WiFi

always secure yours

WiFi is great. High speed internet connectivity just floats throught the air. Permeates modern life.

If you’re smart enough to practice safe sex you’re smart enough to practice good WiFi hygiene as well. As convenient as open WiFi access points are you do realize you’re computing in the open, don’t you? If you’re not typing a password to log in you’re not wearing a condom.

WiFi encryption comes in 2 flavors: WEP and WAP. Avoid the former, insist on the latter.

Suring Wikipedia is one thing. Logging into your bank account is yet another. Is this an https session? Is the lock showing? If not, tell me why you’re typing a password.

If you’re going to play with WiFi you need Network Stumbler. Net Stumbler helps you figure out which channels aren’t already overused around you. Learn which of your neighbors is too boneheaded to encrypt their access point.

Here’s how to opt out of Google’s WiFi database. Simply add “_nomap.” to the end of your SSID.   JetCityOrange_nomap.

The antennas in you WiFi access point is omnidirectional, propogating the signal equally in all directions. Put it in the center of your house or office and everyone will be able to connect to it relative to their distance away from the signal. A WiFi signal strength obeys the inverse square law so twice the distance is 1/4 the signal strength and 3 times the distance is only 1/9, 4etc. Worried about someone parking next to your building? Position your access point in the center of the building or on the far side away from the threat.

Simple DIY homemade WiFi antenna reflector lets you aim your WiFI signal towards you and/or away from others. Pointing a directional antenna is an cheap &easy way to increase the range of your access point. This cardboard WiFi antenna reflector template (PDF) is easy to make using stiff card stock, aluminum foil, and a glue stick or double sided tape. Further explanation is here.

Here's a list of WiFi antenna hacks. Instructables if full of WiFi antenna mods. Many of Hackaday’s wireless hacks are about WiFi.