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The Joel on Software Discussion Group (CLOSED)

I have a wireless router at my apartment which allows unsecured access - I allow unsecured access intentionally.

I live in a pretty high density area and there can be potentially other computers accessing the Internet via my access point.

Is there a way I can check how many computers are accessing my wi-fi network?

There might be a way of determining the number of DHCP leases that have been given out in the routers interface.

If you are unintentionally allowing unsecured (open) access, why do you care?

Sorry ... "are INtentionally ..."

On the router admin interface, there may be a way of viewing "Connected Devices" or something along those lines.

That *should* show the devices' current IP address and name.

Depending on your software/firmware... you may be able to ban your neighbor who you don't like my MAC address...

Like others said, check your DHCP table. 

Depending on the router you have... you may be able to download a newer/updated/more functional firmware for it and then you should have what you are asking for for sure.

run ethereal, a packet sniffer:

http://www.ethereal.com/

and log to a file. It will capture who's on your network, what times, and their activity while they are on your network (AIM, surfing pr0n, port scanning you, etc...)

Remember that if they browse to a child porn site or something similar, the feds are going to be knocking on your door, not theirs.

Might want to MAC limit your Wi-Fi.

+1 to Cory.

You should be able to find out what MACs have been accessing it without too much trouble.

Hmmm, I'm curious now if there are known issues with WEP security.  I have a 128bit WEP key on my WIFI, is that enough?

When I go into setup on my Linksys router, there's a DHCP tab which has a DHCP Clients button which shows me a popup with a list of all wired and wireless connections, by computer name.  Your router may have something similar.

Clay, WEP is shite - it's been easily cracked.

WPA is the new hotness

First of all, why in the world would you allow open access to your wireless router??

In any case, routers of the home class gnerally have a section in the admin area where the wireless connections are listed with various stats like IP address, MAC address etc.  They should also have a log area where both wired and wireless information is shows with similar stats.  Assuming you have a manual, you can look for the location of all of this type of information up there.

Wouldn't the world be a little better if *everyone* allowed access to their routers?

Of course, it would be best if home Wifi routers put WiFi connections outside the firewall.

But still, isn't sharing better?

Do you share your electricity?

I would, if it cost nothing for each marginal user.

Shaun, when someone wardrives your router and pulls down some kiddie porn, and then the cops show up at your doorstep and not the wardriver's, then come tell us again how great sharing your router is.

It is not the internet provider that is guilty here. If that person hacks into YOUR SERVER and downloads some materials onto YOUR server, then you might have a point. But borrowing your connection, and downloading into THEIR computer is not going to get you in trouble.

However I do admit that some hassles could occur if illegal activity is tracked to you IP number. So, sure, there is SOME risk here…but really very little. (in fact, I am willing to take that risk – as the are not going to find me guilty of any wrong doing anyway).

So, someone using your internet connection is NOT going to make you guilty.

As for sharing the connection? You darn right I would!!

There is some great stories of people who right before they go to work, unplug their computer from the hub, and place the hub up by their window overlooking a park area. !!. All of the people during the day can then enjoy nice free high speed net. I mean, as long as you are not exceeding you month use (if you have a limit), then I don’t see why anyone with a sense of community and sharing would not allow this.

Another area is when you travel to a hotel. You got those nice big L shaped resort type hotels. In the room, high speed is free, and included. You go down to the food, or eating areas, and in some places the open areas have signed a deal with a provider (they essentially use the hotels internet to charge YOU to use the wireless – talk about a stupid business model for hot spots!!). So, most of us simply bring along a wireless hub and plug it in to the free hotel access, and then put the hub by the window. Now you got the whole resort below covered…and it is free!!! I think this is wonderful way to share net access with fellow man.

I have ZERO problems with other people using my connection to surf, and check email. Even downloading some files does not even bother me (I got 5 people on my home network right now). However, my network is secured, but if I could, I would most certainly open up a public wireless side. I can’t tell you the number of times I have a meeting etc, and people pop open their notebooks. I reply that I do have wireless, but it is not open.

To me, the major problem here is that I can’t split my wires accessibility between a “public” use, and my personal network. It would REALLY be nice of those routers allowed a public access to the internet connection, but NOT a shared connection to the LAN part.

I can’t tell you the number of business, restaurants, bars etc. that have a few computers, and already have a network. They would LOVE to just plug in a wireless router for their clients to use, but keep it separate. Those wireless hub makers are missing a big market, and that is simple of a “public access mode” setting on them. In fact, at the below $100 range, there is a number of places that I frequent where I would offer to purchase and setup the hub for free to give everyone access, but those routers don’t have a “public only” setup for the wireless hubs. Sure, we can start setting up a bunch of separate connections and a fire wall etc, but that is NOT what the market needs. In fact, the routines should have a HARDWARE switch on the back. Just plug it into your lan, and you ONLY get internet connection…not the lan. Heck, I would carry a few extra with me, and GIVE THEM away to places that I frequent (that I know have good high speed network connection in the back office…but no free wireless for their customers).

I guess some people as a general rule has a sense of community, and want to share things in life that can benefit others.

Right now, the US has got 500,000 + refugees from the flooding. While the US is the FIRST county to offer aid and assistance to others, you don’t see much of the reverse…do you? To me, it really comes down to a sense of community, and helping others.

I think sharing internet connections is a great idea…it just needs to be easer to do so…



Albert D. Kallal
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Kallal@ msn.com
http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal

excellent discussion. albert you have opened my eyes to a couple of subjects that i was previously unaware of.

i think airsnare will do what you want. not sure if it is still being developed, but i have used it to get mac addresses of machines in my area. it also notifies you of their dhcp requests and will kick off ethereal if necessary.  it throws up a splash screen when clients connect saying that you are watching them, this network is free, etc...

http://home.comcast.net/~jay.deboer/airsnare/