How does a wireless internet connection work?
Author: admin // Category: internet connection wirelessI got my first wireless laptop a few days ago. I do not have a wireless internet connection but am able to connect to the internet via an unsecure network. What exactly does that mean? If I try to access my email will people be able to more easliy access my password. Please explain as I am new to this. Also, why is it that I can just connect to a network without any service? Will I be visible as a computer on the network I am linked to?
You don't have to worry TOO much… I mean, I wouldn't go doing massive bandwidth sucking downloads either… You're on your neighbor's wireless router. You probably notice that at one area of your house/apartment you can get good signal? The service you're getting is free for you, but is being paid for by that neighbor. If you don't care, then keep using it. They probably won't even notice.
You're on an unsecured network meaning there is NO encryption of your wireless internet traffic. This means if some super intelligent person gets ahold of that traffic (within 30 - 40 feet of you) that means they'll be able to see the info you have going across. The odds of this being a problem for a home user is not really that great. Why? No one cares. You don't have enough info that someone could find useful. Wireless infrastructures at large companies will be hacked 16,000 more than you will use your neighbor's wireless connection.
Good Luck.
Thanks,
PaMiPa
June 22nd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
Yes. if you have an unsecure network Hackers could be viewing what your doing just now. If i where you i would not do online banking or anything just until your connection is safe.
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June 22nd, 2009 at 6:43 pm
i have found some info on this site 4 u http://compnetworking.about.com/b/2006/01/04/using-an-unsecured-wireless-network.htm
it explains your questions
References :
about.com
June 22nd, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Wireless internet is made when a router broadcasts a network. The router is hooked up to a modem that is supplying the internet from the ISP. It is possible that you're connecting to a neighbor's connection or a nearby office connection, ect. Unsecured means that it has no password and that anyone can connect to it. You will show up as connected to the router is anyone decides to go into the router settings and look at the connected computers. As for your e-mail password, you should be pretty safe.
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June 22nd, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Your laptop has a built-in wireless adapter that is "seeing" the wireless signals from your neighbors wireless routers. That is how places like libraries provide free public hotspot internet. If you can see their signal, then they have the ability to see you. Do yourself a favor and purchase a wireless router for yourself. Be sure to use its security so that people can't steal your signal.
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June 22nd, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Alright, a lot of questions there!
First, an unsecure wireless Internet connection means that anyone can pick up the signals and read the data with the right software and hardware. You can use that connection for basic usage (reading stuff on the Internet, etc.), but don't do anything that you wouldn't want people to see (i.e. bank accounts, etc.). Getting your email password would be possible, however unlikely.
If you want to get your own Secure Wireless connection, you'll need to go get a wireless router (they're pretty cheap), and set it up with a password. Enter that password into the machine, and voila!
You are generally not visible to the computer you are linked to , but some routers and some software allow you to see that. For the most part, though, you should be fine. Note, however, that it is technically illegal to use someone else's unsecure connection (though it is *hugely* unlikely you will be caught).
Sorry if I didn't fully answer any of the questions; check the link below to see how wireless networks work.
References :
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:55 pm
You don't have to worry TOO much… I mean, I wouldn't go doing massive bandwidth sucking downloads either… You're on your neighbor's wireless router. You probably notice that at one area of your house/apartment you can get good signal? The service you're getting is free for you, but is being paid for by that neighbor. If you don't care, then keep using it. They probably won't even notice.
You're on an unsecured network meaning there is NO encryption of your wireless internet traffic. This means if some super intelligent person gets ahold of that traffic (within 30 - 40 feet of you) that means they'll be able to see the info you have going across. The odds of this being a problem for a home user is not really that great. Why? No one cares. You don't have enough info that someone could find useful. Wireless infrastructures at large companies will be hacked 16,000 more than you will use your neighbor's wireless connection.
Good Luck.
Thanks,
PaMiPa
References :
My own experience/opinion.
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:16 pm
You are able to connect to a wireless network because there must be a wireless network router or wireless network switch within your area. It does not necessarily mean that your files and user accounts are unsafe, its just that the network you are connected to did not set their router to secure. But I am sure the server for this router has a network based anti-virus system and other internet security protocol. Its ok to connect to this network. Do you have an office near you or a hotel or a school which may be using a wireless router? You may be getting your connection from one of these.
Hope this helped.
References :
Systems and Network Administrator