WiGLE.net

This is not about wardriving but I'm hoping that someone will be kind enough to reply nonetheless...

I have a T42p Type 2373 IBM laptop with in-built Centrino that allows me to pick up WiFi signals. However, I would like to be able to pick up the signal from my workplace which I live close to - about 1-1.5 miles. I don't want to set up any devices on my rooftop, hang them out of windows, etc. I would like to simply set it up on my desk, or, at worst, on my patio. I'd be grateful for the forum's advice on which of the antennas that are out there would be best for my needs? Also, will I be able to connect the antenna directly to my computer for it to interact with my Centrino or will I need to buy a PCMCIA card from you as well?

Thank you very much for the reply!

This is not about wardriving but I'm hoping that someone will be kind enough to reply nonetheless...

I have a T42p Type 2373 IBM laptop with in-built Centrino that allows me to pick up WiFi signals. However, I would like to be able to pick up the signal from my workplace which I live close to - about 1-1.5 miles. I don't want to set up any devices on my rooftop, hang them out of windows, etc. I would like to simply set it up on my desk, or, at worst, on my patio. I'd be grateful for the forum's advice on which of the antennas that are out there would be best for my needs? Also, will I be able to connect the antenna directly to my computer for it to interact with my Centrino or will I need to buy a PCMCIA card from you as well?

Thank you very much for the reply!

Extremely unlikely, probably impossible.

You need clear line of sight for 2.4 or 5.8ghz (11bg or 11a). Going through buildings and then expecting it to go another mile and a half is unrealistic.
Above reply copyright dragorn at the kismetwireless.net site

Dutch

As someone else said it will probably not work. However, I have looged into a public hotspot from 17 miles away using a biquad antenna on my end only. Now, this whole thing was out in the country with no other microwave sources present. The signal was weak but hey!

Biquad is fairly directional. Placing the antenna indoors will attenuate the signal. You basically need a straight line of sight.

This is the one I used (I built it):

http://www.skifactz.com/wifi/biquad.htm