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Ask Hackers: How to solve the Wifi dilemma?

5 points by donna 19y ago

With all the urban WiFi projects getting shelved: Chicago Drops Expensive WiFi Project http://www.tmcnet.com/wifirevolution/articles/10205-chicago-drops-expensive-wifi-project.htm http://www.tmcnet.com/wifirevolution/articles/10205-chicago-... S.F. citywide Wi-Fi plan fizzles as provider backs off http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/08/30/MNEJRRO70.DTL http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/08/30/... Anybody have any ideas how to create a breakthrough solution? Seems there are numerous supply of wifi connections, but they all need passcodes. I want to be able log on to any WiFi in San Francisco even if I don't have the passcode... I don't want to use a hacker tool, and I want it to be fair to everyone. What's the problem with doing that?

Xichekolas 19y ago
We could get everyone to sign up to http://www.fon.com/en/ http://www.fon.com/en/ or some similar service.
- donna 19y ago
  hmm, buy new hardware :-/
  - Xichekolas 19y ago
    If you look around on the site there is free software to turn a linux or mac box with a free wifi card into a hotspot (with simple TUN/TAP). If the new linksys routers weren't so crippled compared to the good old WRT54G V4, you could probably work out a firmware solution, which would open it up to anyone able to flash. There is a startup idea for someone that wants it. Create a firmware solution for FON... or create your own better solution.
    - jaf656s 19y ago
      Linksys actually made a special model, the WRT54GL, that remains flashable.
    - donna 19y ago
      hm, spare computer with wifi card is an interesting idea. at least it gets around the router limitations...
- cmars232 19y ago
  I got a free FON in some promo a while back. Problem is, the range on a FON router turned out to be half that of my modded Linksys. It doesn't even reach outside the house...
jakehow 19y ago
The problem is that it doesnt work. I installed wifi in large NYC apt buildings for a long time. WiFi just doesnt work as reliably as wireline solutions. Here in NYC, I cannot even use my own wifi network from more than 15 feet away because, the entire spectrum is getting stomped on from everyone else around me. If your main goal is blowing away tax dollars to consultants, municipal wifi is awesome. If you just want to connect to the internet get an EVDO card.
- cheponis 19y ago
  Have you tried 802.11a ? Same speed, more bandwidth, less interference.
danw 19y ago
WiFi isnt the right technology. Wifi is for homes and offices. Wait for WiMax which is perfect for Towns and Cities. If you cant wait for wimax get a 3G phone and use it as a modem.