Things You'll Need:
- Wireless-enabled computer or cell phone
- Wi-Fi signal finder
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Step 1
Ask an employee. The easiest way to find out if a location has a wireless connection that is available to the public is to ask. If the location had a broadband signal, the employee can give you any required passwords or encryption keys needed to access it.
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Step 2
Search for available networks. You can use a wireless-enabled device, such as a laptop or smart phone, to search for available wireless networks. How to search depends on your operating system. On a Windows computer, click on the networking icon on the right hand, lower corner of your screen. Here you can opt to open the Networking Center or to search for available networks to connect to. If networks are available, they will be displayed with information on whether they are open or secured. You can then opt to connect.
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Step 3
Use a Wi-Fi signal finder. These little devices come in a variety of forms and sizes. You can even get them in keychain form. When you want to know if a signal is available, you press the button. Most devices will respond with a visual indication of whether a signal is present and the strength. Some feature the option to continually hold the button down so you can walk around to find the strongest signal location. Wi-Fi signal finders do not generally tell you whether the signal is open or secured.
