boot it up, and find out whether you've got a good signal where you're at --
but an easier solution is to use a Wi-Fi network detector.
Network detectors, sometimes referred to as Wi-Fi sniffers, are usually fairly
small units -- some are designed to fit on a key chain. Before you rush out to
buy one, know that owning one of these devices is indicative of potential
membership in that group commonly referred to as geeks. I put a piece of
duct tape over the Star Trek insignia on my shirt when I use one so that some
doubt about my geek status remains.
Shopping for a Wi-Fi detector
Several manufacturers of wireless products include one or more Wi-Fi detec-
tors in their line of offerings, and at least one company's primary product is a
highly acclaimed wireless network detector. But the field isn't filled with a
wide choice of products. In some ways, that's good because you don't have a
confusing array of devices to choose from, but in other ways, it's not so good
because there's not so much competition-driven innovation.
When you're shopping for a wireless detector, consider these things:
Accuracy of network detection: This might seem too obvious to be
listed, but not all detectors can detect the presence of a wireless net-
work with a high level of accuracy. Some inaccurate detectors indicate
the presence of a network when, in fact, a microwave oven or cordless
phone is the only thing present. In other cases, it's not that the detector
indicates the presence of a nonexistent network, but rather that they fail
to recognize the existence of one or more networks in a given area.
Signal strength indication: Most detectors offer only a few lights to indi-
cate relative signal strength but at least one of them uses a bar graph
displayed on an LCD screen.
Additional features: With only the first two features, you have a good
idea as to the presence and relative strength of a signal, but consider
these things as well:
· SSID (Service Set Identifier): The SSID is merely the name of the net-
work. If you're trying to connect with the Flying J hotspot while
you're in an adjacent parking lot, it's good to know whether your
detector is picking up the Flying J signal or that of a nearby home
or business wireless network.
· Security status: Because you're looking for open networks, it's nice
to know whether the networks being detected are open or secure.
By the way, just because a network is open doesn't mean the
owner intends it to be open to the public. I talk more about this
issue in Chapter 6.
Part II: Surfing the Net Unplugged
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