If I install a wireless connection can someone else use this?

Question

It concered me with the thought the other day when someone told me that they did not pay for internet charges because they were tapping into a connection for free.Without the wireless users knowladge of course.If this can happen how can I stop this from happening to me?

Answer 1

If you are allowing your wireless network to be seen on those wireless network searches, and also have no authorization system like WEP, WPA etc. it is possible for people to connect your wireless network.

For home users the best authentication system is MAC Filtering, and the easiest one is WPA-PSK.

WPA-PSK is Wi-fi Protected Access - Pre-Shared Key. You create a keyword(password) on the router, so only people who know that keyword can be able to connect.

There are much more advanced protection systems. bu they are not needed for home users.

Answer 2

I noticed all the other answers telling you about encryption and password protecting your wireless network and I agree that is essential to do that (unless you live on a ranch in the middle of nowhere). But another important thing to do is to WRITE DOWN THE PASSWORD. It may sound like an obvious thing to do but you have no idea how many people have forgotten to do just that. Without the password you cannot access your network so if you have a few laptop users then they are wireless-less.

Answer 3

Yes they can. If you are using a linksys wireless router the default address to access it is going to be 192.168.1.1 With in there you can set the password so nobody can steal it. Also you can do a lot of other stuff, but dont try it unless you are certified and know what you are doing. Also I think the usename and password is Admin Admin if not then username blank and password Admin. Depends on how old the router is!

Answer 4

People can tap in and use your wireless service unless you have the security encryption set up. When setting up your network you have the option to use password. After you set up the network to require the pass then anyone connecting through your router will have to input that password before they can actually obtain a connection. If you don't have your manual to refer to for directions on setting up a secure network, then call the manufacturers of your router or your internet service provider. They can walk you through setting up your network.

Answer 5

If you set your wireless connection up correctly, then no, noone else can access it. When you set your wireless connection up, you have to set up a security key that is encrypted. The only computers able to access your connection will be ones that know your security key.

Answer 6

If you are using a wireless router for your internet connection yes others can use it without your knowledge. You have to set-up a password protection on your network. I would refer to your routers manual for further information on how to do that.

Answer 7

Install your wireless router and either enable WEP with a strong key on your router and your PC(s) you attach. Or set the router to only accept specific MAC address and key the hardware MAC addresses of your machine(s) into the router.

Answer 8

Use a security encription code to gain access to wireless internet connection.

Answer 9

if you are a client, you cannot do any thing against that. because it depends on the way of how you get a connection to your ISP. Your ISP should use a firewall or he/she can use encryption keys and at the same time you have your password to log-on to the server of your ISP.

Answer 10

yes - we took the instructions and placed encryption into ours - so if you do not have 'the code' you cannot use our wireless -

otherwise the neighborhood and the dormitory tap into your connection

look at your directions

best of luck! ( i am wireless now -)