When connecting to someone else's wireless internet, can they see that you are using it?

Answer 1

Yes, if they're looking. Usually the "wireless internet" is a 802.11g wireless protocol hub like, say, a LinkSys router. If so, the administrator/owner can look into the status of the router's wireless connections and see the IDs of all items connecting to the router. Since it's unlikely for someone to be looking at the status all day long, people with higher security-minded setups create an access log, which they review at a later point. They can not, however, review what web pages you saw and what info (credit cards, etc.) you typed in.
With more advanced setups, someone could (theoretically) check your web pages, though the chance of this happening IRL is almost nill.
Most likely, if someone's sharing out a non-password-protected wireless hub, you can pretty much do anything you want with the connection and not get caught.

Answer 2

Only if they are looking for unauthorized use. Bandwidth is measurable. And, people in the know, know when someone else is using their access.

A few ways to know if someone is stealing your bandwidth:
You Internet access shows spikes of major download use.
Cops come banging on your door for hosting Child Porn.
ISP cuts your use off because your maximum bandwidth for the month was exceeded.

And, of course the Trojans, viruses and other nasties that can be downloaded on an unprotected Wireless system.

Answer 3

If they have any sort of common sense they can, besides the fact that its illegal -- called theft of service.

It is a very common misconception that people cant see you when you connect. Some don't bother to check but many do.
Your machine may well appear in the network places list on the rest of the LAN, now they have access to YOUR machine as well.

Nearly all routers have loging and mine even has connection event notification - pops up a message on my desktop. Unless you know who you are connecting into be very very careful your security is also at risk.

Answer 4

sure yet you will not get caught so no would desire to be concerned because of the fact they won't even understand. The Communications Act 2003 says a "guy or woman who (a) dishonestly obtains an digital communications provider, and (b) does so with motive to stay clear of charge of a cost proper to the availability of that provider, is responsible of an offence". it is rather like examining your e book from the easy popping out from somebody's window Julian Baggini actuality seeker There additionally are innovations applying somebody else's on the spot ought to come below the computing device Misuse Act, many times used to try against hacking and digital fraud.

Answer 5

Yes they can see that you are connected but only if they go to the router page, or if hey have the router set to notify them if anyone connects. Those are the only 2 ways they could find out without you telling them.

Answer 6

If they knew what to look for they could. The bandwith would be much lower and if their router is running an incoming log they would even have your IP address. Be careful because they could get you in lots of trouble if they notice you.

Answer 7

Grimace is correct. You can turn on logs or see who is connected to your router or who got a dhcp address from your router, if the person knows where to look.

Answer 8

i have a wireless internet for house to shop use and my brother in law lives about 500 feet away and he logs onto our network. when he logs on a little pop up says unauthorized user has logged onto network. i doesn't bother me that he uses it but thats as much as i can see of who logs onto my network.

Answer 9

There router logs it, exposing your Mac address. This is illegal without the owners consent and can incur a prison sentence.

Answer 10

By looking in the DHCP client table in the router, they will see that you connected.