What is WiBoost?

The short answer

WiBoost is a way to use your neighbors’ Internet bandwidth to gain additional speed; in exchange your neighbors can use your Internet bandwidth but only when you’re not using it. WiBoost only works for users who already have Internet connections. WiBoost does not give your neighbors access to your own computer or network.

The longer answer

A WiBoost device communicates with other WiBoost devices using radio waves. Each device acts as a proxy firewall that is capable of selectively fetching data sideways from other WiBoost devices. WiBoost devices work at the application layer, meaning that they understand the protocols they are sharing on your behalf, and make intelligent decisions about what should be shared. WiBoost doesn’t share protocols that could cause a problem.

Also see What is WiBoost? (A non-technical description)

Do I give up my bandwidth?

The short answer

No. You only give up bandwidth you aren't using.

The longer answer

Our studies show that even heavy Internet users seldom use more than 1% of their total bandwidth. In exchange for giving other people access to your bandwidth when you aren't using it, you get access to all of their bandwidth when they aren’t using it. Your neighbors only get access to your Internet connection when you’re not using it. You always get all of the bandwidth you pay for and usually much more.

What about security?

The short answer

WiBoost generally errs on the side of caution when security is concerned, even if it means a tradeoff in features or speed.

The longer answer

Some people put features before security. WiBoost doesn't. WiBoost doesn’t accelerate the protocols that could cause security problems.  Here is a list of things your neighbor's potentially virus-ridden computer won't be doing:

• Sending spam over your Internet connection. WiBoost devices do not share mail sessions over peer sites.
• Accessing to your computer. WiBoost devices connect peers to the Internet over your DSL line or Cable connection. Your neighbor’s computer is not connected to your computer or network.
• Recording information you post to web sites. WiBoost devices do not send such requests over shared lines.
• Recording you as you log into your bank account.

By comparison many Cable Internet connections are far less secure.

What about privacy?

The short answer

WiBoost has features to protect your privacy.

The longer answer

WiBoost devices fetch data over encrypted connections to your peers. This means that third parties can't tell what you are downloading, but it is possible for your peers to tap their own lines, and see some portion of the files you are downloading. Bear in mind that WiBoost doesn’t fetch sensitive data through peers. If you have ten neighbors, each with the same bandwidth, each could see around a tenth of what you are downloading. Banking sessions, passwords, and similar sensitive things are never sent over a peer's line. For extra peace of mind, it is possible to give a WiBoost device a list of sites that should never be fetched through peers. Thus, you can access these sites without a speed boost, but with full privacy.

What about ISPs?

The short answer

WiBoost is new and ISPs have not yet had time to respond. Stay tuned!

The longer answer

WiBoost provides a way for ISPs to offer their customers peak bandwidths many times higher than other comparably priced alternatives (and faster than Cable). Each DSL line typically has a speed of 0.25 to 1.5 megabaud,  but there are usually many DSL lines in an area. Together these lines provide enormous aggregate bandwidth. WiBoost allows ISPs to sell this aggregate bandwidth where previously they were limited by the speed of individual DSL lines.

For further information see Benefits for ISPs

Can I freeload off my neighbor?

The short answer

No.

The longer answer

You need your own Internet connection in combination with a WiBoost device. To get additional bandwidth you must have some bandwidth to give. WiBoost intentionally cannot be used to share bandwidth between connected and non-connected parties. This would be against many Internet providers' allowable terms of service.