| Author |
Message |
    
argon_smythe
Citizen
Username: Argon_smythe
Post Number: 100
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 4:27 pm: | 
|
Assuming I have a wireless router and DSL connection and have securely locked down the computers on my network, what do I seriously care if my neighbor, or someone passing by, picks up my wifi signal and is able to get on the net? What's the harm in the small kindness? I'm just giving them a direct internet connection thru my router -- they're not touching any of my machines. Nobody's going to set up tents in my yard... but if somebody's going past and needs a wi-fi hotspot, what in the world is wrong with providing it? I start to see cars lurking about outside, or my bandwidth gets constrained, OK now it's time to lock it down or kick them off. But in the meantime, who cares? Wouldn't it be kind of cool, and in the 'old' spirit of the internet, if people locked down their machines but left their wireless networks open to passers-by?
OK, so yes, it would be cool. But from a practical perspective, and a technical perspective, does anybody have any clear and compelling reason not to do this, not because "it doesn't feel right" or "better safe than sorry" but real reasons.
|
Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1689
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 4:46 pm: |
|
For one thing, your computers are unprotected from the sort of attack that your router is supposed to block, because they're on the inside. Windows has lots of vulnerabilities. If you use DSL or cable modem, your PC is always connected, leaving it as a constant target. Getting a router mitigates that significantly, but the folks who drive by and hook up to your wireless are undeterred by that.
But if you keep no valuable data on your PC and don't mind having your data sniffed or your disk wiped, then it doesn't matter. I'm not being flippant. Some people have nothing to lose.
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
There is nothing
|
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 562
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 8:30 am: |
|
Sure I wouldn’t leave my Business computer on without security, but my home laptop is off most of the day and I could care less about who’s using the connection. Both of my neighbors have used my connection and there have been no problems.
The issue I see is that my ISP sees the IP address of the router, not my laptop, so if someone was downloading something illegal my ISP would blame me.
To test out what was going on I hooked an old 486 up between the router and the internet to see what people were downloading. It was a lot of work for absolutely no benefit, no one used my connection.
Then I moved the 486 between my Laptop and router, this required another router and card but I’m a geek and that’s what we do. It created a nice firewall but defeated the purpose.
I don’t really see that much of an issue with hackers trying to get onto your home machine and getting data, wireless is still to new. Sure in two or three years, when the distance is improved, there may be a problem.
I think if you lived near a park, café, or someplace where someone would want to use the connection it would be a nice thing to do, other wise it’s kind of a waste.
|
tourne
Citizen
Username: Tourne
Post Number: 290
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 12:12 pm: |
|
How about, just maybe, you could be considered stealing the connection from the ISP? Or does that matter? |
Tom Reingold
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1702
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 12:13 pm: |
|
Wouldn't passively inviting your neighbors to share your connection violate the terms of service agreement? I think we agree not to set up our systems as servers, so I think setting up the connection as a service is equivalent.
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
There is nothing
|
kevin
Citizen
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 165
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 12:50 pm: |
|
Certain ISPs, like Speakeasy specifically allow you to run webservers with your DSL connection.
I think that most, if not all cable modem services disallow it.
|
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 563
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 1:34 pm: |
|
I live in Gaslight Commons and we all share multiple T1 lines so sharing wouldn’t count in my case. I was under the impression that with DSL you got your allotted Bandwidth to do with what you please. At least that’s how itis with our Emergency DSL at work. |
Sylad
Citizen
Username: Sylad
Post Number: 162
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, January 18, 2004 - 8:48 am: |
|
What amazes me is that from my house I can "see" 5-7 wireless networks. Most are not encrypted. Our modem and router are on 24/7, our wifi has 128 bit encryption enabled, I am sure it can be cracked but I have not noticed the lights on the router flashing when I am not using it. As for "sharing" your connection, does Verizon even have terms in their agreement that prohibit that? I am not sure. In case you did not know, Verizon has created tons of hotspots in the city, if you are a DSL customer you are free to use them. You can get the access codes from their web site. |
argon_smythe
Citizen
Username: Argon_smythe
Post Number: 102
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, January 19, 2004 - 9:02 am: |
|
Maybe one of them is mine! Though I only see one other net, and only when I'm up on the third floor.
|
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page