You are probably connecting to someone's private network who doesn't know enough to configure and protect their own network, hence it still has the manufacturer's SSID. Rather stealing service and looking for more information on someone else network, why don't you just create your own wireless network with your own service.
pyee01 said: I am almost always connected to the wireless network connection called linksys. Id like to locate the exact source of this network or any other network I connect to (street address where the networks signals are emanating from). How can I do this? Is there a handy gadget or device, or maybe a software that can help me locate a specific network?
ive heard of wifi access gadgets that sniff out nearby hotspots, but they seem to me to be too approximate in determining the exact location of networks. Am I right?
the reason I am asking is so that I may be able to know how to better orient my wi-fi router and adapters. right now, Ive merely been using trial and error to locate the strongest network in my vicinity, and guess where the networks signals are coming from.
pyee01 said: im too much of a dummy to create my own wireless network with my own service.
how is it done? can a dunce like me do it? Or do i have to be a wiz to do it?
You're so full of crap. You post on here all the time talking about wireless routers and setting up networks. Don't hide behind ignorance to justify theft.
pyee01 said: lastly "Identifying the Source of wireless network" is merely finding info. Its not about using someones bandwidth, so its perfectly legal, as legal as using google maps
its just as legit as using frostwire or limewire only to see how many results are for, eg, mj. and NOT downloading anything.
I don't know where you are, but I suggest you check out your laws. I can assure you that you are very wrong about your legal theory. There are vastly different definitions of what it legal or not legal. It all depends on the definition of "access" and whether the device is active or passive. The reality is that there is almost zero chances of getting caught, but that doesn't make it legal. If someone wants to push the issue it can cause you a whole lot of heartache.
pyee01 said: jolma said: The suggestion was to subscribe to DSL or Cable internet, not to create the internet from scratch, out of coconuts like on Gilligan's Island.
re: "The suggestion was to subscribe to DSL or Cable internet," i dont have dsl or cable because Im too poor to afford it (remember i live with my parents and i dont have a job, and I have a lot of student loan to pay)
hence i wanna just sniff out the wifi networks' exact location so i can position my adapter and gear just rit
give a poor guy like me a break. If ur in my shoes, tell me, how can u afford a monthly service fee? errr... besides robbing a bank. lol
call me whatever u wanna call me, but theres a reason ppl buy laptops like me (with the hope they can connect to internet without having to buy any extra gear, subscription, or fees). Its of course ymmv, but in cities thats very possible
lastly "Identifying the Source of wireless network" is merely finding info. Its not about using someones bandwidth, so its perfectly legal, as legal as using google maps
its just as legit as using frostwire or limewire only to see how many results are for, eg, mj. and NOT downloading anything.
Go to your local library and use it there if you can't afford it. Beggars can't be choosers.
pyee01 said: Im too poor to afford it (remember i live with my parents and i dont have a job, and I have a lot of student loan to pay)So you are basically saying that because you are poor you have the right to steal from people who are not.
It's a damn shame that so many people believe this.
But he has money to buy the necessary gear to figure out where the signal comes from.
jayK
Senior Member - JayK
posted: Nov. 23, 2009 @ 10:45a
Let's try to focus on answering this guy's question here.
Your first step is to make a "cantenna" (a wi-fi antenna made out of a pringles can). You'll then need to point the cantenna in different directions, and listen for the audible attenuation effect caused by the 2.4 GHz radio waves of the wireless network. The transmitter of each wireless router has a slightly different audible tone, and that tone will change its pitch depending on the orientation of your antenna (read up on the doppler effect for more information on how this works). To hear the attenuated tone, you'll need to hold a stethoscope to the side of the cantenna while walking towards where you think the network will be. If you walk faster the tone will be more noticeable, if you can manage to run that would be ideal. A higher pitch means that you are moving toward the source of the network.
Around me people use their street number as a network name, like 202Pacific. So obvious who they are.
jayK
Senior Member - JayK
posted: Nov. 23, 2009 @ 11:18a
bharatiya said: LOL! I read the first line and I thought you were really going to tell him I'm completely serious, utilizing the doppler effect to measure the pitch attenuation of each network is the most efficient way to locate the source. It's even more effective if OP can get one or two other people to move in different directions with their own cantennas and measure the pitch changes from those movements, that way you can use a little basic trigonometry and triangulate the network's source even more precisely.
The only way that works well is to spin the cantenna. I've seen them mounted on turntables and even one on a washing machine motor. Once you get the crystal calibrated it's easy to see the disturbance.
Here's a sure fire way to find out EXACTLY what source you are connecting on....
First download a P2P software application then download as many songs & movies as you can within 30 days. Continue to watch out the window on your street and see where the police pull up. Once you see your neighbor handcuffed you will know your wireless source. Since you live at home with your mommy & daddy you shouldn't have problems with the timing on this.
Regardless of OP's situation, I think it is worth considering that some people willingly share their network and leave it open for others to use. If someone starts to hog the network or if the owner needs it for a specially large up/download, they just shut down the wifi temporarily.
AcidSpectrum said: Regardless of OP's situation, I think it is worth considering that some people willingly share their network and leave it open for others to use. If someone starts to hog the network or if the owner needs it for a specially large up/download, they just shut down the wifi temporarily.
How much would you like to bet that most of the time that is not the case?
Glacierwolf
Dismembered Member
posted: Nov. 23, 2009 @ 6:20p
pyee01 said: I am almost always connected to the wireless network connection called linksys. Id like to locate the exact source of this network or any other network I connect to (street address where the networks signals are emanating from). How can I do this? Is there a handy gadget or device, or maybe a software that can help me locate a specific network?
ive heard of wifi access gadgets that sniff out nearby hotspots, but they seem to me to be too approximate in determining the exact location of networks. Am I right?
the reason I am asking is so that I may be able to know how to better orient my wi-fi router and adapters. right now, Ive merely been using trial and error to locate the strongest network in my vicinity, and guess where the networks signals are coming from.
TIA
Okay, which mod left the door open at Off Topic and allowed him to wander off into other forums?
AcidSpectrum said: Regardless of OP's situation, I think it is worth considering that some people willingly share their network and leave it open for others to use. If someone starts to hog the network or if the owner needs it for a specially large up/download, they just shut down the wifi temporarily.
If we weren't familiar with the OP, that might be a possability. Knowing the stuff he posts on a regular basis, no one here is in any particular hurry to give him any real advice.
RyanChappell
New Member
posted: Nov. 24, 2009 @ 9:22p
A: You compare the signal on an iPhone or laptop at various spots on your street. The signal will be strongest near the source.
--- They could be sharing. You "should" ask, but this would probably cause more harm than good. I don't consider it stealing. It's not legal, but again you are not going to get into trouble for it, unless you are acting creepy in front of their house, or accessing their computers. I don't think it is wrong, unless you are cracking their key.
Sharing while against your ISP TOS is probably a good thing. It is ridiculous and temporary that we all pay $200 a month- $40 for broadband internet, $60 for digital cable, $60 for cell phone, and $40 for land line phone. Remember when we used to pay buy the minute for AOL dialup. These days are limited. The future is free or reasonable $30/mo 20gBit plus internet probably wireless WiFi or WiMax, free VOIP phone service, watching your TV programs on demand from the network website or Netflix online. One price for every device you have hand held wireless phones, car, notebooks, desktops, AC thermostats, digital cameras, flat screen TVs with built in streaming, pet/kid implant trackers, radios, you name it, one ID one price or better yet, free wifi like air, with no ID.
Just like the music industry, there are decades and decades of infrastructure and distribution that have been setup that is rendered obsolete by new technology. All this government and corporate obstruction to progress will take a while to work itself out and go away, but free market forces will prevail and we will all benefit.
RyanChappell said: I don't consider it stealing. It's not legal, but again you are not going to get into trouble for it, unless you are acting creepy in front of their house, or accessing their computers. I don't think it is wrong, unless you are cracking their key.So, it isn't legal, but you don't think it is stealing or wrong.
By using their bandwidth you slow their network down, introduce the possibility of infecting their machines with any viruses you may have, and leave them responsible for anything you do on their Internet connection.
How can you not think this is wrong? Maybe if it was in different terms it would make sense to you... you get a nice new fast car, but someone sneaks in and puts some smack in the trunk and puts a governor on it so it won't go above 50 and they happen to be sick and sneeze and cough all over the insides. Do you think that's ok too?
RyanChappell said: You "should" ask, but this would probably cause more harm than good.Why do you think that? Perhaps because you suspect the victim will not be okay with someone stealing what s/he paid for?
I've posted this before, but I had a coworker who decided to be a Dudley Do-right. We was a federal agent who was working in the network security realm and saw an open wireless network in the area. He decided to be nice, so he traced the signal, stopped by and talked to the owner. It was located in a nail salon, and the owner didn't speak very good English. He tried to explain the dangers and how she should lock the system down against intruders. Then he left his business card and said she could call him if she had any questions. When she later tried to explained to her husband what had happened, he called the police. They asked him a couple simple questions: Did you connect to he network? Yes. Was it your network? No. Did you have the express permission of the owner to do so? No. The end result was the coworker was charged with illegally accessing a private network, a lower level felony in that juristiction, and a few other related charges. In the end, the the charges were all dropped, but it took several months to get everything cleared up. He spent tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees, was suspended from his job during the investigation, and has a permanent felony arrest record that could impact his job placement and security clearance in the future. Had he not been a federal agent, things would probably have ended very differently. It was a slam-dunk from the DA's perspective.
The bottom line: accessing someone elses network, even if you're trying to be nice, can bite you in the ass very hard. Chances of getting caught = very slim. Potential results = catastrophic. Take that for what it's worth, but be forewarned.
jolma
Senior Member
posted: Nov. 25, 2009 @ 1:10p
The law is unclear in most states when it comes to unsecured open networks. If a network is encrypted, there is no question that unauthorized use is illegal. But an open network broadcasting an ID from a technical and potentially a legal standpoint could be viewed as giving an invitation to anyone to connect, like putting up a sign on your house or store that says "come in" or "open".
Without a clear law establishing an exclusion allowing you to connect when invited by open broadcast, the police can cause a lot of problems and legal fees for a freeloading user.
If you are an inconvenience to the police, they will find a way to be very inconvenient to you. Don't assume you have a right to park on a public street or point an antenna somewhere, not even through your own window. You could be accused of loitering, trespassing (even in a public place like a parking lot of an open store), invasion of privacy, eavesdropping, theft of services, disorderly conduct. Even if you escape jail or fines, legal fees may be enormous.
There have been some notable cases on this issue: Alaska Washington
RyanChappell said: A: You compare the signal on an iPhone or laptop at various spots on your street. The signal will be strongest near the source.
--- They could be sharing. You "should" ask, but this would probably cause more harm than good. I don't consider it stealing. It's not legal, but again you are not going to get into trouble for it, unless you are acting creepy in front of their house, or accessing their computers. I don't think it is wrong, unless you are cracking their key.
Sharing while against your ISP TOS is probably a good thing. It is ridiculous and temporary that we all pay $200 a month- $40 for broadband internet, $60 for digital cable, $60 for cell phone, and $40 for land line phone. Remember when we used to pay buy the minute for AOL dialup. These days are limited. The future is free or reasonable $30/mo 20gBit plus internet probably wireless WiFi or WiMax, free VOIP phone service, watching your TV programs on demand from the network website or Netflix online. One price for every device you have hand held wireless phones, car, notebooks, desktops, AC thermostats, digital cameras, flat screen TVs with built in streaming, pet/kid implant trackers, radios, you name it, one ID one price or better yet, free wifi like air, with no ID.
Just like the music industry, there are decades and decades of infrastructure and distribution that have been setup that is rendered obsolete by new technology. All this government and corporate obstruction to progress will take a while to work itself out and go away, but free market forces will prevail and we will all benefit.
finally someone who stands for the common unfortunate man in america. green for u
besides living as an outlaw - on the edge - is so darned juicy
RyanChappell
New Member
posted: Nov. 26, 2009 @ 1:39a
"So, it isn't legal, but you don't think it is stealing or wrong." Exactly right. What is being stolen? Radio waves? Bandwidth? How are this things even stealable? It is not the same as leaving your door unlocked. It is like having a router broadcasting that it is unencrypted, and probably a good source of free internet, and some one using it, possibly even mistaking it for their own unencrypted router.
"By using their bandwidth you slow their network down, introduce the possibility of infecting their machines with any viruses you may have, and leave them responsible for anything you do on their Internet connection." Slow their network noticeably by surfing the net? No. Responsible for copyright infringement. Legal no, but it might have legal costs, until you win your case, which has been the case in these cases. Viruses Smiruses! If you are afraid of viruses then maybe you should take 3 hours to install AV and set up the encryption on your router, etc.
How can you not think this is wrong? Maybe if it was in different terms it would make sense to you... you get a nice new fast car, but someone sneaks in and puts some smack in the trunk and puts a governor on it so it won't go above 50 and they happen to be sick and sneeze and cough all over the insides. Do you think that's ok too?
"'You "should" ask, but this would probably cause more harm than good.' Why do you think that? Perhaps because you suspect the victim will not be okay with someone stealing what s/he paid for?" See drodge's answer. That is along the lines I was thinking.
**Actually doing this accidently is very common and will happen if your notebook is used on a open linksys router and you check always connect to this network, and move to a spot where another open linksys router has the strongest signal etc. You won't even know it!
"finally someone who stands for the common unfortunate man in america. green for u. besides living as an outlaw - on the edge - is so darned juicy" We are all outlaws in a gray world. 90% of us exceed the speed limit in motor vehicles, coast through stop signals and signs, remove our mattress tags, and even some of us use open wifi access points, does that make us felons, comparable to car stereo thiefs, armed robbers, and the like? Hell no! Some people have their heads too far up their tight ash trays. May common sense prevail over fear and analness!
RyanChappell said: "By using their bandwidth you slow their network down, introduce the possibility of infecting their machines with any viruses you may have, and leave them responsible for anything you do on their Internet connection." Slow their network noticeably by surfing the net? No. Responsible for copyright infringement. Legal no, but it might have legal costs, until you win your case, which has been the case in these cases. Viruses Smiruses! If you are afraid of viruses then maybe you should take 3 hours to install AV and set up the encryption on your router, etc. You don't know much about bandwidth if you think that another user can't slow things down. If that extra user ONLY browses simple pages, sure. But how likely is that? Pages are covered in video ads these days, people watch videos and download stuff. This WILL slow down a connection, especially if it is already a lower end one. And your comment about viruses is extremely callous. You don't care about the network you are using if they don't protect themselves... who cares if all their computers crash and they lose all their family photos? It's not YOUR fault they didn't bother to spend extra money / time on AV software to protect themselves from a**holes like you who think it is your right to take whatever you want without paying or considering consequences. You are the kind of person that would see someone drop their wallet and would pick it up and take it instead of calling out to them, right? After all, it isn't YOUR fault they dropped it right in front of you...
RyanChappell said: We are all outlaws in a gray world. 90% of us exceed the speed limit in motor vehicles, coast through stop signals and signs, remove our mattress tags, and even some of us use open wifi access points, does that make us felons, comparable to car stereo thiefs, armed robbers, and the like?And how many accidents and fatalities are there every year because of speeding and running stop signs? If people would pay attention to these rules a bit more it would be much safer on the road. Mattress tags?? I guess that one was a joke, or do you honestly think you aren't allowed to remove those?
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