how close does some one have to live in my subdivison to steal my wireless?

Question

had cable compay out here re wire and bought new router an put a new ether net card in my puter still running in slow mo could some one be stealing my wireless off my netgear? i live in a subdivison if so how do i stop it im also going to take my modem in to replace it hope it works my old net gear was only 4 months old at time an puter is same age also its also happening to my hubbies puter too thanks

Answer 1

There are a lot of variables as to how far your signal will travel - trees, brick vs. wood, etc. Certainly the signal will travel a few homes down.
The reason for your slow connection speed may not be someone stealing your signal - but your computers full of spyware. Download and install at least two anti-spyware programs - for instance Spybot Search and Destroy and Super Anti-Spyware. They are free - Google them.Update and run the programs - deleting any junk they find.

If you are worried someone is stealing your signal - that netgear should have the option to use what is called MAC filtering. At the very least, you should have some type of security on that router.
Instructions can be found here:

http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101675.asp

Answer 2

It actually depends on how much someone is willing to spend on an wireless router. Ive seen some that boast as much as a 200 meters, but the average one would probable be about 200 feet. you could also just make your network encrypted, put a password on it. If it starts running slow, try unplugging the router, and waiting about 5 minutes, give it a rest. My has this problem.

Answer 3

The typical range of WiFi is no more than 300 feet maximum. Your router logs should tell you if anybody is using your Wifi. The router manual will tell you how to stop them (look for WPA).

But, I suspect that your REAL problem is:

Both PC's are infected with "malware".

Use the Discover TAB above and search for: malware

Answer 4

I get on my neigboors (with their knowledge) and they live like 6 houses down, I would say within 10 houses all around.....go to the network props and set a password (wep or wpa) to your connection, then when they go to connect it will say please enter your WEP key..

Answer 5

200ft