BleepingComputer.com: Wireless Router From Europe?

I had a thought but I want other's inputs first. Since the US standard wi-fi channels on a router are 1-12, what if I were to have one of my German friends ship me a European router and pci card for my American computer and used the 13th channel? Not many people could use it even without encryption! Or... am I missing a piece of the puzzle? An interesting thought... curious for input and constructive criticism. Thanks

Not sure if the different electrrical voltage in Europe would reguire the internal parts to be converted to US voltage

The router would need a different power supply. But even ignoring that issue any decent (ie. 100% 802.11d compatible WiFi card) should be able to notice the 13th channel and switch over to using it. Admittedly there are those which can't *cough* lazy firmware developers *cough* but I wouldn't rely on it for security.

EDIT: You would also break some regulation, I should think.

This post has been edited by Mr Alpha: 03 April 2007 - 02:01 PM

yes, the FCC regulates what channels we can use here, 13 being outside that range, there's some reason for it, tho it escapes me right now

This post has been edited by twardnw: 03 April 2007 - 03:08 PM

Hmm... I did a lot of googling... and it seems that the FCC will come down on you hard if you are caught using channels 12-13(14) in the US... but none of the pages tell me why???

Although, from the sounds of it, Wi-Fi cards in the US under FCC specs can't see Channels past 11, so that would mean good security... and makes ya think, who would report you? who could report you??

Also... I wonder if the government could be using that channel with say, police or other auth figures in our areas without our knowing... I'm going to see if I can have my friend send me a PCI card and I'll do a scan anyways to see...

Any other input though?

If a decent (see earlier definition) WiFi card notices that the 13th channel is being used it will assume that it isn't in US (or in a FCC regulated area) anymore, and turn it on.

Do you really want to take the chance? Eventually someone will notice the illegal channel being used and will trace it to you. What will you say when they confiscate your computer?