War Driving software

Eric · 02-14-03, 04:14 PM

I've got a Wi-Fi card for my Axim, and I was wondering if there's any software for the PocketPC platform that will let you see if there's any public access points in a given area.

Next week I've got about a 2 hour layover in Detroit Metro Airport. In past visits to DTW, I've noticed the antennae from wireless access points sticking up, and I want to find out if these are public APs. (It would be really nice to be able to surf the Internet while I'm waiting for my flight)

Any help would be appreciated

SmichPeral · 02-14-03, 04:33 PM

I picked up a linksys wifi card a few weeks agon and like it. Though i havent checked its range really. The adapter software that came on CD with it, has link and signal strength meters on it. I would imagine that that is all you need. That and you will get info on what ever accesspoint you run into. What you want is more like a wireless sniffer software compatable with your ppc unit. This will help you sniff out unencrypted SSID's to config your net connection too.

-Smich

clapaz · 02-14-03, 05:30 PM

i recently bought an ambicom wi-fi card and the software that came with it detects all available wi-fi networks around, including the ssid and the signal strength. i also just bought a linksys wi-fi card and i'm gonna compare it to the ambicom and decided whether which on i want to keep. but so far, i haven't had an problems with the ambicom card and the software is great.

rcgamer · 02-14-03, 06:43 PM

netgear card got that AP scan it kool easy to use.

Eric · 02-14-03, 11:59 PM

I don't think my D-Link's software can search for Access Points ... not entirely sure.

DennisFranz · 02-15-03, 12:27 AM

War driving, walking, flying depends on the chipset of the wireless card. Some cards can be coaxed into reading general SSID's and report thier signals, Net names, WEP status etc.

This link seems to have a few intresting points of helping secure your wireless LAN.

I have mine set up NOT to send out the SSID and it is NOT detected with the typical net stumbler software out there. Mind you that it does not mean that the LAN is secure.

For security, I change the WEP once a month and have MAC only setting which is like a serial number for the wireless card. Only 2 cards allowed into the system but again, nothing is secure, even a ethernet cable, DSL or cable modems. If someone wants into your system, has the knowledge to do so, they will come in.

Racer X · 02-15-03, 01:36 AM

I set my settings on my Socket WiFi CF card to "ANY" and I'm able to detect available APS. Now getting on to them is another matter...

clapaz · 02-15-03, 06:51 AM

i now have both ambicom and linksys wi-fi cards and i noticed that the linksys eats up my battery so much faster than the ambicom. the ambicom software has a power management option but it doesn't seem like the linksys does, maybe that is the difference. anyone notice this on the linksys? does the linksys have a power management option? i was originally going to keep the linksys because i got it for a way cheaper price than the ambicom but now i'm thinking twice about the linksys.

Harley · 02-15-03, 08:14 AM

Yes, the Linksys does have a power saving option - it is enable under the "Advanced Configuration". Just put the check mark on "Power Save Enabled". Makes a pretty big difference in battery life.

clapaz · 02-15-03, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Harley
Yes, the Linksys does have a power saving option - it is enable under the "Advanced Configuration". Just put the check mark on "Power Save Enabled". Makes a pretty big difference in battery life.

thanks harley, i have no idea why i totally missed that. that was actually the first thing i looked for when installed the software cuz i saw the difference with the ambicom. you just saved me some money, thanks again.