Well, first of all, I'm currently connected to a network called 'NETGEAR.' I don't know if this is legal, but I haven't had any problems with it for a week. If anyone knows more about NETGEAR and whether or not it is legal, let me know, thanks.
2007-11-11 01:28:49 · 13 answers · asked by Kevin 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
NETGEAR would be the default SSID of a netgear wireless access point/router. Each state is different the current law; however, you are stealing somebody else's bandwidth. In your state it may not be illegal now, but it will be. Remember, they own the router, and if logging is enabled, they can see what you do.
2007-11-11 01:33:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The bottom line here is that you are seeing Netgear and it is a neighbor that has not activated the security on there Router and it is accessable to any computer in range of the Netgear Router.
This is known as an OPEN Network, and it is Illegal for you to use without permission from the owner paying for the connection.
All Routers have the ability to set up the security and they are, WEP, WPA and WPA-2 if they properly set up one of these security settings you would see a name like Smiths Network and you could see it and could not access it without the correct username and password. SO someone that lives real close simply has not activated there security and may not even be aware that these setting exist, but it still doesn't make it legal for you to use there network for FREE.
Don
2007-11-11 02:05:52 · answer #2 · answered by Don M 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Well, it looks like we have a lot of folks outside the US on here today. Or a lot of US based folks who don't know what they're talking about.
In the US the use of an unsecured wireless access point is at worst in legal limbo. And depending upon how you interpret existing law and conflicting jurisdictions it's perfectly legal.
While there are laws against accessing a computer or network system without the permission of the owner, the way the law is worded leaves a gaping hole when it comes to using an unsecured access point. Some local jurisdictions have attempted to close the loophole but have run headlong into Federal laws and FCC standards on the use of the unlicensed spectrum used by wireless networks. In jurisdictional squabbles the Federal standards will usually win out. The radio spectrum is controlled by the FCC and they vigorously protect their control and will block any attempts at control by any other agency or jurisdiction.
Many operators of wireless network systems actually leave them insecure as a service to their customers or for egalitarian reasons. In a case such as that, anyone using the system is clearly NOT in violation of any law. I leave my wireless open for exactly that reason. I've secured my back-end against crackers so I'm not worried about that but anyone who wishes may use my wireless signal.
If the owner of a wireless network has taken measures to secure that network from public access, THEN you ARE in violation of the law if you attempt to breach those measures and hitch a free ride. Given that modern wireless systems are relatively easy to secure (RTFM folks!) there's a strong legal argument that anyone running an insecure network is explicitly inviting others to hop on and use any available bandwidth.
2007-11-11 02:26:15 · answer #3 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No; IF the different pcs are utilising YOUR instantaneous router to connect. because you're literally not utilising the instantaneous connection for THIS pc, it received't teach a instantaneous connection. It purely shows what that is straight away linked to, or has accessible, (stressed or instantaneous,) hence a stressed connection, (ethernet.) The wirelessly linked pcs are those which will teach a instantaneous connection. in case your router has a DHCP server, (some do, some do not, yet maximum newer ones DO,) the purely different criteria are that the pcs have report sharing ON, similar workgroup/area, (regularly,) and a minimum of one pressure and/or report SHARED. IF it does no longer have a DHCP server, you should use "static" addressing, with each and each and every unit having a particular assigned address on your LAN, OR, you should use one pc because the "generic", frequently the stressed unit, with it really is DHCP "server" on, to "dynamically" assign addresses on your LAN. THIS pc must be operating to get proper of entry to different pcs on the community, considering they favor it to receive community addresses. (IF used this way, that is likewise oftentimes used for internet get proper of entry to because the LAN "gateway" and internet sharing is grew to change into on also.) OR, IF "completely" linked to internet, (ALL DSL/Cable, and so on.,) they could get addresses from the ISP immediately, regularly. IF the different pcs are connecting via a diverse instantaneous connection. Then YOUR instantaneous desires to be set up to connect to THEIR instantaneous unit or vice-versa. otherwise they are on 2 thoroughly separate networks. IF both instantaneous networks connect via a similar modem, it will be made to paintings as interconnected sub-networks notwithstanding it extremely is extra difficult. For a extra special training see a e book on Networking. wish this facilitates.
2016-10-24 00:54:22 · answer #4 · answered by keels 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not legal, and it's considered by many to be pretty uncool. The fact that you can connect easily means that you live very close the access point, and could easily find the person and ask if it's OK to use their connection. Remember that this person is paying not just for the router/access point, but a monthly fee for Internet access and you are just piggy backing off of their stuff. If you just use it occasionally, ask the person if it's OK and maybe they'll be cool with it but maybe they won't. If you use it a lot, buy your own.
2007-11-11 01:42:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yeah it won't be legal because you are using internet someone else is paying for. Just go to their place and ask to split the cost in half. Thats what I did with my neighbors and they agreed happily. Legal wireless would be in a library or a hotspot in various places like starbucks, kinkos etc. Hope this helps.
2007-11-11 01:40:17 · answer #6 · answered by diamondp82 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is legal if you have permission from the person who is paying for the internet connection. If you do not have permission then no, it is illegal.
2007-11-11 02:02:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is not. bcoz there are wireless hotspots if you connect to one of those wireless network it is not illegal. In this case that access point is set to allow all the connections. So therefore it is not illegal. If they want they can secure it. But they didnt.
2007-11-11 01:35:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
this guy you just connected to is a moron who didnt even
bother to set anything up properly , also when you use
an unsecured wifi , everything you do can be spied on
even password and credit card details.
2007-11-11 02:26:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
what you are doing is illegal as this network belongs to someone else who is paying for the service
2007-11-11 01:45:27 · answer #10 · answered by D McC 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋