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Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1550
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 2:37 pm: | 
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There be dragons out there! A wireless network works by using radio waves, which travel through the air, including your home's walls.
A neighbor of mine recently set up a network that didn't require any setup for any nearby stranger to connect to it. I plan to tell him about it.
If you have a home wireless network or plan to, try implementing at least some of the steps in this excellent article.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1423331,00.asp
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 802
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 3:06 pm: |
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Tom,
I have a wireless network in my home that my brother in law was able to access on his MAC with his existing airport card(?).
Can you explain how to implement these steps in layman's terms?
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Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1552
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 3:13 pm: |
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I think the article does a better job at explaining it. Do you need help understanding it? I can break it down further, if needed.
Basically, you should try to make what your brother in law did impossible, because if he can do it, so can the dragons. This means they can snoop on your PC's and they can use your connection for free.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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gj1
Citizen
Username: Gj1
Post Number: 4
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 3:28 pm: |
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Last time I tried, I picked up 13 wireless networks around my house! Only one was secured. Free Internet access for anyone interested and an open door into their network.
Sportsnut, your access point should have an admin screen that allows you to configure the device. This should allow you to set all of the options in the article linked above. |
sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 803
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 3:29 pm: |
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Yes Tom I would like you to break it down further. Basically when it was installed the Comcast installer turned out to be a filipino guy and when he found out that I was part filipino and my wife was 100% he did me a favor by setting everything up for me. So I had little to no impact on getting it to work (which is probably why we have never had a problem). |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1561
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 5:01 pm: |
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Are you around early Saturday? I could stop by.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 806
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 5:06 pm: |
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That would be a yes. Thanks, |
SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 224
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 29, 2003 - 11:06 pm: |
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There are many people who have wireless networks and are willing to share the service with passersby. Often there is a sign - something like }}}} {{{{ which indicates that there is an accessable wireless network at the house. These people are usually savvy enough to put a block or password on their hard drives and don't share the contents of their computers, just the access to the internet. |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1564
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 - 7:57 am: |
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SoOrLady, could you please elaborate on that? You're talking about people's HOMES?
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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monster
Citizen
Username: Monster
Post Number: 61
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, January 1, 2004 - 9:58 pm: |
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I believe she is refering to WarChalking/WarDriving
I do this all the time around the SOMA area, there are quite a few wireless connections around the High School that I have used while waiting for my daughter to finish with her clubs, the Middle School in Maplewood has one that is protected, but you can access it if you know how, and I won't tell.
All in all, I've probably logged into 20 or so wireless networks, and very rarely give in to the temptation of snooping, but rest assured that I would never do anything harmful or release any info that I may come across, I'm always on the lookout for new images though.
http://www.wardriving.com/
http://www.warchalking.org/
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SoOrLady
Citizen
Username: Soorlady
Post Number: 234
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 2, 2004 - 11:32 am: |
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Thanks monster - I didn't know the official name, but yes, that's what I was referring to. |
parkah
Citizen
Username: Parkah
Post Number: 29
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, January 2, 2004 - 11:38 am: |
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wow... monster, you're able to find 20 or more wireless networks you can log into around the area???
what are these people using to boost their signals? my signal hardly makes it through 3 floors of an old 75 year old house, much less to the front porch... making to the street is inconceivable.
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monster
Citizen
Username: Monster
Post Number: 63
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Friday, January 2, 2004 - 1:24 pm: |
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What you are picking the signal up with is equally as important as to what is producing it.
I use an iBook, they have a very good reception quality.
I have to say that I was very surprised the first time I drove around and saw how many signals I picked up, especially on Parker.
If you are having problems with your wireless, try setting it up in the attic, I put mine there next to a window, it's pretty nice to set in my backyard and surf the net.
Besides the obvious point of moving the wireless router around and trying other locations, make sure the antennas are at an angle, not pointing straight up, this will give you better coverage.
If you are in the market for a new router I would recommend Buffalo Technology, this one
http://www.buffalotech.com/wireless/products/airstation/WBRG54.html
is only $49.99 (today and tomorrow) after rebates from CompUSA,
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=305661&pfp=externa l&tabtype=rb
While it has an internal antenna, you can also attach an external one such as this one
http://www.buffalotech.com/wireless/products/antenna/WLEDA.html
or this one
http://www.buffalotech.com/wireless/products/antenna/WLENDR.html
Another option is to purchase an access point to extend your wireless range, such as this repeater bridge, http://www.buffalotech.com/wireless/products/airstation/WLAG54C.html
while the repeater function is not supported by Buffalo Tech. it will work with other systems.
You may also want to check out the website of the company that manufactured your wireless router, they may have bridge/repeaters too.
When the time comes I will most likely buy a Buffalo Tech. product to replace it, I'm trying awfully hard to resist going to the Springfield CompUSA and buying one now, I checked, they are in stock.
I currently use a SMC router (SMC7004VWBR) which I've been very happy with, transmits to all 3 floors and the basement, not to mention the yard, of course as I mentioned earlier, it's in my attic which helps.
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