wifi on board

[Stu Jackson]

In addition to my recent topic on GPS Navigation software (http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5747.0.html) I realized our laptop's built-in wireless card worked OK around the house but was not strong enough to get wifi signals from even very close marina sources.

I did my research and I learned a lot from this post: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=747640&highlight=wifi

I purchased the Alfa rig suggested by Rich and it works just fine.

http://www.data-alliance.net/-strse-158/Alfa-AWUS036NH-2000mW-1000mW/Detail.bok

Poke around the website, there's a lot to be learned there.

The "trick" is the ACTIVE USB extender. No need to go to the masthead, since the 15 inch antenna is omnidirectional and captures signals which are sent out non-directionally.

Charlie's discussion on the first link is another way to go.

[Craig Illman]

www.jefatech.com has quite a selection of items to extend reception.

Craig

[Lance Jones]

We purchased Verizon's MiFi. It is awesome. When we move to saltwater, we'll switch to one of the a fore mentioned systems.  
Stu, this is what we have http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=4726&deviceCategoryId=13

[Stu Jackson]

Almost every single thread about this issue eventually turns to "I use my cell phone for a wifi connection."  Similar to my thread about using navigation systems when folks got off on a tangent about using laptops abovedecks, this one is also about using enhanced USB antenna systems for capturing long range wifi.  FWIW, my cell phone is so old and decrepit that is has a rotary dial!     This is NOT an option for me, although I recognize that they do exist and work quite well for many skippers.  Heck, a year or so ago my friend David showed me his iPod...  I don't have one of those, either.

So, for those of you who have other USB antenna systems for longer range connections to APs, let's hear about them.  Links would be nice, too.  Thanks.

[sailingdream]

I have the following when I take trips.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6076240&Sku=E155-2010

I hoist it up the mast with my halyard. the power runs over the eithernet cable. Even if this is down at deck level it will pickup signals pretty far.

[Roc]

Any computer guru's out there may be able to chime in with this concern.  I've read this on the Active Captain website, about requiring a VPN (secure) method of accessing a wifi.  Here's what they say..........

>>> Our VPN selection >>>

The results are in. We've analyzed 110 different VPN companies and selected 2 of them that meet our requirements and have reasonable pricing. We negotiated a significant price reduction for our users who decide to take advantage of these services now.

Please note - we're not making any commission, affiliate fee, or any type of income on this. We've been offered fees and we're passing 100% of them onto you. We know that you use your computer to access ActiveCaptain. We want to make sure you're safe when you're doing that. If someone tells you there's any other reason for us providing these VPN offers to you, it's a flat-out lie.

The two VPN's we suggest are:

1. Astrill - they're an Australian company with multiple servers in the US, UK, and spread out through the world. They have great performance and provide all the different types of connectivity needed for laptops, iPhones, Android devices, etc.

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A full year of their service will cost only $37.77. It's an excellent deal and a great service.

They offer a 7 day free trial. Contact them if you would like to do that before purchasing. I believe they will also refund your purchase within 7 days if you're not satisfied. Contact them about this as well.

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You must click on the link from our page before you create an Astrill account or you will not get the 40% discount:
https://activecaptain.com/Astrill.php

2. Witopia - they're a US company in Reston, Virginia with multiple servers in the US, UK, and spread out through the world. They have great performance and work with all laptops and iPhones, Android, etc.

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Their pages show their full price. You'll receive the discount when you purchase and use the code.



>>> VPN recap >>>

We've now written 5 newsletters about WiFi dangers and VPN solutions. In case you've missed them, the previous 4 articles are here:

Open WiFi Dangers - November 17, 2010:
https://www.activecaptain.com/newsletters/2010-11-17.php

More on open WiFi - November 29, 2010:
https://www.activecaptain.com/newsletters/2010-11-29.php

VPN's 101 - part 1 - December 8, 2010:
https://www.activecaptain.com/newsletters/2010-12-08.php

VPN's 101 - part 2 - December 15, 2010:
https://www.activecaptain.com/newsletters/2010-12-15.php


If you use one of the VPN's we suggest, we feel that you're safe to use open WiFi again. Of course nothing is totally safe with networking but the recent threats of network sniffing are removed with these VPN's. We're using them ourselves with open WiFi at Bald Head Island right now.

[BillG]

see january's Practical Sailor  "Build a Low-budget Wireless Network"

[Ken Juul]

If PS has plans for a DIY usb onmidirectional antenna can you post or email them please.

[Roc]

I saw that article on PS and it seems like it can make a secure network for wifi.  Either way, it looks like you shouldn't just log into an open wifi access.