I live in the boonies. I use a Sprint HTC Mogul for internet connection (via toggled cell phone). Lately, I keep picking up a 802.11b/g network connection (makes plink noise, asks if I want to connect). It shows two available networks:
Secured Network: Belkin.ea2
Open Network: Bernie.???
Unless my critters have smuggled in electronics , the nearest inhabited buildings are: 300ft, 660ft, then a group at 800+ ft.
The network seems to come on most often in the early morning (5a-7a). So, not a time of day that you’d expect people to reboot a WiFi router.
I’m thinking these distances are further than 11g is spec’d out for (especially considering that it would be going through walls).
(a) Is there a new WiFi standard that is known to trigger older 11g systems?
(b) Does anyone recognize those networks as default for a Belkin device that I might look up specs on it?
Your closest neighbor is at the far edge of range, if the signal is propagating purely outside and has nothing in the way (so probably right on the wall of his property on your side) - What Is the Range of a Typical Wi-Fi Network?
Since you are right on the edge the times it appears are probably lowest signal interference & highest propagation rather than anything he is doing on his end.
I occasionally see networks that are about 1 mile away. The ranges that jacobsta811 links to are the ranges that have decently reliable connection. You can get much greater range with a non reliable connection. The radio noise of the environment makes a big difference in the ability of picking up a signal it is believable that early in the morning most electronics in your neck of the woods are off allowing you phone to pick up you neighbors networks.
It’s possible (but unlikely) that you’re picking up somebody’s directional antenna. A wifi signal can be beamed a lot further than normal if used with a directional antenna.