Seeking some type of Wifi Seeking Device...

I hope I can be clear on this. I have a dv5t and sometimes work in areas that are rural or where wifi can be harder to find. I also have to remain in fixed positions sometimes with my laptop.

I am looking for some type of device, don't know what to call it...but it would increase the receptivity of wifi networks in the area. It would increase my range and signal strength of the available networks.

Since I do have an internal wifi catcher built in perhaps some type of antenna that would increase the "pull" of the signals around. I have a Broadcom 802.11 b/g WLAN internally. I also have bluetooth, but I don't think that matters.

This is all an effort to avoid the heavy cost of broadband cards. If I could buy a device, even an external device, it would be great.

Any thoughts would be welcome.
Thanks.

 

You can hook up your phone to your laptop.

Remember, it is against the law to connect to someone elses network that you do not have permission to.

 

Yeah, if you are connecting to others' networks (which I'm not accusing you of doing), you should stop. Not only is it extremely unsecure doing so, it's against the law as nizzy stated. The owners of the network can literary 'see' what you are doing on the net. I know I track usage using my router.

If it's your own router that you are connecting to, perhaps look into getting a range booster, or better yet, a wireless N router.

 

I think I am lost...
I don't know about connecting a phone to a laptop...not even sure what that means.
Also, I am not talking about connecting to any secure networks, only open ones. If that is illegal, then I didn't know. Is it that unsecure to use another's network that is open? Hmmm....don't know.

I am talking about finding wifi that is open for use out in rural areas...sometimes...and sometimes in other urban areas.

Using my own network would be hard because on average I would be anywhere from 30-70 miles away. If there is anything that would pull it in from that far, great...sign me up.

Perhaps I am misunderstanding.

Thanks...

 

You can use your cell phone as a modem by tethering it to the laptop. It uses the phones data plan then.

 

If you don't know whose network it is you are connecting to, even if it is open, it is illegal. Obviously someone owns the network and pays for it to run.

Let me clarify. If you don't have the network owner's permission to be on their network, you shouldn't be.

 

I guess I am either not being clear or I misunderstand myself.

I don't know how one would "tether" a phone to a laptop. My phone has no USB or other connection that would connect to a laptop.

I guess what I am asking is either illegal or irresponsible and that is not who I am, so thanks for trying anyway.

Take care...

 

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Make-a-WIFI-Extender-10200