 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Welcome to Webzaemon's corner. In this column, you can learn about the most eccentric, fantastic, or cheap methods of quickly enhancing your electronic lifestyle. In this debut episode, I will briefly outline one of my favorite hardware and software combinations - the pocket crawler!
|
|
 This system is used almost exclusively to detect, troubleshoot, maintain, and enjoy 80211.b wireless networks. If terminology like that frightens you, don't worry! We're just talking about Apple's "Airport" system, but you don't need a Macintosh to get in on the fun.For $300 you can have a pocket crawler which can get you on the wireless net immediately. Lets take a look.
On the top you can see the Toshiba Libretto,a pocket computer which these days can be found online or at used shops for $200 or less. They are not the fastest, and no longer the smallest, but you will still be hard-pressed to find as much power in the size of a VHS cassette. While the Libretto is fully capable of running a Unix-type operating system, for simplicity we will assume you have Windows installed on it. Add a $70 wireless card, (I like the Lucent Orinoco) and you have a platform ready to talk. Who do you talk to? Well, you can go to a net cafe to test your system. You can buy a $75 hub and connect it to your home internet connection.  Or, you can download some free software called NetStumbler. This constantly scans for any 80211.b activity your card is picking up, and keeps a handy log. The screenshot at right shows one of the most common sites you will see when netstumbling... The Linksys access point. These are very common routers (comparable to the Apple Airport BaseStation), and they call themselves "Linksys" until someone changes the name. Without breaking the law and gaining access to the network, there is not a whole lot you can do here. However, walking down your street and seeing how many of these hubs are operation is thrilling in its own way. You may be lucky enough to strike up a conversation with the network owner and they will allow you access.
You may notice a network with a name like webzaemon-at-mac-dot-com. This is an email address! Its a good technique that should spread. You can email the owner and tell them you "stumbled" onto the network and are curious about. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, baby.
We'll get into more of the guts next time. If you have questions, ask Webzaemon!
|
|
|
|
|
|
