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    Wireless Identity

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by B33B, Mar 15, 2005.

  1. B33B

    B33B Notebook Enthusiast

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    On startup my 700m finds a wireless connection titled Linksys that I can access without any passwords. How do I find out where it is and who it belongs to? Any concerns about using an unknown connection?
     
    B33B, Mar 15, 2005
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  2. LucianSamosata

    LucianSamosata Notebook Enthusiast

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    There really is only one way to find the location of an access point. You'll need to download netstumbler from netstumbler.com and wander around with it running. It will tell you the signal strengths of all access points in range, and when you find the place where the signal strength of the access point you're interested is highest, there you are.

    Using any network, wireless or otherwise, without permission is against the law. However, people do it all the time, and I would personally categorize connecting to somebody's access point to check Slashdot as ethically analogous to downloading copyrighted media without authorization. Everybody does it, it's illegal but not really all that harmful, and you can still get sued.

    --------------
    Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
    CompTIA A+ and Network+ Certified
    "Why are you laughing? Change the name and the story is about you." ~Horatius
     
    LucianSamosata, Mar 15, 2005
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  3. LucianSamosata

    LucianSamosata Notebook Enthusiast

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    Oh, and one other thing. While it's generally a given that somebody with an unencrypted default SSID is not going to be technically competent enough to be doing packet capture and analysis, whoever owns that network could be watching everything you do. Every page you visit and every email you send or receive can end up in plain text in an Ethereal capture log along with your NIC's MAC address. Keep that in mind when you're making a decision.

    --------------
    Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician
    CompTIA A+ and Network+ Certified
    "Why are you laughing? Change the name and the story is about you." ~Horatius
     
    LucianSamosata, Mar 15, 2005
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  4. chandlerjea

    chandlerjea Notebook Consultant

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    nice verbage LucianSamosata.


    Sharp AL27, Athlon 64 2700+ 60Gb hdd, 512Mb mem, 64Mb vid, superbright lcd. DVD +-/RW. Great choice for business use.

    www.pc-proz.com
     
    chandlerjea, Mar 15, 2005
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  5. olyteddy

    olyteddy Notebook Deity

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    Be careful. That AP named Linksys is actually my laptop with a packet sniffer attached, and we are experiencing a problem with your authentication. Please type your Social Security Number repeatedly until we tell you to stop...

    First PC = Vic-20, 8" 128KB Home-Brew Floppy Drive ... Current Rig = eMachines m6805 ... Quantum Leap?
     
    olyteddy, Mar 15, 2005
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  6. lapboy

    lapboy Notebook Deity

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    <blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by olyteddy
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    lapboy, Mar 16, 2005
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  7. pr5owner

    pr5owner Notebook Consultant

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    <blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by olyteddy
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 8, 2015
    pr5owner, Mar 16, 2005
    #7