How do I connect to an unscure wireless connection in Ubuntu?

Question

I don't have the option to connect without authentication/access key/password.

It is an unscure network. I can connect with windows, no problem.

I have 4 options. And they're each to connect with a password of some sort. I can't leave the option blank.

This is OUR network. The one we normally use when using *Windows*. We're learning to use *Linux [Ubuntu]*.

In Ubuntu we do not have the option to the ability to set up the wireless network without the authentication key.

I'm not interested in rude answers. I am interested in correct answers that deal with Linux [Ubuntu]. Thank you.

This is OUR network. The one we normally use when using *Windows*. We're learning to use *Linux [Ubuntu]*.

In Ubuntu we do not have the option to the ability to set up the wireless network without the authentication key.

I'm not interested in rude answers. I am interested in correct answers that deal with Linux [Ubuntu]. Thank you.

We can see the network, but when we try to connect to it we only have the 4 options to connect with passwords.

It shows that I've connected but the data isn't going anywhere.

If I open firefox or send packages nothing happens.

Newtwork connections shows the essid of the newtwork we want to connect to, but for a manual set up it wants a password.

Roaming mode doesn't seem to pick up anything at all.

Erm NETWORK not newtwork... :)

Dwasifar K you're slowly becoming one of my favorite people :) I"m told by my fiance that we run a mac filter...if that makes any sense to you

Merry Yule :)

Answer 1

I was going to suggest roaming mode, but it seems you've already tried that. You could try WEP hexadecimal mode (System>Administration>Network>Wireless Connection and click the Properties button) and just leave the password blank, and see if that works. I've had success with that in the past.

But, I have to ask, why are you running your network unsecured? I'm sure I don't have to tell you what a big mistake that is. This is your opportunity to secure your network and kill two birds with one stone.

Edit: I assume that this machine's MAC address is in the allowed list, right?

I wish I had a better answer for you on this one. I've never had any problem connecting to unsecured networks using my Ubuntu laptop. You might get better answers if you post your question in the Ubuntu forums - http://www.ubuntuforums.org . I'm on there using the same username; I'll keep a eye out for you.

Answer 2

If it is asking for a password it is secured. You need to ask the owner of that account for the password if you wish to use it.

BTW, using a neighbors unsecured wireless network is theft of bandwidth. Just because a nieghbor does not have the knowledge or does not know to secure, a wireless network is not an invitation for others to access it. It also does not mean they are stupid and so deserve others accessing and using their connection, which they pay use of.

While it is true that the neighbors may never find out that somebody is doing this, that does not make it OK. If they left their window or door open does that make it OK for somebody to go in and rob them, or eat their food?

Just as an open door or window does not mean anyone is welcome to enter and take what they wish, so too is an unsecured network not an open invitation to help themselves to bandwidth either.

If you wish to use a neighbors wireless connection, why not just ask them for permission? You will never know if they would let you unless you ask. You can even ask those who have secured their network if you can borrow the connection for a while. Some neighbors might be happy to let you borrow some bandwidth when you need it and you don't have, for whatever reason, your own connection at home. Just ask. I always told my kids that if they don't ask, the answer is always no, but if they do ask, they have a chance of getting a yes. Don't ask and they will never know what the answer may have been.

I hope you find a neighbor who won't mind allowing you to access their wireless connection. You can always explain to them that it is only the connection you would borrow, that unless they gave permission you couldn't get into their data files.

Please have a pleasent day and a happy holiday season.

*note* Due to the fact that it *is* the holiday season, you may find your neighbors in a more giving frame of mind, so now is the best time to ask around.

Answer 3

If it is asking you for a password, it is not an unsecure network.

OK, I have used UBUNTU for awhile and have never had that problem, maybe because I would never have my network unsecured. When you go to connect, does it even recognize your unsecured network? Sounds like it is only seeing secured ones.