How can I connect to my neighbors' internet connection?

Question

Which is the best wireless network card to buy for my comp?

Is it illegal???

Geesh! You guys are making me feel guilty for even thinking about it!

I'll just pay for my own.

Answer 1

There are two schools of thought on the legality of using someone else's bandwidth via a wireless connection...

The first states that it *is* illegal, as you're using a service that you're not paying for and someone else is. Once you associate to their AP, your data is travelling over their network, on their service. Being a network security administrator, I tend to agree with this thinking, solely from the point that if *you* were to do something illegal while using *their* bandwidth, *they* are the ones who would get in trouble in the event of an investigation.

However, the opposing argument states that since they haven't secured their wireless signal, they're implicitly agreeing to the risk of someone else using their bandwidth. I've heard it compared to someone watering their lawn and letting their sprinklers spray over onto their neighbors lawn. Are the neighbors "stealing" the water? I don't find this argument holds up well against the bandwidth comparison, however, simply due to the fact that while using someone's unsecured wireless connection you have the ability to willingly engage in unlawful activities.

All that said, I personally wouldn't mind sharing my bandwidth via my wireless signal, but it's secured, so *I* can control who can use it. So perhaps you should just ask your neighbor if you can connect to their wireless network from time to time.

As for a wireless card, any of the brands out there are going to work fairly well. The last time I did any research, believe it or not, the Microsoft cards were getting really good reviews, but any of the major brands, LinkSys, DLink, Netgear, etc, are all going to work well for you.

Answer 2

fist off connecting to someones Internet is no different that stealing cable it can be done but is illegal also your not likely to get a very good signal anyhow. any wireless card will work just fine as lone as it is for the 802.11b/g specs. some are more advanced than others but I feel that they are pretty much the same

Answer 3

If the person has wireless and is not secured with a password and your computer has a wireless that detects it, you should be able to connect it without any problems.

Yes, it is illegal.

Answer 4

I don't think there is a law against it yet. But if your neighbor has security enabled, you won't be able to take his signal. Any wireless network card will do.

Answer 5

Regardless, the easiest way to connect to your neighbor's wireless network is to go over and ask whether he/she would mind letting you use their bandwidth.
It is entirely up to them.

Answer 6

Yup, its illegal, if they have dial up, you need there number, username, and password, if not, get a wireless card, and find there network, log on, and viola.

Answer 7

My opinion a bluetooth card. If you have a pc you can purchase a USB bluetooth connector. It just plugs into a usb port and "VIOLA!" you have instant wireless, that is, if you have a WIFI connection near your home.

Answer 8

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHA. LOL. Good luck on doing so & saving about $25/month

Its only illegal if u get caught.
Maybe u could work out a deal and pay half w/ him/her.....Naaahhhhhhh, get it 4 free

Answer 9

YES!!

It is a FEDERAL offense.

BTW, my husband is a software engineer aka Computer Genius - you can put spyware on the connect to track people who try to steal your connection (Firewall). We've done it...

Answer 10

Yep its illegal, its the same as stealing a thing you didn't pay for.