Leeching WiFi

[MannyIsGod]

I was wondering everyone's take on this. Is it wrong to "leech" off a neighbors unencrypted wireless network?

I've read different opinions online, but I'm curious as to what the people here think.

[Mr. Holland]

Are you doing it right now Manny?

[Mr. Holland]

Are you doing it right now Manny?

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

I'm doing it right now.... so I dont mind it. sometimes I have a good connection, sometimes I have no connection

[Horry For 3!]

I have my own DSL connection.

[Mr. Holland]

Holland has RoadRunner but will switch to DSL soon

[atlfan25]

Holland has RoadRunner but will switch to DSL soon
:lmao

[Trainwreck2100]

I used to do it, nobody forces your neighbor to have a wireless net, so if they get it they should protect themselves.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

Apparently they don't have SBC DSL in my neighborhood yet, which makes no sense to be, but once they do I am going to get that

[Mr. Holland]

:lmao

Why is that funny?

Same speed but RoadRunner costs 45/month and DSL is 15/month

You do the math

[atlfan25]

I have done the math.

[atlfan25]

and after the math is done

:lmao

[Mr. Holland]

and after the math is done

:lmao

Right.

RoadRunner is the same as DSL except 3 times as much.

Why pay more for something when you can get it much cheaper?

DSL is on the way.

[atlfan25]

:lmao

[MannyIsGod]

I'm doing it right now.

The arguement that the signal is being broadcast into my home is what I've read most on the internet. The signal is pretty weak, and goes out every once in a while. We're not doing any serious downloading and we don't feel bad.

I don't think I'd encrypt my signal unless people who leeched were downloading hardcore amounts and slowing down the entire connection.

[boutons]

If they are running wireless un-encrypted, they probably have password-less access to their wirless router's web admin service, password-less shares on their drives, running netbios over tcp/ip, and all kinds of "come and rape me, please" stuff.

If they get raped by anyone (cc number theft, ID theft, etc), and see in their logs you were accessing their network, then you could be implicated.

[MannyIsGod]

If they are running wireless un-encrypted, they probably have password-less access to their wirless router's web admin service, password-less shares on their drives, running netbios over tcp/ip, and all kinds of "come and rape me, please" stuff.

If they get raped by anyone (cc number theft, ID theft, etc), and see in their logs you were accessing their network, then you could be implicated.
Thats a good point. I didn't think about that.

[MannyIsGod]

I just checked the network and the router. I tried all of the generic router passwords, and none worked. None of their info on the computer is shared, but I can see the computer that is on the network.

[2pac]

I have no problem looting WiFi from my neighbor.

Infact, my new neighbor is my new favorite. I haven't met her, but her signal is titled BECCA and BECCA has an unencrypted T1.

Have fun with your DSL and rr. T1 is amazing.

[baseline bum]

I used to steal a connection from someone in my apartment complex. Then he put a WEP key on. :(

Guess I was asking for it, downloading 3 GB NBA Playoff full-game videos 24/7.

[Horry For 3!]

Apparently they don't have SBC DSL in my neighborhood yet, which makes no sense to be, but once they do I am going to get that
I have SBC DSL, I haven't had any problems with it and its pretty damn fast.

[1369]

I was wondering everyone's take on this. Is it wrong to "leech" off a neighbors unencrypted wireless network?

I've read different opinions online, but I'm curious as to what the people here think.

Are you paying your neighbor for use of their network that they paid for or asked permission to use it?

If not, then you're not "leeching", you're stealing.

[fraga]

Right.

RoadRunner is the same as DSL except 3 times as much.

Why pay more for something when you can get it much cheaper?

DSL is on the way.
I hope this is not true...how fast have you clocked your DSL...I've checked the bandwidth at 4.1 megabits per second on my Road Runner...are you getting that with DSL...if so...I'm switching...

[batman2883]

Fuck it, itll save you money i would do it if i had a laptop

[Uncle Donnie]

A slightly more ethical question for the network experts: What's the best way to secure a wireless home network? Right now I'm using a WPA pre-shared key. Is WEP more secure? Is it slower?

[ObiwanGinobili]

I was wondering everyone's take on this. Is it wrong to "leech" off a neighbors unencrypted wireless network?

I've read different opinions online, but I'm curious as to what the people here think.


no.
it's just floating thru the air. thats free dang it.

if your neighbor was smokin some strong shit out on the patio nad you stood out there and got a buzz - would you have to pay him for that? uhm no.

[1369]

Using your logic Obi, just because my neighbor's car is parked next door, and I have a way of getting into it, then I should just use it whenever I want.

[ChumpDumper]

At my old apartment, the SSID of one of the routers was OPEN4U -- so not everyone objects to sharing. I have my own connection with MAC filtering on -- if someone wants to packet sniff me they probably have more money than I do anyway. I did use someone else's connection while waiting to be hooked up -- mainly for posting here, so of course it's justified.

[ChumpDumper]

Using your logic Obi, just because my neighbor's car is parked next door, and I have a way of getting into it, then I should just use it whenever I want.Did you leave the keys in the ignition? Of course it's stealing, but MAC filtering is too easy not to do.

[ObiwanGinobili]

Using your logic Obi, just because my neighbor's car is parked next door, and I have a way of getting into it, then I should just use it whenever I want.


is that car invisible floating thru the air as somethign insubstantial and untenable?
no.
don't put words in my mouth baby.

[1369]

Obi, my point was, if you didn't pay for it, and don't have permission to use it, then you are STEALING it.

Babe :eyebrows

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

A slightly more ethical question for the network experts: What's the best way to secure a wireless home network? Right now I'm using a WPA pre-shared key. Is WEP more secure? Is it slower?

WPA all the way, and don't forget to disable SSID broadcast and enable MAC filtering.

[1369]

So WPA is better than WEP (I have 128 encrypted WEP key on my home network, at least I think that is what it is)? I want to make sure I'm secure so Obi doesn't come around and clog my system downloading midget porn.

[ObiwanGinobili]

Obi, my point was, if you didn't pay for it, and don't have permission to use it, then you are STEALING it.

Babe :eyebrows


then they should put a WEP on it if they don;t want it used.. till then....

hey, when I bring my daughter down to the play area and some kid left his kick ball - we use it. shoot me.

[ObiwanGinobili]

So WPA is better than WEP (I have 128 encrypted WEP key on my home network, at least I think that is what it is)? I want to make sure I'm secure so Obi doesn't come around and clog my system downloading midget porn.


A. i ain't trecking out to your place for free wi-fi..unless it;s gold plated.

B. MIDGET PORN??? puh-lease. you know I only go for the whips and leather shit.

[MiNuS]

I was wondering everyone's take on this. Is it wrong to "leech" off a neighbors unencrypted wireless network?
Its illegal,buddy.

I use Netgear - wireless name "VIRUS". If I see anyone using mine(because you can check if someones "leeching") I will mess them up for sure!

[Clandestino]

honestly, i'd say, this is not stealing. it is like, if they were blasting their xm radio really loudly and manny asked, "if i listen to their xm radio, am i stealing?"

if they didn't want people to use it, then they'd lock it up..

[Clandestino]

and btw, from i understand, RR is faster than DSL. at least basic 44.95 rr is. you can call time warner and get a slower rr for 26.95 a month. still cable, but slower. and the dsl for 14.95 requires you to have telephone service that is like $22 plus tax per month. and supposedly you only get the deal for 1 year.

[Ginofan]

Honestly, if they aren't smart enough to encrypt their connection then it's fair game. I'd be doing it to if I had the opportunity.

[batman2883]

Yeah its not like it equals a larger bill for them anyways

[MiNuS]

Invasion of privacy.

[Clandestino]

the thing is.. all manny has to do is turn on his computer and the internet works.. he doesn't have to do anything extra.. it is not like stealing cable, where you have to hook up a cable or anything like that..

[2pac]

BTW: I loot radio and HDTV signals too.

[MannyIsGod]

1369, It is being actively broadcast into this apartment. I don't think you can compare it to stealing a car.

I think its a hazy area, and I'm not sure. But lets be honest here. I'm not stopping. :lol

[ChumpDumper]

A directional antenna is a good theif's tool.

[MannyIsGod]

wait, will one of the directional attena's actually bost the signal it is recieving as well? Crazy.

I don't know which house the signal is coming from, though.

[samikeyp]

B. MIDGET PORN??? puh-lease. you know I only go for the whips and leather shit.

Whoo-hoo! :spin

[Clandestino]

actually, i don't think it is even illegal to hijack wifi signals.

[ChumpDumper]

wait, will one of the directional attena's actually bost the signal it is recieving as well? Crazy.It pulls in existing signals better -- get at least a 5dbi antenna -- of course they usually only fit PCI wifi cards with the proper mount.
I don't know which house the signal is coming from, though.That's why you get a directional antenna -- you can rotate it and refresh your network list to see where the signals are coming from.

[MannyIsGod]

Nice. There are actually a couple of networks that are open, but only one is broadcasting strong enough for me to connect.

[MannyIsGod]

Also, if someone was broadcastinga TV signal from their home and the neighbors were watching it, woudl that be stealing of invastion of privacy?

[CharlieMac]

What does LEAP user mean?

Is that my security junk?

[spurster]

It's not a big crime, Manny, but you are using your neighbor's bandwidth to download your, uh, important information.

Of course it is a crime. If you were using a corporation's wireless network, and they found out about it, there is a good chance they would go after you, hopefully after they better secured your networks.

WEP is not very secure, but it shows that you've at least locked the door, it's just not a very good lock. WPA is more secure.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

A directional antenna is a good theif's tool.


What is that??

[ChumpDumper]

What is that??Err, it's an antenna....

....that can be pointed in a particular direction....


Here (http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=50257805&pfp=SEARCH) is a relatively inexpensive one that is widely available.

[MannyIsGod]

Chump, I picked up a omni directional one today. The instore directionals were all way more. It really did improve the signal. Actually, I picked up 2 new networks.

And after figuring out where the signal is coming from, I'm convinced its the landlords place, and she's never home. I don't feel bad at all now. It is all utilities paid after all. :lol

[ChumpDumper]

Yeah, Fry's house brand antennas go on sale every month or so for $5-10 each -- sometimes outpost.com has the same. Putting them on both router and adapter really makes for a solid, decently long-range connection.

[MannyIsGod]

Yeah, this was a CompUSA brand version of a 40 dollars Hawkins version.

[MannyIsGod]

:lmao I want an extension wire for the antenna so I can put it in the window.

[atlfan25]

Atl Has On Several Occasions Snaked Wireless Net From Neighbors

It Has Been A While, I Only Do It When We Didn't Pay Our Bill

Due To That, I Encryped Our Own Wireless Connection. I Did Not Want Morons Like Me Using Our Internet

[atlfan25]

I want an extension wire for the antenna so I can put it in the window..
on my dad's computer he has a wireless card that the antenna is about 4 feet long

if you are close enough, that shit will go hard

[ChumpDumper]

:lmao I want an extension wire for the antenna so I can put it in the window.You can't get one that's too long -- apparently the signal deteriorates quickly over a wire. Haven't used one myself.

[MannyIsGod]

I don't need one really. The signal is very stable, and it's up to max speed.

[ShoogarBear]

There's an easy answer to the morality of this:

Scenario A:
Manny: "Hey, I could hear your XM radio out the window last night, pretty cool."
Dude: "Thanks".

Scenario B:
Manny: "Hey I was using your unsecured wireless connection last night, pretty cool."
Dude: "WTF???"

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

Do you plug the directional antenna into your computer???

and manny how much did you pay?

[MannyIsGod]

Kurt, the omni directional one I got was 19.99 at CompUSA. I'd imagine a directional antenna would be better, though.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

Do you like the Omni?? im only willing to spend 20 bones on one of these.

[Mr. Ash]

It's considered "unauthorized use of a computer network", which is a felony. I think I remember a few people being arrested for it in Florida, but I do not know how the cases turned out (too lazy to google at the moment). Until someone is convicted, I'd hold off on saying it's illegal.

One note - most people are not logging the access to their routers, so if Mr. Manny starts downloading something illegal, it's now your problem.

[scott]

Since I've never even bothered to even figure out to secure my WiFi network, I really wouldn't have a problem with my neighbors leeching off of it (for all I know, they might be)... just like if I leave a bag of money sitting in my front yard, I can't get too upset one someone steals it.

[Tres_Till_it_MHz]

All leechers should be kicked in the nutts and decorated like a Carl Malone pinata with pink ponytails...QUit be a freeloader and get your own bandwdth.

If you leeech and submit any personal information you are yourself getting kicked in the ass for being a dumbass. Any information you transmit on a piggy-back can be comprimised. People are already setting up fake wirless networks in metro areas and large apartment complexs for idiots to fall into.

[timvp]

Manny, stop being a looter. Let Jekka find a good signal.

:spin

[MannyIsGod]

Manny, stop being a looter. Let Jekka find a good signal.

:spinhttp://spurstalk.com/forums/images/smilies/smilol.gif

[MannyIsGod]

Well, I've read a few things and I've come to the conclusion I'm not doing anything wrong. Perhaps this reeks of me trying to justify things, but hear me out.

First of all I've read things that there is no established illegality of it. The one case of someoe being prosecuted for something like this was because the guy was parked out in front of the freaking house!

Second of all, there is an etiquet developing in which people who leave their networks open or name them something publicly do so because they don't mind. I don't know how much I buy this because I dont think the majority of people understand how to close off their networks too well.

But, the network I've been using - there are several in my neighborhood - is named. It is named "lost forest". Now, if they know how to name it why haven't they secured it? Perhaps they don't know, or perhaps they don't care. Out of the other 3 networks I've gotten, only 1 is open but the network is titled a generic 'linksys' which I think is probably just the routers default setting.

Just some more thoughts. It does reek of justification, but well, there is something to what I said as well.

[ShoogarBear]

If you knew who the networks belonged to, would you go up and tell them you were using it?