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Wireless Networks..

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Major, Mar 20, 2002.

  1. Major

    Major Member

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    OK, I got a new laptop today and decided to set up a wireless network so I could get roadrunner on it around my apt without having it wired. I plug it in, and suddenly both my computers are connected to the internet.

    Now, this is great and all. However, what's to stop my neighbor from getting a wireless card and automatically hooking into my network. *I* didn't have to do anything special or configure anything, so it doesn't know that these two particular computers are mine. I looked and couldn't find any way to secure the thing to prevent any other computers.

    This seems kind of odd and non-secure. Am I doing something wrong?
     
  2. Rocketman95

    Rocketman95 Hangout Boy

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    The solution may be to buy your one employee the same thing, but get the cool wireless modem thingy that doesn't involve Roadrunner.
     
  3. Major

    Major Member

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    Interesting idea, but I'm not sure that would solve this particular issue.
     
  4. LongTimeFan

    LongTimeFan Member

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    do you have a router?? There's a distance range, so trust me your neighbors wont be able to get in, we don't live up north - or do you? :)
     
  5. RunninRaven

    RunninRaven Member
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    The way I understand it is this. There is some ID or tag number to your wireless modem that is unique to that modem (for all practical purposes). If someone else could possibly find that ID, they could somehow utilize your connection on their machine (not sure how).

    I couldn't tell you how I know this, or where I learned it from. It is probably wrong. Any other experts have a better idea or how this works?
     
  6. Major

    Major Member

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    Yeah, I have a router and then the desktop has a direct link to it while the laptop has a wireless link to it. The router is connected to the cable modem.

    There is a distance range, but it's 1800 feet, or 6 football fields. So it would easily be in my neighbors' range (unless I live in a mansion, which I don't). I'm going to test this range in a few days when I try to go work from my pool. :)

    Raven -- that's what I figured it would be. Except I never told the router or my computers that they were mine. It just let both computers in, no questions asked. For all it knows, the laptop isn't mine.
     
  7. x34

    x34 Member

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    Are you using two wireless cards in ad-hoc mode, or are you using infrastructure mode (with a hardware access point or software access point emulation?). Or is the wireless built in to your router?

    If you are in infrastructure mode, you can use WEP keys to keep others from accessing your network without the key you set.

    Without a WEP key enabled, wireless users will be able to connect without necessarily needed to get any information about your network from you. For example, Windows XP will automatically scan for any available networks and simply allow you to choose which one to connect to if one is avaibable. All the more reason to use WEP (unless you want to let others use it, of couse)

    The range is not likely to be anywhere near 1800 feet, probably only a few hundred at best. Even then, its not at the full rated 11mb, it scales down.

    x34
     
    #7 x34, Mar 20, 2002
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2002
  8. rockHEAD

    rockHEAD Member

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    precisely why i don't worry about WEP keys or any other security measures... I can barely use it in the bedroom a mere 25' from the WAP. My signal can barely go through walls much less across the street or next door. the range is no where near what you think it would be. I have a Linksys WAP/router and wireless card, works great in the same room, walk away and it's worse than dial-up!
     
  9. x34

    x34 Member

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    Wow, that is pretty bad. The Linksys APs are notorious for poor WEP performance. Have you updated your router with the latest firmware? I had similar problems with the original firmware. My range is very good...I'm sharing with 2 other neighbors...

    x34
     

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