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Dialup Redeemed: The WiFlyer Modem+Hotspot
Introducing the WiFlyer
There are some other small wireless base stations around, like the Asus WL-530g and the Apple Airport Express, both of which do a good job of turning an available broadband connection wireless, but to my knowledge no others which pack a modem into such a small base station. (The larger Apple Airports do have a modem, as have some devices from Lucent and others, but they're much bulkier.) Each of these tiny base station has its pros and cons -- the Airport Express adds in audio transport, for instance, and like the WL-530g it's a full-fledged 802.11g device -- so your use will determine which makes the most sense. For me, though, the WiFlyer basically hits the sweet spot: it's light, extensible, works as advertised (with one exception, below), and let me connect both my laptops via friends' DSL and cable modems, and over Plain Old Telephone Service.
Physically, the WiFlyer is a slightly rounded grey box that looks it should double as a radar detector. The case is small -- at roughly 1x3x5", about the size of my (old) Handspring Visor, and only 6.5 ounces including the AC power supply. That makes it a good candidate for tossing in a laptop case; at that weight, it's not exactly hefty, but seems solid enough to take travel without complaint. Helpfully, it comes with a wall-wart that's forgivable for not being a line-lump, because the transformer end is small enough -- tiny! -- to stick in one AC socket without obstructing the outlet's other plug. The rear of the device holds the various ins and outs: two ethernet ports (one in from a broadband connection, one out to a local machine), an RJ-11 jack for a telephone line, and the DC power jack.
My only complaint about the WiFlyer's physical design is that it lacks a built-in means (perhaps in the form of a plastic case like the expansion sleeve of the Compaq iPaq) for mounting it under or next to a desk, or high on a cubicle wall to provide better reception.
I recently used the device at several stops along an (ongoing) 6,000-plus mile road trip around the U.S., and found it an indispensable jack of all (networking) trades, with only a touch of "master of none." It neatly replaces everything in the Frankenmodem I assembled a few years ago and have relied on for temporary wireless-by-modem since. It just took a few more years for such a device to appear than I expected it to.
My testbed laptops: a Toshiba Satellite with a 1GHz Celeron chip (saddled with Windows XP), and a 500MHz iBook running Ubuntu Linux 5.0.4.The iBook wireless connection is an internal Airport card (Ubuntu supports the original Airport, though not yet the Airport Extreme), and the Toshiba is getting its wireless access from a USB dongle, a Netgear MA111. (And though the nature of the device means it shouldn't much matter, it's nice to see that Linux support is mentioned explicitly on the package.) In both cases, I used a recent build of Firefox to reach the device's admin page, and (except for better reception in the iBook) there is no difference in behavior, since the WiFlyer requires no client-side software.
Set-up is simple: plug the device in (there's no power switch) and connect it to either an active phone line or an ethernet cable leading to active Internet service. Upon starting a browser and entering the WiFlyer's default IP address (192.168.7.77), the user finds a configuration screen. By default, the WiFlyer is set up for dialup use, and here's one of the best features: stored in memory, the box has local access numbers for "most" major ISPs; a partial list includes Earthlink (the one I use), SBC/Yahoo, MSN, ATT Worldnet and NetZero. The handy thing about ISPs sharing modem pools is that chances are good any ISP with a national presence is reachable through the WiFlyer's list. Just select your location and ISP, supply your username and password, and the WiFlyer dials out. (A small dial on the side controls the modem's volume; it's reassuring to hear those banshees wail sometimes.) This feature worked flawlessly for me from several places around the country; I chose Earthlink's numbers from various locations, and got through without incident. Since Ubuntu Linux can't yet control the modem in my iBook, it's nice to have an external modem like this.
If you can scrounge an ethernet cable with active service upstream to the Internet, though, things are even easier (at least if you are happy with DHCP -- otherwise you'll have to punch in the right numbers in the configuration page). After clicking a button on the config page to switch to broadband, a firmware swap takes place (it requires around a minute; Always On says this was a necessary compromise in the cost of the device), and Shazam! -- miniature broadband wireless router. It seems to take the WiFlyer 60-90 seconds to establish the connection, though; this takes more patience than do my other wireless routers. If you're borrowing a friend's cable-modem line between the cable modem and his PC, connect the other ethernet port to the computer, so everyone's happy.
I didn't use the built-in security features (too far from interested eavesdroppers), but the WiFlyer includes the usual semi-secure means of securing a wireless network from the base-station end; 40/64 bit and 128-bit WEP and MAC address authentication.
LimitationsThe WiFlyer isn't perfect; it has a few drawbacks to take note of, and they could be deal-killers if you need what it doesn't offer.
Most importantly, the range of the WiFlyer is limited; that's what I expected, since it has no external antenna, but the working range is even shorter than I anticipated, and my reception was spotty outside anything more than 20 feet from the box, even with a perfect line of sight. (This is partly to blame on my wireless dongle, but not entirely -- with both the WiFlyer and a common Netgear 802.11b base station active in the same house, I received a much stronger signal from the Netgear even with the WiFlyer within three feet of my 802.11 USB key, while the Netgear was more than 30 feet away and blocked by two thick plaster walls.) That means that an out-of-the-box WiFlyer won't let me browse the web over waffles across the street from a motel. The only way I could get a connection which my Toshiba would call "excellent" was to lay the USB wireless dongle within a foot or two of the WiFlyer. Within a hotel room or small office, the reception is perfectly adequate, though, and if you choose to view the glass as half-full, no wireless moocher is likely to download naughty pictures (or upload naughty email) over your connection.
However, the designers have at least deflected my low opinion of the built-in antenna by including a jack for an MCX antenna, which -- thanks to the proliferation of wireless generally -- are widely available and cheap. The local computer superstore in El Paso (my location at the moment) has a vide variety of these available, starting around $40. So for a permanent installation, the range ought not be a huge concern, but don't expect to cover the footprint of a music festival or even much of a multi-room office without an antenna.
Another limitation is that the DHCP server supports only 5 users at a time. For situations where the WiFlyer is likely to be used, it doesn't seem worth carping too much about this low number -- sharing dialup with more than 5 users seems like a stretch anyhow. But as an emergency backup DHCP server (something it seems perfect for, though clearly not the intended application), this limits its utility. It can't take too much more expensive a chip to bump that number a bit higher. As a wireless Swiss Army Knife, it would also be handy if the WiFlyer featured a bridging mode, so it could be used to extend service from the edge of an existing hotspot. Since it's roughly the size of some USB wireless devices anyhow, this would make it a useful tool to receive as well as provide wireless access.
If you're used to 802.11g, another disappointment: the WiFlyer is 802.11b only. Since even 802.11b vastly outstrips the carrying capacity of American broadband connections generally, the distinction is probably less important than the makers of 802.11g equipment would have you believe; but be warned, the WiFlyer isn't built to facilitate ultra-high-speed intranetwork data transfers.
The UpshotThe only major disappointment I had with the WiFlyer is the short range; that factor aside, it's been a lifesaver. Now if the makers designed in a duck antenna for greater range, added a bridging mode, and removed the slight hassle of a firmware swap to move between broadband and dialup, it would be even snazzier. Hopefully the next generation WiFlyer will add some of those things, but don't get me wrong: if you travel where modem access is your link to the Internet, or you ever need to share a broadband connection temporarily, the WiFlyer is well worth buying and keeping in your hit-the-road bag.
Unfortunately, in lieu of Florida recently prosecuting a man for unauthorized WiFi access http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/07/07/wi.fi.theft.ap/ until we find an alternative - this product is necessary.
sorry bout the subject, had to jump at the opportunity to tag one of my fav movies :)
"Simplify, simplify, simplify!" Thoreau
So how much did they pay you for your "review"?
That's like taking a phone with built-in morse-code capabilities... asinine, irrlevant post - ps how much were you paid to advert that crap up?
Where's my free iPod!? Until then, I'll settle for a kiss...
The AirPort has done this for years, share the dialup over wireless. WOW huge revolution here. There were probably even products before AirPort. Delete this article, its all been done before, and at a lower price with more features/function.
i think netgear has a wireless router available with a serial port on the back that you can connect an external modem to.
This may be a bit too much to carry, but it may help fix what disappointed you about the wiflyer.
Apple's Airport has had this functionality for a looooong time. I actually used it a couple years ago while on vacation.
why not go for http://www.junxionbox.com/ directly?
yeah I have a wireless access point that converts into smoke signals
wtf. really.
...it's functionally identical to the first 802.11b access point most of us ever saw: The original Apple Airport.
Nothing for you to see here.
You have violated Robot's Rules of Order and will be asked to leave the future immediately.
Doesn't Apple's AriPort already do this stuff?
I was about to say the same thing. Maybe it's Apple's fault for not making it clearer that their products will work with pc's too. Oh well, fewer idiots on our platform. ;)
I'm on a reasonable quality ISP landlines lots of ethernet connecting whole neighborhood, a hub or switch every 2-3 houses apart, plus a gateway on some kind of big pipe. There's one serious problem with this approach though - better buy network cards in bulk, after each major storm most of network infrastructure that was plugged in needs to be replaced. Now what before the ISP brings in replacement hubs and switches? Recently I found myself in this situation, needing access really urgently. So I just whipped out my cell phone, the data cable (self-made), a bit of configuring and I'm online in no time. Of course downloading movies or surfing graphically heavy pages is out of question with /byte payment, but it's perfectly enough for IM, email, IRC and some lightweight webbrowsing.
45 5F E1 04 22 CA 29 C4 93 3F 95 05 2B 79 2A B2
The WiFlyer is a brilliant device,
No, Guiness in a bottle is a brilliant device. This thing is just a wifi access point and a modem.
I think this is a great addition to the current lineup of equipment out there. I don't know if you've ever tried to put together a wireless LAN with a desktop computer that's connected to the internet via dialup instead of broadband, but it's a PITA. As far as Linksys is concerned, it CANNOT be done. I did every trick I could think, flipped every configuration flag I could find, tried to fool the thing into thinking there was a broadband connection.
As far as I can tell, before this, there is no way to share a dialup connection over a wireless LAN. I know what Dad's getting for Christmas...
-Eric
SJW: Someone who has run out of real oppression, and has to fake it.
dialup is a useful adjunct to even the spiffiest broadband access. And sometimes, it's the only access available.
I know this is a little off-topic, but I just had to respond to this statement.
It's nice to see I'm not the only one who believes this. I wish Comcast did. They don't provide dial-up backup so, when I'm out of town, I have to find a hotel that provides their own access. It's the only thing I don't like about my cable modem.
Sit, Ubuntu, sit. Good dog.
For ~$150/each your IT department can buy these Just think - for ~$150/each your IT department can buy these critters for your road-warrior types. They get a slick new toy that makes their life a little easier and gives them some bragging rights while at the next conference - while they share a single 56k dialup line with 50 other people....
It reads like a damn press release. How low is /. going to stoop. I mean if this were a newspaper the top of the page would say ADVERTISEMENT.
And as others have probably said the Apple Airport has had this functionality since it's inception ( I can't make any claims about the later versions as all I have is my silver UFO) and I have used it many times in the past. So while yes this can be a useful function, it is not something new.
Way to go Timothy, I hope they paid you well.
Sorry, teleporters just kill you and then make a copy. A perfect, soul-less copy.
It's a dessert topping and a floor wax!
but where is my 802.11b convertor for Carrier Pigeon IP? I'm tired of having to sit next to the window for these birds, I want to sit on the other side of the room!
Using this device is like putting 18" chrome rims on a 1988 Ford Escort.
Finance tutorials and more! Understandfinance
Wiflyer: $150
20ft phone cord: $5
Yeah, I think I can do without spending 30 times as much.
I'm waiting for a router that will allow me to share a telegraph. Talk about untapped markets. Some company is going to make a killing if they just wake up.
Why is this necessary, when a $2 20 foot cord does the exact same thing? If you need to share Wifi, the modemed Mac/PC can act as a basestation.
jfs
The only thing worse than a Democrat is a Republican.
If I understand this correctly, then this targets those that want to share dial-up access, but are unwilling or unable to get broadband. Afterall, a wireless router can be obtained for roughly $60.
I guess I don't understand the target market here. It is just people that don't have a modem, but would rather buy an access point, then a modem?
I don't practice what I preach because I'm not the kind of person that I'm preaching to.
how is this even close to new, for a hell of alot less money you can A: get an older air port or B: get an even older broadband router eg old greybox di 704 with a serial port strap a modem to it, and something like a 900ap this is NOT a new concept not even close
As far as a business traveller, I can tell you that I packed a 50' chunk of cat5 RJ45 and a 100' chunk of cat 3 (phone cable is cat 3, right?) RJ11 for some time in my computer pack. Neither took up a lot of room. Neither was very expensive, and both work great to this day.
This thing is going to have to do a hellavalot better than 20' to be of any value to me, and I imagine, a lot of other travelling (or stationary) geeks.
Great ideas often receive violent opposition from mediocre minds. - Albert Einstein
Slashdot was purchased by AlwaysOn Internet
The WiFlyer is a brilliant device,
Unless it has an RS-232 port, then I am not impressed.
Well, actually, I'm not. I just don't trust devices without RS-232 ports...
this IS just a router right??? why is this being made out to be some huge deal??? i was thinking that it like gave you dialup internet access from anywhere in the country or something.. it really doesn't solve any of my problems of not having broadband here in bumfuck...
*plays the Apogee theme song music*
Why not just pair your cell phone with your laptop over bluetooth and use GPRS if you're satisfied with dialup speeds? It might even be faster.
And here's why:
1 .htm
42.1 percent of American households now own a computer. See www.natat.org/ncsc/Pubs/Getting%20Online/Chapter_
In 2003 about 13 percent of American households are actually using broadband. See www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,107834,00.asp The stats are two years old, but broadband adoption isn't happening that quickly. Even if you double broadband to 26%, you have 74% still using dial-up.
The dial-up users may want to go wireless at some point and this is the American way to do it. Plug it into the wall, personalize it and leave it alone.
If I'm working for the company marketing this thing, I'd be on the phone with every dial-up ISP in the world. It's a no-brainer for the dial-up ISP.
Like it or not, dial-up (in the U.S. anyway) is like the dot-matrix printer and more recently the floppy disk. It's going to hang around for a long time. Not sexy, but useful and cheap.
http://www.maxineudall.com/2010/02/should-economists-be-sued-for-malpractice.html
That completely misses the point. Currently city-wide WiFi *doesn't* exist in many places, so the point is what you do in the meantime? Also note the use for a traveller - in a hotel, placing a local call to an AOL number (those free discs are good for something) is probably free, while the place might not have WiFi.
Seriously. They've got this nitrogen ball thingy inside the can. I don't know the science well enough to try to explain what it does. All I can say is that as a result, Guinness from a can is superior to Guinness from a bottle.
Apple Marketing must cut ./ big checks these days. Remember the good ole days when ./ wasn't a Mac advocacy site.
The Airport Express is about the same size as this device, but it doesn't have a modem.
There is no sig, there is only Zuul.
Yea you're not fooling anyone - that is an advertisement, not an article. Grow a dick timothy.
I think this is just something Timothy is interested in: http://www.monkey.org/~timothy/dialup.html.
Kernel Krunch - Part of a Complete OS
Apple's original airport has done this for what, 6-7 years? In fact, when my sister in law was looking for a wireless access point, she picked up a graphite base station from eBay for $56. Works fine with her Dell laptop.
What, me worry?
For years I watched with bitter jealousy as human after human stepped into the ranks of the bandwidth-wellendowed. Unable to participate on account of the infinitessimal computer-to-banjo ratio in my "town", I comforted myself with lies about the inherant insecurity of broadband, the uselessness of high-speed internet connections, and of course, slurs about those who live in basements belonging to their mothers. But no more! This WiFlyer will usher in a new age of something or other, and I will be right at the cusp of it! So welcome your new 56K overlords, plebes! All your bATZ NO CARRIER
There are perfectly good applications for low bandwidth. The Rim Blackberry would be an example of such.
Having said the above, this looks like something that doesn't quite solve a problem. Or maybe it does. Web sites should be accessible. In other words, web sites should not depend on images for navigation (otherwise, blind people can't use them.) As well, there are web sites that can be used from cell phones. Dial-up should still be adequate for most people.
Lots of (most) people don't want to run cables. I bet more computers are sold wireless than wired these days. This product could well work (for someone else, not me.)
I would NOT consider support for AOl's implementation of non-standard protocols to be a plus. Nor would I consider it to be a good thing to continue to support AOl's overpriced dialup solution.
Oh, and of course Apple's solution is bigger. It's older. Your sexy little laptop used to be a lot bigger too, back when the concept was developed.
Is it just me, or was that first paragraph darn near incomprehensible? Oh well, what else would you expect from timothy (except maybe to see this ad again tomorrow)?
OK. This is getting a bit annoying, so I'll raise the question...
Reading comments above, I can't help but notice a significant number of 'paid advert' comments; why is it that, every time someone gives a thorough overview of a device, piece of software or book, the pitchfork-and-torch mob forms to accuse the author of advertising? That kind of reaction most likely actively discourages people from providing good, well-written reviews - and when those are gone, what you're left with is really not worth reading.
As for the item itself, being an IT/Tech Support professional, I must say I do see a lot of usefulness in the device in some specific situations, although it might not have a significant presence in most everyday enviroments. Main issues I see are that hybrid technology is obviously sacrificing performance for sake of flexibility, and things such as reduced WiFi range/signal quality pretty much tend to reduce usefulness to the point of making it not worth using in the eye of average user.
'...computers in the future may have only 1000 vacuum tubes and perhaps weigh 1.5 tons...' Popular Mechanics, 03/49'
My Basestation has always worked fine for travel, i've never found the size to be restricting. However this product's 20foot range could turn into a problem.
Wait, so why didn't you like the Airport?
Are you on Apple's Marketing Department payroll? They been astorturfing for a loooooong time on ./
1200 bps. Those where the days. :-/
Go buy a webramp on ebay, a cheap WAP, an external modem and your done. Where I live now there is NO broadband period. And I have no phone line anywhere near the room the PC is in - I did this and it works great. The only thing you need to do is adjust the MTU rate down on the wireless adpater on your pc....
Well, my original 802.11b airport is still going strong after a fair number of years. I bought it with an iMac G3/450, so i'd guess that was 1999 or somewhere around there.
It's handled dialup access, bridging a wired ethernet to wireless machines, and now hangs off my adsl switch/modem as a wireless bridge. It really was a revolutionary product.
Many hotels provide broadband access now (via ethernet in your room, and often WiFi in the lobby). I used to balk at the price to use it, as I'm only checking my emails. But at the cost they charge for outgoing local phone calls, buying a night's worth of broadband is often cheaper than using your modem for 5 minutes.
The airport works just fine without the silly "flying saucer" outer case. You can connect other antennas to it as well. I took the case off of mine to make it easier to pack in my luggage. without the case it fits well into most laptop cases. the original Airport wall wart is a little harder to downsize.
This sig kills fascists.
In my notebook I couldn't make the internal modem work (Toshiba M35X S149, Ubuntu 5.04). But the built-in WiFi card works out of the box with Ubuntu. So I think I could buy this to use my modem when traveling to a place without wireless internet? Or would be better to buy a pcmcia card modem? I think this could be best since I know that my wifi works, but I don't know about pcmcia modems and linux compatibility.
DNA in your Linux: DNALinux
Lucent/Orinoco's RG-1000 also had this functionality; I think before the Airport, but I can't confirm that. I've used mine for years (since early 2000) until yesterday when I replaced it with all that cheap 802.11g ZyXEL equip on dealnews.
For $150 it can't even use 2 phone lines? Maybe this is great for that small segment of travelers who can't use a phone cord, but for those of us who are really *living* with only POTS lines this device is remarkably limited.
I could buy a used WebRamp off Ebay, and a brand new wireless router at CostCo, for less than $100 and have every PC in the house able to surf at 100k, and take phone calls dynamically! Now if this device did v.92 functions (Call Waiting stuff) reliably AND managed 2 lines it might be more interesting at $150.
Otherwise this is for the limited number of people that can't put together the system I describe, have a laptop with wireless, and are stuck on a single POTS line (you can afford a laptop with wireless, but you can't get a 2nd phone line? Huh??)
I'm thinking about it, therefore I might be.
...I'll keep my Nokia D211... it is a TriBand GSM modem and 802.11b wireless adapter... in one PCMCIA card...
WTF, is it suddenly 1999 again?
Has this ever caused you problems going through airport security? It seems like they'd frown on bare, unidentifiable circuit boards & power supplies going through security.
Absurdity: A statement or belief manifestly inconsistent with one's own opinion. -- Ambrose Bierce
"why is it that, every time someone gives a thorough overview of a device, piece of software or book, the pitchfork-and-torch mob forms to accuse the author of advertising"
Because stealth advertising happens so often. Especially on tech sites, people are getting paid to deliver "content" on various products. This actually happens a lot in print media too, its just not as easy to provide feedback about the fact in that medium.
TSA guy: What's this thing?
cypherz: It's my Airport.
T: No, we're *in* an airport. What's this circuit in your bag?
c: You see, it's my Airport, just without the flying saucer.
T: Of course we don't have any flying saucers, but what is this?
c: I told you, *my* Airport.
T: No, this is *my* airport! [arrests cyphers]
That sounds just about right. Wanna get selected for _ALL_ the "random" security checks? Just check a firearm in your luggage. Go ahead and declare it like you're supposed to do. You will have more "security" than you can stand! Great fun! The nude airport would just be the icing on the cake!
This sig kills fascists.
The RG-1000 and the Airport are more or less contemporaries. In fact, they're the same hardware (although you wouldn't be able to tell looking at the cases!). About the only difference is the RG-1000's power supply is a different voltage (there is a small daughterboard in both products that the supply plugs into).
Whats next? A cigarette shaped box that lets you use your cell phone over POTS for when you dont have signal, just so you can dail directly from your adress book?
- - - - -
I really dont see any advantage to this. Is setting up DUN on your average businessman's machine that frikkin hard that they need the comfort of a webform to do their dailing in? Its not like they're entering in any LESS information.
I mean... just... *WOW*. Talk about creating a solution to a problem that really doesnt exist. You could just hit the local starbucks and pay for a days access 15 times for ths cost of this thing, and its immensely faster, or do your homework and dig up a list of FREE access points in an hour or so.
I especially liked the "Bonus" of having 128 bit encryption for the 20' of wireless you get, especially when they failed to note that your data still slams through the phone line in somplete plaintext unless you're using SSL.
MARKETING WEASELS!
The only way I can see the avantage of having a wireless connection to your phone line is for the guy who wants to sit on his cabin's porch in the great outdoors getting his email over a 40 year old phone line thats half chewed by varmints.
Then again, who the fuck wants email then? And still, why not just spend a few bucks on a long phone cord?
<unrelated note>
Q: WHY would you go to a coffeeshop and get wireless there?
A: Cute young barristas, thats why.
</unrelated note>
s'wut i sed.
While the 20-foot range that the reviewer experienced is more than a little short of the claimed 300 feet, this review doesn't provide any details on what looks like another pretty bogus claim on the product's Web page: "Quick-connect button eliminates time waiting for dialup connection."
There's a limit to how fast you can dial, and I don't see how any kind of button could reduce the time you spend waiting for the modems to sync.
Mind the Gap
And why is this news? Why would anyone want to buy a dedicated device for this purpose? Especially if you already have a desktop PC. Even the most novice user can setup Internet connection sharing on Windows XP. Toss a Wireless USB card on the desktop, turn on Ad-hoc and voila! You can use your laptop wirelessly over dialup. Of course this can be down with linux as well.
I'm just weird, but I see a different point personally. Having no phone, the dial up means little/nothing to me. But, ether+wireless in one card, and bridging the two to share. Well, that's just something I never knew I needed until I read this review. I don't like wireless security. But, I like to occasionally unplug and walk outside in the fresh air and read /. and comment on stories about wireless cards.
This would save people like me the hassle of popping cards in and out (potentially breaking them... and I've demolished many). The only Wifi I'm interested in is the one from my router, not from an access provider or hotel (don't travel that much). But, even for me, I find this a useful product, especially if it has linux support.
Now, if I could just find a versitile power adapter that can auto-detect a device's polarity/voltage requirements (if it ain't out there, I got first dibs on the IP, hehe).
I8-D
It's not $40, the WiFlyer is around $150, the $40 price he mentioned was for an external antenna.
To understand recursion,
you must first understand recursion.
While I like the idea of it being a small device I still prefer 'always' having Wireless Broadband if the hotel does not have it. There is usually another hotel in the same vacinity that does have a wireless network which can usually be hijacked. The basic set up I use is my 17" powerbook, an Apple Airport Extreme base station (just because I have one, you can get much cheaper base stations from other manufacturers), a can antenna(yes I am too lazy to build my own), and a Dlink Bridge.
Basically you set up the base station to DHCP from the bridge (via ethernet). Now the Dlink Bridge has a pretty lame antenna attatched to it. So what I do is use the Cantenna (yes, see lazy comment above) and point it in the direction that I want it to. If the network is encrypted I use the wireless card that came in my original airport base station (an Orinoco silver card), since the Airport Extreme one has closed source drivers (that have not been reversed yet), too sniff and collect packets. Kismac is an excellent wireless tool for the Mac. It supports several different cards and supports Wordlist, Brute Force, and Scheduling Attacks (which I find usually get me into most networks). The Dlink Bridge has a pretty simple web interface that allows you to set it up to join a specific network. It also supports scanning for networks, though I find that it doesn't seem to pick up everything that maybe out there. I set this up on top of those ridiculously tall TV cabinets and I can kick back on the bed without those pesky ethernet cables. This can also be useful if you have a large house (or a small house with interferance) to connect up in rooms that were previously spotty.
The pre-made Can Antenna can be purchased for $49.99 (via CompUSA or the web), the Dlink Bridge is $109 from Fry's, Airport Express for $199 (various vendors).
I have found that some hotels have pretty crappy coverage in the outer rooms, so they let you 'barrow' (for a deposit) one of the Dlink Bridges, preconfigured to join their networks. Pretty handy. So if you happen to be in a hotel toward the outside and the coverage is spotty, you may want to check with the front desk to see if they have one. It could make your life much easier. =)
Plug it into the data port of the phone on the plane and share your wireless with everyone else on board.
Did all this and much more. I bought several for far less than this price.
Moderation in All Things... Especially Moderation - gurutc
I'd be impressed.
Moderation in All Things... Especially Moderation - gurutc
Of course, that leaves us with the obvious question: is a 53K connection worth sharing?
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SHIT THAT DOESN'T MATTER
This article was a paid advertisement, no question in my mind. I think slashdot is sliding quicker then the USA's reputation. Way to go Taco, way to run you brain child into the fucking ground.
-=[ Who Is John Galt? ]=-
For $10, I didn't get *just* the plugs.
:)
That came with two short (6' and 3') lengths of cable, and adapter ends to make phone cord, ethernet, and several varieties of USB connection. Not bad for the price
timothy
jrnl: http://tinyurl.com/c2l8yr / foes: http://tinyurl.com/ckjno5
... He meant it was $40 cheaper, not that it was $40...