| Author |
Message |
    
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 378
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 8:47 am: |     |
I recently bought a laptop with wireless capability. I had planned to continue using my dialup service, and just use the wireless when I travel (or hang out in a cafe). Now I find that someone's open wireless network is available to me at home. So, am I engaging in risky behavior my using it? (I have 2 firewalls) And am I harming the owner of the network in any way by connecting thru it? Is there a way to find out who owns this network and ask permission?
|
Network & PC Care
Citizen
Username: Npccare
Post Number: 98
Registered: 5-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 9:12 am: | |
I think there is a fine line of legality there. I am not sure if it is legal or not, I believe it has come up as trespassing. I have heard of at least one lawsuit against someone for doing that (there may be more).
That being said, I use open connections a lot if I am on the road and need to get something online. Some people do share their access on purpose.
I wouldn't be worried from your standpoint of security as long as you don't have any personal files shared. You are really only harming the owner if you start downloading large amounts of data like movies, or if you are doing anything illegal.
It may be your neihghbor. Walk outside and see where the signal gets stronger or weaker. You can usually figure out whose house it is.
|
Bailey
Citizen
Username: Baileymac
Post Number: 13
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 9:37 am: | |
As Network & PC Care said, some people knowingly share WiFi..
I have a wireless network too, and I don't mind if someone needs to connect to it occasionally.
I'm sure some would object, however.
I'd suggest that you either get permission from your neighbor, or not use it. WiFi signals don't travel very far, so it's probably a very close neighbor.
Even better, consider upgrading to DSL or cable internet, and set up your own wireless network. I'm sure you've seen the speed advantage of broadband, and you won't be restricted to one room at home.
|
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9648
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 9:58 am: | |
Your neighbor is paying for his connection and might be annoyed to learn you're sharing it. But he might not. Asking him for approval is a good impulse. There is also the potential of you slowing down his performance, if you are accessing it at the same time.
Verizon is now offering budget DSL service. $15 a month for 768Kb download speeds. That used to be the maximum speed for any DSL service, and it really isn't that bad. Considering this may let you ditch your second line, this could save you money, and it certainly works much better than dialup. It's faster, it doesn't drop connections capriciously, and the "dial on demand" speed is so quick that you can rarely perceive it.
|
ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 379
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 10:23 am: | |
I live in an apartment building, so it's not clear whose signal it is. There are actually a couple of open networks I can pick up.
I'm using it for a little surfing, checking email, Boggle--no big downloads or gaming. So I guess I'm okay?
|
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 9649
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 - 10:41 am: | |
It seems unlikely that your neighbor will catch you. He probably won't even notice. So your main question seems to be an ethical one.
I've done it and don't feel too guilty about it, but I wouldn't consider it a good long-term plan. In other words, doing it as a passer-by doesn't seem as bad to me as doing it as an alternative to paying for my own service when at home.
|
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page