On Mon, 08 Jan 2007 09:29:11 -0500, Glenn Ashmore wrote:

"Geoff Schultz" wrote

OK, then maybe you can tell me where in the Bahama **Out Islands** you
found wireless. If you're talking Nassau or the Abacos, then yes,
wireless
is available.

Netstumbler was very useful on Exuma for finding signals. Found 3
usable signals at Georgetown with weird radiation patterns. 200 yards
made a lot of difference in signal strength. Also at the Four Seasons
Marina, Emerald Bay, Staniel Cay and Cat Island.

Marina wifi antennas are aimed out over the slips and tend to fall off
rapidly near the edges of the pattern. If you can find the center of
the pattern you can be a fair ways off and still get a usable signal.
The problem with marina systems is that you have to go in and open an
account which cost a few bucks if you are not in a slip. A lot of
villas along the beach have unsecured APs too and they have very erratic
patterns. Must have something to do with the position of the AP to
windows and metal in the house. With a good wifi rig you can sometimes
find them several hundred yards off shore.

Coverage is hit and miss but with the right tools you can sniff out more
spots.

I've had pretty good luck finding networks all around lower British
Columbia. The household and small business ones are usually stronger than
the (expensive) marina ones provided by Broadband Express, etc. I've
even come across household networks with welcome screens! (Lotsa techies
with waterfront homes in BC.)

I even picked up a network from a large yacht once, wide open for anyone
to hop on an run up his satellite bill, or poke around his network,
hacking his personal computers and onboard systems! Of course I wouldn't
dare, but I hope he's fixed this!

Matt O.