Hacking Wireless Networks

Hacking into wireless networks secured with WEP has become so easy that it's hardly worth repeating here. WPA2 is not that much more difficult. Providing a separate, unencrypted wireless access point can actually improve security by reducing the incentive for wireless password crackers, many of whom will gladly settle for a limited free connection to the Internet. Unfortunately, some ISPs and plans prohibit sharing Internet connections. The open wireless movement is working to change this.

Improving Range

Sometimes it can be handy to access a distant wireless network. Wireless networks are radios, so all relevent radio technology applies. A good antenna or booster can help immensely, but so can relocating the equipment in the line of sight, away from obstructions, such as hills and steel buildings. A directional antenna can improve the range by concentrating the signals. Distances of many miles are possible with a directional antenna and signal booster. This fellow built and compared several popular homemade directional antenna designs and settled on this:

Wireless cantenna.

BiQuad 802.11b Antenna.

Antenna Theory antenna-theory.com/

Create a heatmap of wireless networks.

Router Configuration

Many cheap wireless routers available today are capable of much more than they advertise (supported devices). With the right open firmware installed they can become a client to other wireless networks, serve up multiple SSIDs, VPN, provide hotspot portal pages, guest access, ads, login screens, bandwidth throttling, quality of service (QoS), different encryption settings, bridge, repeater, mesh, monitor, and more on the same device.

Links

High Speed Internet on a Boat DIY Internet All-one wifi cracker (not responsible) open wireless movement
Third-party firmware projects
how to bild a tin can wifi antenna
about wireless mesh networking
beginners guide to mesh networking
GNU telephony
expand network with simple access points reduce wifi interference How to Use Directional Yagi Beam Antennas For Cellular Phones