Wireless Router Signals?

Question

I am moving into an apartment in Philadelphia and cannot afford to add cable internet to my list of utilities. But, I may need to have internet access to work additional hour at home.

My question is... Would it be good bet to buy a wireless router to use in my apartment so that I can pick up the signals of unsecured internet access throughout the building? Does this work?

Answer 1

1) You don't use a router to pick up signals, you use a wireless adapter.  (The router supplies the signals you pick up, and it has to be connected to the internet by wire, so you have to buy an internet account.)

2) It's a violation of a few local laws, and a few federal laws (Homeland Security gets involved) to "pick up" wifi signals you're not authorized, by the owner, to use.  (Theft of service, unauthorized use of a computer, etc.)

You can do it if a) your computer has a wifi adapter or you add one and b) one of those signals is unsecured.  (You can't access a secured signal without hacking into it, and that merely adds more crimes to the list.)  But is it worth committing felonies that could get you a free vacation at an ex-Navy base on the south coast of Cuba just to save a few dollars a month?  It's your call.

Answer 2

it definitely works, especially in a large building...

Answer 3

NO. A Wireless router would need a hardwire source. In other words, you would need an Ethernet cable (Cat5) to feed to the router to provide you a signal.

What you are talking about is, using your wireless device (laptop, etc.) to pick up a wireless signal from someone else wireless router in the building. For this you don't need a wireless router, your wireless device will do this for you on its own.

But, you are moving to Philadelphia, the city with open free Wi-Fi for its residents paid for by the City. Check this webpage out, and input your address to see if you will be in the range for free internet.

http://www.wirelessphiladelphia.org/

Good Luck.

Answer 4

Answer #2 is correct.  You could get a wireless adapter and try.  Some places offer free wireless, hotels, coffee shops, and I suppose some apartments.  If you can identify any Fifi connections try to locate the source and just ask permission.