I need help about wireless internet?

Question

if i get a laptop that's wireless internet capable, can i "hijack" the internet signal from a near-by location? and how far will that signal reach?

Answer 1

As with most things, the answers to your questions are "Maybe" and "It depends."

You can "hijack" the internet signal of someone nearby if they have an unsecured network... meaning no passkey or mac filtering.  Even if they have those turned on, you can still use their connection, but the level of difficulty goes waaaaaaaaay up.  Keep in mind that whether the network is secured or not, it may be illegal to access someone's wireless network without their permission.

The distance of the signal all depends on what hardware they have, and other environmental conditions.  With my router I can get a good signal two houses away.  With my in-laws router, they're lucky if they can get a decent signal on their own back porch.

Answer 2

Yes - If you have a neighbor that is dumb enough to leave their connection open.

You will see the available networks when Windows pops up the Available Wireless Networks balloon.  It will also tell you if they are secure or open.

In a suburban setting, you can get a decent connection from an adjacent neighbor or someone across the street that you have line of sight with.  Go out in the front yard, and you will have btwn 6 and 10 signals!

Answer 3

you have to have a internet code and the signal depends on the provider

Answer 4

yes.. you could.. unless that network was using wep or wpa encryption .. then your stuck..

also.. technically "Hijacking" a internet signal is actually "hacking" which is illegal, and if proven, could cause you some heartache !! I would advise against piggybacking off of someone else's internet !!