How to use a router to pick up wifi ? (1 Viewer)

Jan 4, 2012
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I have a BT open zone account where i work.

I have a different broadband account at my house but have found out i can recieve BT wifi from locals at a faster rate on my laptop than my own wired broadband.:Eeek:

Is there a device i can buy to pick up these local BT signals and then have a ethernet output to TV/sky box ,and a wifi out put as well.

Then i can cancel my home account :thumb:
 

Wildman

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We all like the occasional free wifi, but using your neighbours bandwidth to watch TV seems a bit over the top to me, it must result in a poorer service for he that pays for it, or maybe I'm wrong. Maybe someone could elucidate, maybe we should all go down that route?
 
Jan 27, 2013
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BT routers are set-up to reserve a bit of the "bandwidth" for FON, BT WIFI etc. The routers are set by default to allow people on the street to use this bit of the customer's broadband.

If you stream a film it doesn't eat into the owners bandwidth - they wouldn't even know you are there.

You can get a iBoost from MotorhomeWiFi and use WiFi from those around you.


Of course if your neighbour switches of the electrickery when they go to bed you'll be a bit stuffed. :Doh:

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We all like the occasional free wifi, but using your neighbours bandwidth to watch TV seems a bit over the top to me, it must result in a poorer service for he that pays for it, or maybe I'm wrong. Maybe someone could elucidate, maybe we should all go down that route?

BT wifi users have a joint fon account where they can use other bt wifi hotspots. ie: someone can use mine, like a club, once you join you can log in and use one anywhere anytime.
Bt turn the speed of these conections up and are very fast.

I need it not to watch tv just to use catch up and u tube sometimes.

I am trying to find a way of being able to use a ethernet output somehow.:Eeek:
 

scousebird

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I use BT Wifi and most private routers are not accessible, mine at home isn't unless you've got the pass key. So unless your neighbour is generous and gives you his pass key I don't think it will work.
 
OP
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I use BT Wifi and most private routers are not accessible, mine at home isn't unless you've got the pass key. So unless your neighbour is generous and gives you his pass key I don't think it will work.

I have a pass key for a BT zone at work which works anywhere :thumb:

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scousebird

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Yes, that will allow you to use BT Wifi but won't give you access to a locked router. When I log on to BT Wifi I can see all the routers in the area, the ones that are locked and the ones that are useable.
 

Deckard

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I have a BT open zone account where i work.

I have a different broadband account at my house but have found out i can recieve BT wifi from locals at a faster rate on my laptop than my own wired broadband.:Eeek:

Is there a device i can buy to pick up these local BT signals and then have a ethernet output to TV/sky box ,and a wifi out put as well.

Then i can cancel my home account :thumb:

OK, your first problem is its illegal.

If the wifi is open and unsecured then they deserve what they get IMHO.

However, most systems are supplied these days with a preset secure password and WPA/2 encryption - not simple to break into, not that I can encourage you to do that, as that too is illegal.

There are unix based hack applications you can download, learn to use and then potentially break into wifi networks to steal their bandwidth.

Its stealing, its illegal ....you have been warned.
 

Wildman

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ok you are missing the point he wants to use his own home router for which he has the required passkey to receive the wifi (not the wired broadband) which can then output via an ethernet cable to the TV.
In other words he needs a wifi receiver with an ethernet output. In which case a lot of laptops have an ethernet connection and can bypass the router have you tried that?

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Deckard

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BT wifi users have a joint fon account where they can use other bt wifi hotspots. ie: someone can use mine, like a club, once you join you can log in and use one anywhere anytime.

I am trying to find a way of being able to use a ethernet output somehow.:Eeek:

I seriously doubt BT will allow you to log into someone else wifi router - i will check this tho - if i can get onto your network - i can access your computers, your sky box, in fact any device connected to it - i can steal you information, address books, even access your browser history etc etc etc.

Ethernet output? simply take an RJ45 ended (network cable) plug into your router and the other end into your laptop? Did i miss something?
 

Deckard

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ok you are missing the point he wants to use his own home router for which he has the required passkey to receive the wifi (not the wired broadband) which can then output via an ethernet cable to the TV.
In other words he needs a wifi receiver with an ethernet output. In which case a lot of laptops have an ethernet connection and can bypass the router have you tried that?

Ok let me see - most home wifi units are routers and have RJ45 connections for you to connect the laptop to. Simplez. 1 cable 2 mins.

If you want to use your home router, dump YOUR wired broadband from your telephone line and connect into a legitamte BT hotspot - then you may need to use a booster aerial of some description - but this probably wont fit onto your home router unless it has compatible screw sockets for the aerial (s).

Piggybacking onto your neighbours home wi-fi without permission will get your collar felt if they catch you.
 

JJ

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As I understand it Joner8888 is talking about a BT account where, in return for allowing use of your connection, you can use other people's who have also signed up to the deal.

Sounds very sensible and, dare I say it, good socialism too...sharing what you have with others.

JJ:Cool:

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OP
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OK, your first problem is its illegal.

If the wifi is open and unsecured then they deserve what they get IMHO.

However, most systems are supplied these days with a preset secure password and WPA/2 encryption - not simple to break into, not that I can encourage you to do that, as that too is illegal.

There are unix based hack applications you can download, learn to use and then potentially break into wifi networks to steal their bandwidth.

Its stealing, its illegal ....you have been warned.

I don`t think you understand:Eeek: BT open zone is free from available hotspots once you have paid to join,, people can access my router as well, all leagal and up front and paid for.:thumb:
 

grumps147

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BT routers are set-up to reserve a bit of the "bandwidth" for FON, BT WIFI etc. The routers are set by default to allow people on the street to use this bit of the customer's broadband.

If you stream a film it doesn't eat into the owners bandwidth - they wouldn't even know you are there.

You can get a iBoost from MotorhomeWiFi and use WiFi from those around you.


Of course if your neighbour switches of the electrickery when they go to bed you'll be a bit stuffed. :Doh:

My reading of my BT broadband is what is said above, by default some of it is accessible to BT Fon registered users. This does not affect my own home secured element, which no one can see as it is secured. You have to be quite close to pick it up as a Fon user, and to be honest I find it a waste of space. If you can get signals you are.lucky, and your even more lucky if your contract or your companies allows use in the way described. I suspect they don't monitor use, but enough start doing it they will.
 

Deckard

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So the answer is - directional or omni boosted aerial so you can actually receive (see) and connect to the wifi hotspot.

This aerial needs connecting to a router of some sort - and use pc wired via ethernet cable....

Is that what you're after?

OR

you can just make your own boosted aerial....

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OP
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OP
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So the answer is - directional or omni boosted aerial so you can actually receive (see) and connect to the wifi hotspot.

This aerial needs connecting to a router of some sort - and use pc wired via ethernet cable....

Is that what you're after?
A way of receiving a signal and converting it into a ethernet output so as i can still use ethernet type devices in house

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hilldweller

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A way of receiving a signal and converting it into a ethernet output so as i can still use ethernet type devices in house

A WiFi into a PC, say use a USB WiFi adaptor.

Then use the windows share internet connection to the hard wired network.

You can test this with your laptop, it's already receiving an internet connection so you plug your network into this and configure windows to share it's internet connection.

I've never tried this but seen the options when setting up networks.
 
Jan 27, 2013
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How Fon works

Fon works by putting the unused portion of your broadband to work for you. Fonera routers make this possible by broadcasting two powerful, dedicated WiFi signals. One signal is encrypted and private - it’s just for you. The other signal is public, and accessible to registered members of the Fon community. And, because you only share a little bit of your WiFi, you won't even notice when others are connected.
 
Jan 27, 2013
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BT Wi-fi is the new name for our wi-fi service and brings together BT Openzone, our great-value public wireless broadband internet access, and BT Fon, the world's largest wi-fi community.
But it's more than that. We're the only supplier in the country to include unlimited free wi-fi with our home broadband. More recently, we've done the same for our business broadband. So, if you're a BT Broadband or BT Business Broadband customer, you have FREE and unlimited wi-fi with no need to pay for 3G or a dongle to get internet on the go.

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Jan 27, 2013
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I work 150 yards from my home.

I could put one of Adam's directional aerials on a window and point it toward my company.

I plug the aerial into the iBoost box. I could log-in with either a FON username/password or a BT account and password.

The iBoost provides a local WiFi network I can use with laptops, phones, iPads etc.

The iBoost also has 4 RJ45 ports - here I could connect a desktop computer, a Sky box, a XBox and a VOIP telephone i.e. Skype
 
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Here's the back of the iBoost router...
 

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OP
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I work 150 yards from my home.

I could put one of Adam's directional aerials on a window and point it toward my company.

I plug the aerial into the iBoost box. I could log-in with either a FON username/password or a BT account and password.

The iBoost provides a local WiFi network I can use with laptops, phones ipads etc.

The iBoost also has 4 RJ45 ports - here I could connect a desktop computer, a Sky box, a XBox and a VOIP telephone i.e. Skype
It also works a treat when out in the MH to log on anywhere:thumb:

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It also works a treat when out in the MH to log on anywhere:thumb:

Yeah that's the general idea. Any excuse to use the motorhome eh? :winky:


Security? I don't believe any open networks are secure but what the hell. I'm not logging into my Swiss bank account.
 
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Deckard

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A WiFi into a PC, say use a USB WiFi adaptor.

Then use the windows share internet connection to the hard wired network.

You can test this with your laptop, it's already receiving an internet connection so you plug your network into this and configure windows to share it's internet connection.

I've never tried this but seen the options when setting up networks.

This will work - however the overhead is on your host pc - it if just you in the household, not so much of an issue...if you have others pulling bandwidth you lappie will slow down ....

Its better to use a router and let it handle the network traffic - you can connect this to your BT Fon hotspot - however, if you want to use wi-fi in the house you will need another router daisy-chained on to it - and you must use a different channel for the "in home wifi".

I can give you the tech info to daisy chain routers so they dont clash.

If you can use cables - all the better - if you need them at the otherside of the house - use a mains-powerline unit to get it close to where you want it. I stream lovefilm and sky box through one and they work well (much better than wifi i might add)

I use four of these at home .
 

Deckard

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Yeah that's the general idea. Any excuse to use the motorhome eh? :winky:


Security? I don't believe any open networks are secure but what the hell. I'm not logging into my Swiss bank account.

Well security makes me wince mate, seriously, if i can get on your network, i can access a ton of stuff, most is crap - who cares about holiday photos? But i could [POTENTIALLY] bag information about you and steal your identity - it happens way more than you think.

Its no so much of an issue till you goto fill up and your card wont work :Eeek:

You then find some f*****r emptied your account.:Angry:

However, being as BT are rolling this out, I have to believe they have at least some security on it or we'd be seeing more about this on the tech forums.

Back to fixing the problem - the iboost stuff is great and will connect together neatly for you without too many tech issues - decent aerial job done - thanks Sydney

What router do you have?
Something like this might give you enough boost ?

[ame="http://www.amazon.co.uk/antenna-Netgear-Buffalo-Routers-Adapters/dp/B003L33UJ6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1365776402&sr=8-6&keywords=long+range+wifi+antenna"]http://www.amazon.co.uk/antenna-Netgear-Buffalo-Routers-Adapters/dp/B003L33UJ6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1365776402&sr=8-6&keywords=long+range+wifi+antenna[/ame]

This place has tons of options for aerials - Broken Link Removed

YOu can get an app for android phones that you can check out the signals - although its only as good as your phone wifi aerial - but easy enought to walk round and make note of the networks you pick up.

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I have BT with FON and yes, anyone with a BT account can park outside my house and connect to my router and access the internet. It is a separate connection to the secure one that I use,and mine always has priority for the bandwidth. If I had any download limit then this would also not be affected by anyone using the FON and Openzone connections.
It also means that I can connect to the internet using any other FON or openzone connection if available.
If I ceased to have BT internet at home then I would have to pay a separate subscription to access openzone. Because the OP has openzone access because of his work account he has the best of both worlds in which he can access it for free, however he may find theconnection will slow down if his neighbour is doing anything that needs a high bandwidth such as watching videos, as the user who is paying the bill will always have priority.
 
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Well security makes me wince mate, seriously, if i can get on your network, i can access a ton of stuff, most is crap - who cares about holiday photos? But i could [POTENTIALLY] bag information about you and steal your identity - it happens way more than you think.

Its no so much of an issue till you goto fill up and your card wont work :Eeek:

Please take this in the helpful way it is sent.
It is a common misconception that access to a network gives you access to the data on the devices connected; it does not.
Back in the day, when I worked for a major international IT service provider, I could see many thousands of devices connected to our networks but without the appropriate access privileges to the individual devices I could not access the information thereon.
The same applies to your home wifi network, I assume that you do have access controls implemented on your devices.
If you are worried about data being grabbed from your network as you log onto your swiss bank account, they don't need to get on to your home network to do that, if they have the means they could grab that much more easily once the data packets have left you router.:Smile:
 

Deckard

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Please take this in the helpful way it is sent.
It is a common misconception that access to a network gives you access to the data on the devices connected; it does not.
Back in the day, when I worked for a major international IT service provider, I could see many thousands of devices connected to our networks but without the appropriate access privileges to the individual devices I could not access the information thereon.
The same applies to your home wifi network, I assume that you do have access controls implemented on your devices.
If you are worried about data being grabbed from your network as you log onto your swiss bank account, they don't need to get on to your home network to do that, if they have the means they could grab that much more easily once the data packets have left you router.:Smile:

i didnt take an offence - simply pointing out the obvious (to me). However i disagree with your comment about not being able to access other data once onto the network. I am a bit rusty these days, but i can download plenty of scripts to help me hack a network and gain access to other devices ( assuming people have actually activated firewalls on individual pcs etc). I did it to a nuisance neigbour a couple of years ago :roflmto:

...and yes wifi itself can be hijacked, plenty of "apps" out there to do this now, its not such a big secret. I dont like wifi tbh for that reason, it is convenient however, so it use will expand. All my home stuff is wired ::bigsmile:

The odds of a one off hack are quite small - lets not get hysterical - however having open access to my home network scares me!:Eeek: The BT fon system seems a nice idea for casual access etc, it would appear they have two networks (and hopefully no bleed between them) so its not an issue for the masses. Its a nice concept, if its been thought through properly...

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