who need access where it is legal, and perhaps more importantly to those of us who operate a wireless network concerned about hacking by someone accessing child porn, dealing in drug traffic or other activity on my networwork or yours is appreciated. For those with the other concerns regarding MY post I suggest you work your panties outta that wad.
Thx again.
A

[off-the-grid]

The only 2 places I know of with free public networks, at least on the East Coast are Annapolis and Miami Beach. Miami Beach has the worst signal I've ever experienced.
Last time I exclusively used Wi-fi from the hook was almost a year ago, when I could pick up a Comcast signal from Sandy Hook in NJ.

[thatboatguy]

As I sit here in the cabin of our boat, I look around and see all kinds of objects that could be used illegally. They are not used so.

Nevertheless, a device who's sole purpose is to crack WEP is not at all what these 1000 plus posts here have been about. I know that the underweb is populated by many a warez site dedicated to the nefarious. Of course if you mentioned the wifi Robin there you would get laughed out of town. heh heh There's certainly a place for White-hat hacking but not this thread, and not that device. So while your left-handed apology is accepted, your panty-wad insult is rejected.

As for the up to 2km range with an omni I say HA! Try 5 miles +! I know it's onerousness to read all one thousand posts here before posting but still... try and keep up. Particularly if you are going to bill yourself as an expert/professional.

George