Date:         Fri, 29 Apr 2005 09:52:07 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Subject:      Re: Internet access using a cell phone
In-Reply-To:  <a06020400be97f1c81fa9@[10.0.0.107]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Check the Internet before you go by googling wi-fi or wireless internet
and the name of the town(s) or area(s) you will be traveling through.
I've done this with great results, more often than not the town that
makes wifi available at the library, say, will publish that  on the
web. There are also wifi directories around, but may not be up-to-date.

Jim

On Apr 29, 2005, at 9:29 AM, Paul Guzyk wrote:

>> Solutions:
>> (1) a notebook computer with a wifi card enable us to connect at free
>> access
>> places and we could even purchase the access plans available at truck
>> stops
>> along the way. The problem with this is that I have to hunt and find
>> a place
>> with wifi Internet access.
>
> Even if you have a cellphone for internet, make sure you take along a
> wifi compatible laptop.   You'd be amazed at how many places have
> "free" wi-fi.  Not just coffee shops and other businesses, sometimes
> you can just park on the street near someones house and use the
> Internet that leaks from their house.   Around 50% of the people with
> wireless routers don't put passwords on their networks.  Since people
> pay a flat rate for their Internet, I don't feel guilty using it for
> a few minutes since it won't impact them financially.
>
> Also, mid range motels along interstates all seem to be adding wi-fi.
> Just pull into their parking lot for a few minutes to check your
> email.  Easier and more plentiful than truck stops.
>
> It's worth getting a pocket "wi-fi scanner" to check for signals
> without having to setup your laptop. You just drive slowly down the
> street until the light turns green, then park and check your email.
>
> Try and get one of the new wi-fi scanners that searches for wide open
> unsecured networks (i.e. no password needed).  That will ensure no
> false expectations.
>
> Or, if you have a passenger in your Westy (Vanagon content), have
> them watch the laptop and get software like netstumbler to help with
> your "war driving".  You'll be amazed at how many wi-fi networks are
> out there...
>
> http://wiki.personaltelco.net/index.cgi/NetStumbler
>