Wok-Fi

Has anyone here actually built one of these things personally? I will have all of the materials together on Wednesday and going to give it a shot. I have a better looking plan than this POS, but the principle is the same. Got any tips?

It goes w/o saying, but whatever you do, we demand pics!

Not a problem...I just hope it works as promised. I'm going on vacation next week and there is wi-fi available near by, but just barely enough signal to make a connection. This should make my stay a bit more enjoyable. (if it works)

This looks like a cool mod. I may have to try it out, all I need is one of those strainer dealys.

This is like, I think it's like, totally illegal.

but it's like downloading MP3s, speeding 5-10 over, and warez...

no one really cares unless it's high profile. Or unless you're RIAA.

nonameo said:

This is like, I think it's like, totally illegal.

but it's like downloading MP3s, speeding 5-10 over, and warez...

no one really cares unless it's high profile. Or unless you're RIAA.

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why is it illegal?

mobiux said:

why is it illegal?

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Wifi works in the 2.4ghz spectrum, which is generally free to public use - however you can only broadcast at certain levels without propper licencing from the FCC (ie HAM radio licence).

Most consumer level stuff only broacasts at less than 1/10 of the allowed power + there is a reason... when you put your wifi stuff next to a metal surface, the signal is restricted from going through the metal + is generally bounced another direction - resulting in a higher broadcast level in certain directions.

Things like this WOK are generally a parabolic antenna, which can bounce 180 degrees worth of signal on 2 axis's into a bem pattern of 15-20 degrees. So taking signal from 180 degrees down to 20 degrees - you roughly produce a 9X more powerful signal in the direction you're pointing your antenna. You do this on both your X and Y axis (left/right + Up/down) + you have roughly 18X the signal in one direction.

if you're wifi was 1/10 of the allowed poer + you multiply it by 18 = you are broadcasting at 180% of the allowed power.

Are you likely to get caught? - no unless you're broadcasting into a FCC Nazi's airspace - is it technically still illegal - yes.

I should also point out that if you're using this device to "borrow" someone else's signal without permission - there is more of a chance of getting caught as using someone's wifi without permission is a federal offence.

teststrips said:

I should also point out that if you're using this device to "borrow" someone else's signal without permission - there is more of a chance of getting caught as using someone's wifi without permission is a federal offence.

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Can I get a link to that law?

Stealing bandwidth via wardriving can land you in jail and a hefty fine in some states. This is not for that use as I'm grabbing a wi-fi signal that is authorized, just a bit weak due to my distance from the clubhouse. Wardriving really requires more of a cantenna than a wok-fi Just to clarify that this is not promoting any illegal activities or I would be forced to ban myself

I'm not sure what the exact law is, but its 1watt total IIRC.

Xipher said:

Can I get a link to that law?

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FCC part 15, Page 57

(1) For frequency hopping systems
operating in the 2400–2483.5 MHz or
5725–5850 MHz band and for all direct
sequence systems: 1 watt.

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Fleeman's page explaines this well.

Honestly I dont think the Wok-Fi would exceed that, seeing as they have much larger designed antennas that fall within the specefication.


Also to note, I have built the "Cantena" before, but for the $25 to $40 it costs for a 10-14dB directional antenna, it's no really worth messing around building your own, unless you are going to use something really big. (30"wok anyone.. )

I thought you were saying using some ones wifi with out proper authorization was a federal offense, I apologize for the misunderstanding. I knew about the 1 Watt limit for unlicensed users already.

Xipher said:

I thought you were saying using some ones wifi with out proper authorization was a federal offense, I apologize for the misunderstanding. I knew about the 1 Watt limit for unlicensed users already.

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I dont think it is a fedral offence, but it is a felony in some states.