Wireless Hacks, Second Edition
Tips & Tools for Building, Extending, and Securing Your Network
By Rob Flickenger, Roger Weeks
November 2005
Pages: 463
Series: Hacks
ISBN 10: 0-596-10144-9 |
ISBN 13: 9780596101442




(Average of 2 Customer Reviews)


Description
Wireless technology gives us the flexibility, range, and mobility to live, work, and think differently. It also opens up a vast range of tasty new hack possibilities, 100 of which are explored in the second edition of Wireless Hacks, by Rob Flickenger and Roger Weeks. Completely revised and updated, Wireless Hacks includes over 30 brand new hacks, major overhauls of over 30 more, and timely adjustments and touchups to dozens of others introduced in the first edition. Wireless Hacks answers real-life networking needs with direct solutions.
Full Description
The popularity of wireless networking has grown exponentially over the past few years, despite a general downward trend in the telecommunications industry. More and more computers and users worldwide communicate via radio waves every day, cutting the tethers of the cabled network both at home and at work.
Wireless technology changes not only the way we talk to our devices, but also what we ask them to do. With greater flexibility, broader range, and increased mobility, wireless networks let us live, work, and think differently. Wireless networks also open up a vast range of tasty new hack possibilities, from fine-tuning network frequencies to hot-rodding handhelds.
The second edition of Wireless Hacks, co-authored by Rob Flickenger and Roger Weeks, brings readers more of the practical tips and tricks that made the first edition a runaway hit, selling nearly 30,000 copies. Completely revised and updated, this version includes over 30 brand new hacks, major overhauls of over 30 more, and timely adjustments and touchups to dozens of other hacks introduced in the first edition. From passive network scanning to aligning long-distance antennas, beefing up wireless network security, and beyond, Wireless Hacks answers real-life networking needs with direct solutions.
Flickenger and Weeks both have extensive experience in systems and network administration, and share a passion for making wireless more broadly available. The authors include detailed coverage for important new changes in specifications and in hardware and software, and they delve deep into cellular and Bluetooth technologies.
Whether you need your wireless network to extend to the edge of your desk, fit into your backpack, or cross county lines, the proven techniques in Wireless Hacks will show you how to get the coverage and functionality you're looking for.
Featured customer reviews

Comprehensive and fun. Very interesting.,
October 04 2007
Submitted by
jdruin
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This book is based on the hack series from O'Reilly so the book is broken into categorical chapters, each of which cover a wireless networking topic.
There are 7 broad chapters each which average about 12 hacks. The hacks vary greatly from composition and varying according to platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), difficulty, and expertise required. All hacks are covered well with diagrams, examples, explanations, and links for further reading.
One of the best items about the hacks is that they can be done at home to improve modest networks. In fact, most are designed to show a home or SOHO network owner "how to" improve networks of modest means. The chapter on homemade antennas is particuarly interesting. I was inspired to build my own out of duct work sheet metal, masking tape, and a coat hanger after reading "Pringles Can Waveguide" hack. The antenna actually worked which was the best part.
There are 100 hacks covered so everyone will find something of interest. For the most part, each hack is a separate chapter in itself so it is not neccesary to flip back and forth to find information. In general, they are written in instructional prose and are meant to teach you how to accomplish each hack.
Other chapters of interest cover wireless network security (many of which could just be labeled basic network security - wired or wireless), network discovery, and hardware hacks.
There are also 2 appendices covering wireless standards (the 802.1x's) and various hardware components that can be used for do-it-yourselfers.
This book is a very good value for network admins, hobbiests, and those looking to improve home or SOHO wireless networks.
Great Book,
March 18 2007
Submitted by
garyamort
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This book covers a wide number of hacks for various platforms, from Windows to Macs to Linux.
A little something for everyone and a lot of great ideas.
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Media reviews
"Like the other "Hacks" books from O'Reilly, this book contains 100 different things you can do to get more out of your wireless devices. The book begins with a good section on BlueTooth technology. If you've got a new cell phone, chances are you have BlueTooth. The authors show you how to do a lot of creative things- from simply connecting your phone to your computer, to showing a slide show of photographs...This is a fascinating book, with examples provided for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux platforms. This book is a must have for wireless network enthusiasts. "
-- Mike George, Amazon.com
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