How can i tell if a neighbor is using my wireless connection?

Answer 1

turn off your router, and when you can hear your neighbor swear then he's using your wireless connection ;-)))

more serious - most routers have an access led. when you close all your programs using the internet and the access led is still blinking, then your neighbor is using your wireless connection.
like others said, use WEP or WPA encryption and addional MAC filtering, then you can be sure no one will be able to use your wireless connection (that's how i've setup my wireless router).

Answer 2

Don't worry 'bout that. Just configure some security like WEP at the bare minimum and don't broadcast your SSID (leave the profile name blank after you setup your new profile and you configure your computer to connect to it automatically upon detection).

You have an Open network and anybody can connect. Your wireless card and your wireless router or modem wireless access point must support and be setup for the same security protocol. Get someone to help you if you can't do this yourself.

I recommend WEP or WPA for you if you are not protecting Fort Knox.

There are several Internet Virus programs that can detect 'Interlopers'... people that connect via your wireless connection. Read this months PC world article on Anti-Virus suites for which ones if you are too lazy to set up security on your wireless which will defeat your neighbor.

If it were me, I would set up a new profile and name it "GEt off my Wi-Fi Johnson" and broadcast that SSID after you set up your secure wireless profile using WPA.

Answer 3

Login to your router (check the manual for details on how to do this). There is normally a list of attatched devices. See if there is an unknown PC there. If so, they probably are. If not, you probably should add a WEP Key anyway. Once again, see your router docs for info as to how this is done. It is best not to choose addresses, phone numbers, or birthdates when creating one. Best of luck!

Answer 4

Turn on WEP encryption. If he comes over to your house and tries to nonchalantly ask what the encryption key is, then he's using your connection.

Answer 5

well if your neighbor is using your wireless connection he would be able to see your temporaly files in his/her computer so do you if you see temporaly files of pages that you dont know he/she is probably taking advantage from you.

Good luck

Answer 6

Just don't let anyone use your connection. Get one of those Network Security programs.

Answer 7

Good answer Dave. Give Dave the ten points! Dave rocks. Yeah, Dave.

Answer 8

Usually you can view the ARP cache table on the router(192.168.1.1). If you see anything else than your own computer's IPs someone is using it.

Answer 9

If they have come and gone, you will find it difficult to prove. You simply should FORGET ABOUT IT, and use the WEP security setting.

Answer 10

if you are using a WEP key on your WAP your neighbor probably isn't.
If it is unsecured anyone can use your bandwidth.