Free software and a paid service help simplify the search for wireless network access.

As much as we appreciate the freedom of wireless networking, finding an open access point (AP) while traveling can be a frustrating challenge. A company called Boingo Wireless has come up with an interesting solution. By promoting the installation of access points and providing free software to quickly locate them, Boingo's wireless services are quickly spreading to coffee shops, hotels, and airports across the United States.

Boingo's plan for providing Wi-Fi (802.11b) access everywhere includes partnerships with regional wireless providers and an almost grassroots-style marketing campaign. For $900, businesses or enterprising individuals can add a secure Boingo access point through which Boingo Wireless subscribers can connect. Access point operators receive a dollar for each Boingo subscriber who logs in through their AP and $20 for each person they subscribe.

Sniffing out wireless networks

Our favorite thing about Boingo is its free Windows software. The Boingo Wireless application is a "sniffer" program that searches for all wireless networks that are within range. Boingo's simple interface lists the available networks and their respective signal strengths while providing a means of quickly switching between the found APs. Encrypted networks are distinguished by a padlock icon, and the application can provide additional connection details including SSID and MAC address information.

APs that use MAC address filtering for security are not visually distinguished by the Boingo software, but the response dialog from a failed connection attempt suggests it's an AP security issue and not a problem with the user's hardware. Also, the Boingo Wireless application manages user information including signal settings, security keys, and Boingo account information, making for a seamless experience anywhere on the Boingo network. Even if you don't plan on subscribing to Boingo Wireless, the sniffer application's usefulness makes it a must-have for the mobile Wi-Fi user.

Before installing the Boingo software, take a look at its hardware compatibility chart. The Boingo software needs full control of the Wi-Fi card and not every model and version of Windows is currently supported.

Access fees

For Boingo users, subscription prices range from $8 a day to $75 a month for unlimited usage. As with other Wi-Fi service providers we have looked at, these fees are based on access at the same AP within a 24-hour period. Additional fees may apply when switching to other Boingo APs within the same day of use. Unfortunately pricing models like these almost undermine the freedom offered by a wireless connection by virtually cabling you to a specific AP. Even with the price hit, though, I'm not going to revert back to a wired connection on my notebook anytime soon. Boingo's ability to sniff out those open (and free) APs is a tremendous service to wireless users.

Boingo time

After loading the client software onto my notebook, I put Boingo to the test here in San Francisco. The software provides a self-updating and searchable list of known open and Boingo access points. At the time of this article, some 55 APs were listed in the Boingo database as being in San Francisco. Of these, seven were listed as open (free). Needless to say, there are a lot more than seven open APs here in SF. As I made my way across town, I was finding at least one AP on every block. While not every AP I found was left wide open, many were. This type of open sharing made it simple to connect and check mail or surf the Web.

Summary: For the user on the road, having a Boingo account definitely increases your chances of finding access at hotels, airports, and coffee shops. Boingo's service plans provide a broad range of connection options that would suit nearly any Internet usage need. In addition, the free Boingo software can be used by any Wi-Fi user to find and connect to nearby networks.

Company: Boingo Wireless
Price: $7.95 to $74.95 per month
Available: Now
Category: Wi-Fi access provider
Platform: Windows