Re: Assume miles for wireless router range.

John E. Malmberg wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>,
>   "POP" <[email protected]> writes:
>> "John E. Malmberg" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> There is a posting on the webforum about "Spamcop after virus /
>>> spyware attack" where it appears that the cause was an insecure
>>> wireless router.
>>>
>>> Posters to the thread should be aware that with the right
>>> equipment on the attackers side, it may be possible to access
>>> such routers from miles away.
>> Isn't any kind of access a 2 way street that requires handshakes?
>> I don't see how it would be accomplished from "miles away" if
>> you're talking about radiated energy to the wireless sytems.  Or
>> are you talking something different?
> 
> It can be done, and many Amateur Radio experimenters put in a lot of effort to
> determine how far they can go with weak signals.
> 
> With a gain antenna and amplifiers on just one end, a great deal of range can
> be added.
> 
> If you are concerned about access by a motivated person of an unencrypted WAP
> service, assume that they can easily do 1/4 mile with readily available
> and cheap equipment, and with spending a little cash they may be able to get
> at least a mile under ideal conditions.
> 
> -John
> [email protected]
> Personal Opinion Only

This reminded me of an article I read many moons ago about Bluetooth.

(http://www.tomsnetworking.com/2005/03/08/how_to/)

Regards

Chris