Can we use it? Can our neigbour see if we are using it? Is it considered to be illigal?
2006-12-18 09:19:00 · 9 answers · asked by sweetundina 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Can you use it? Yes
Can our neighbor see if we are using it? Only if they know exactly how to look.
Is it illegal? If you're in the US, no. The FCC has exclusive jurisdiction over all signals in the radio spectrum. Wireless hotspots operate in the unregulated spectrum, and therefore are specifically unregulated. The hotspot "broadcaster" has the burden of securing his system. If he does not, he cannot complain of someone using his unsecured signal. Period.
If he does secure his system (even poorly), then it IS illegal to "hack" into the system to use it. It is also illegal to access any other computers that are using it without the computer owner's permission.
2006-12-18 12:22:01 · answer #1 · answered by antirion 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Q1: Can we use it?
Q2: Can our neigbour see if we are using it?
Q3: Is it considered to be illigal?
A1/2/3: Yes, Yes and Yes!!
If it's "open" and you don't need to authenticate or provide an encryption key, you can jump on and start surfing. If they have it locked down, you'll be able to "see" their network but not get on, unless you crack their key but that's another topic. If it's open and you connect, they will be able to see (if they know how to look) your connection and IP/MAC addresses, etc.
As for the legality, it basically boils down to theft of service, because THEY are paying the bill and you are accessing their service for free. I'm sure the ISP has something about it in the fine print that nobody ever reads. It's equivalent to running a coax cable between your homes and hooking up a TV in your living room off your neighbor's cable drop, a definite no-no. Of course, you could always plead ignorance if you were discovered surfing on their WiFi. I've never heard of a lawsuit or fines over such matters, but there's a first time for everything!
2006-12-18 09:21:41 · answer #2 · answered by networkmaster 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would not try using the neigbours wireless network, Why??
If their provider catch & trace your IP you can end up with a big fine an d in prison for the worst. This is illegal.
If something goes wrong with your neigbours PCs & networks their providers will trace you and will post you as the BIG "hacker" even if you did not compromise their PCs.
So the answer is : NO
Get yourseld a DSL connection. $15/month?? Not a big expense.
Joe.
2006-12-18 10:58:52 · answer #3 · answered by Roland 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Technically, you **can** use it, but it would be more ethical and proper to ask your neighbor first. Whether or not they see you would depend on how closely they monitor the connection, what management software (if any) they're using, etc.
Using a neighbor's wireless connection is still a legal grey area in the USA (from your spelling of 'neighbour' I am assuming you are not in the USA). If you do anything illegal over the neighbor's connection, both you AND the neighbor **could** be in trouble. The law is still sorting itself out on this issue. For the best info, check the laws of your own country/region.
2006-12-18 09:26:34 · answer #4 · answered by Navigator 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sure, if you can get on the network without a password, then go for it. its free internet.
im pretty sure its legal, and they can only catch you if your neighbors are good with computers, otherwise they wouldnt even think to check.
it could slow down their internet activity, but probably not by much, since wireless hubs can handle a few connections are once without much lag.
so, yeah go for it, if they have any problems with it, appologise and laugh say something like "oh im not very good with these darn machines, i thought it was just working fine"
and then make sure you delete all existance of this answer.
2006-12-18 09:23:54 · answer #5 · answered by sobrien 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i dont think there is a law against catchign the connection. if they were smart they would hae it protected but since they dont..well use it to the best of your ability. i catch my noehgbors allt he time, i actually have my own connection but sometimes it goes out and i can get backo on with my niehgbors. it happens alot when you liv ein apartments or close together. and i asked the guy that came to set up my connection. he said he wasnt sure of there wqas a law against it. he didnt think so though.
2006-12-18 09:23:47 · answer #6 · answered by psychoticangel_kitty 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Can they see you using it?" Yes. If they have a sick sense of humor, they'll put a trap for you. Like say, sniffing your connection for username/passwords. Of course, since you're using *their* internet connection, it's legal for them to sniff it and catch your e-mails, passwords, and other private stuff. If they are feeling evil, they can try and attack your computer. Got firewall?
"Is it considered to be illegal?" Let's say there's a guy with a backyard and its not fenced in. You call up your friends and have a party on his backyard. He comes over, you gonna tell him: "hey, it's free open space and you didn't fence it in". Think that's gonna fly?
2006-12-18 09:32:32 · answer #7 · answered by csanon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good question. I'm not 100% sure if it's illegal to use it. I don't see why it would be. I would go ahead and use it if I didn't have my own ISP.
2006-12-18 09:22:06 · answer #8 · answered by scruffy 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you can use it.
Yes, they can see if your using it
Yes, it is illegal unless you ask your neighbors if you can use it
2006-12-18 09:30:24 · answer #9 · answered by Josh 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋