I have a coffee shop a block and a half away from my house that just opened up yesterday and saw thier sinage for wireless but was disapointed to see that it wasint free :( I remember hearing from a friend that he could increase my signal strength by up to 5 blocks but didnt want to beacuse i didnt want that many people seeing my network... but would like to extend my range down the street and he is in europe now and i want to enjoy the new place and wifi does anyone know how i can increase the signal strength of my wired or wireless router so i can get the signal down the street does anyone know how a device could be built/bought to extend the range of my wireless thanks

You face two hurdles. Firstly extending the range of your router signal (base station) and extending the range of your laptop. I believe both need to be able to transmit over the desired distance in order to achieve two way communication. The solution usually involves the positioning of range extending units between the two points. Since this would involve locating such units on either public or other people's private property and they require access to power to function, you are not likely to find an easy or cost-effective solution. On a side note, I just don't get the point of going to a cafe simply to ignore everyone else around you and logging into internet. Buy yourself an espresso machine. That way you get your coffee and internet fixes. I used to have a signature but it disappeared and I just couldn't be bothered writing another so please feel free to ingore this.

On a side note, I just don't get the point of going to a cafe simply to ignore everyone else around you and logging into internet LOL - good point. Kind of like going to a pub or nightclub and sitting in a corner by yourself not interacting with anyone. I have a coffee shop a block and a half away from my house that just opened up yesterday and saw thier sinage for wireless but was disapointed to see that it wasint free The important part of that quote is where you say "not free". My understanding (and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) is you wish to steal internet from this cafe. If I have that correct be advised of a couple details. If it's not free, they'll have setup their wireless to require authentication and encryption which means you'll have to hack their wireless network to gain access. Something which in the post 9/11 world has become a very serious offense. If whoever setup their wireless knows what they're doing, your chances of hacking it are slim and they will likely be watching for just this type of activity which would most definately lead to a knock at your door and either the local police or the FBI standing there with handcuffs. Also, this is a "tech help" forum. Not a hacking forum so your chances of getting any help here are slim. Most of the people who hang out here helping others are serious professionals with integrity who won't be inclined to help a thief commit a major computer related crime.

in response to Curt R my intent is not to hack the coffee shops internet but to use my own internet from home at the cafe wich is close to the cafe (approx 1.5 blocks) and i dont think i need to worry about FBI as i live in canada (i wouldnt be hacking anyway)

Try the noodle strainer. Here & Here There are many cool sites on this. As usual, I can't find them in my bookmarks. LOL ===================================== If at first you don't succeed, you're about average. M2

Well that sounds a little different than your original post.....my mistake and and my apologies. I live in Canada too.....the best part, out west! ;)