1.0 General Information Wardriving FAQ | DSLReports.com, ISP Information

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1.0 General Information

What is wardriving?

Quoting from here

"Wardriving is an activity consisting of driving around with a laptop or a PDA in one's vehicle, detecting Wi-Fi wireless networks."

Further Information and History:

The term "Wardriving" is adapted from the term "Wardialing." Wardialing is/was the act of dialing phone numbers with a modem at random or in a sequence to attempt to find a computer on the other end of the line. Once a computer is found, the person who discovered it could attempt to gain access, log the discovery, or basically do what he/she wants.

This term has been adapted to searching for wireless networks since the same theories apply. The only difference would be that instead of a phone line, wireless networking is used. Many Wardrivers log their discoveries, some attempt to gain access, and some do it to ensure the security of their own network.

got feedback?

by Bill edited by localhost
last modified: 2005-02-27 00:13:19

I have the basic equipment, how can I get more signals?

There are multiple methods for enhancing signal strengths and wireless signal counts.

The first, and most common, option is to add an external antenna to your setup. Usually this is done by purchasing or modifying an external wireless adapter. A "pigtail" is sometimes required to adapt between different coaxial connectors for various antennas.

Antennas come in all shapes and sizes from omnidirectional to directional to parabolic dishes. Depending on the application, certain antennas are a better choice. 90% of the time, for warrdriving, an omnidirectional antenna is the answer. If you are trying to pinpoint the exact location of specific signals, then directional antennas can come in handy as well.

Generally, the setup will have a pigtail plugged into the wireless adapter. The pigtail is then plugged into a high quality coaxial cable, which in turn is connected to the antenna itself.

got feedback?

by localhost
last modified: 2005-02-27 14:30:34

People look at me weird when I go Wardriving

When people see a computer in a car and weird looking antennas, they do not know what to think. Quite often they simply want to see what is going on, since it looks cool. The key is to not act as if you're doing something illegal, because you're not! If they keep staring at you and make you feel uncomfortable, stare back and start waving at them.

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I wanted to try pinpointing on foot. I figured 2 of those magnet-mounted coliniar dipoles, in cophase, just need a good groundplane.. like say, an old steel-pot Army helmet, perfect. Except then I'd be walking around in seemingly aimless patterns, with the antenas on the helmet like some kind of wierd bug, so when the cops finally stop and ask me "what's with the helmet?" I can say "I'm warwalking". What do you suppose that they'll do then?

2010-09-26 03:00:53 (sucks_cox )

by localhost
last modified: 2005-03-08 16:02:17

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