koolman2
Premium
join:2002-10-01
Anchorage, AK
 ·GCI.net
| reply to gefflong
Re: The real question...
In that case, though, you would be passively using the signal - the same goes for WiFi. The problem arises when you attempt to send a signal back to the network to gain access; that's where it becomes illegal.
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gefflong
join:2003-02-18
Aledo, IL
| I disagree, but this argument could go on forever.
In the end...
If you don't want me to use your internet connection from either a publicly accessible place or from my own private property, then secure your signal.
End of story. |
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cableties
Premium
join:2005-01-27
 ·Verizon FIOS
| Forever...
If homeowner had front door open, and I could see and hear his TV, why not sit on the curb and watch the show? Is it illegal? no. If owner left door open, then owner is liable for what i see. But if I trespass, then I am breaking law.
If owner is broadcasting signal outside their property, is it legal to receive signal, but illegal to use it?
My nephew once bragged he was using Xbox live w/o paying for internet connection. I asked how and he said he got a wifi adaptor and put it in his window. He was getting 5 bars from someone in the neighborhood, totally unsecured 'Linksys' SSID.
I made him aware that it was illegal to tap off anothers inability to secure. Then it turned into a debate. Then he got a cablemodem and I showed him how to secure their lan/wifi (thanks to DSLreports/BBR)  |
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koolman2
Premium
join:2002-10-01
Anchorage, AK
·GCI.net
| reply to gefflong
Mine is secured with WPA AES 256-bit encryption. What you're trying to say, though, that by simply pressing the button that says "Scan" to connect to your own network, you are breaking the law because you have to connect to each and every access point that can see you, as they will ALL send their information back. This just simply is not the case. To connect to a network means that you have to physically ask the network operator (in this case the access point) for permission to connect. Simply asking for information is not doing that.
Visit the Wireless Networking Forum if you want to get the same answer from dozens more people. In the meantime, I guess I'll just let you continue to think that scanning for networks is illegal.
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Belial5221
join:2000-08-10
Lafayette, LA
| I see what you're saying.I think it's all the misuse of words that is the problem.I thought you had to actually try connecting to see if it's secure.My friends use wireless,but it don't tell you if it's secure or not,unless you try to connect,then it asks for passwords.Maybe it's a setting,or something?
But what still gets me is,why would someone want to know if there's a open network,unless they plan on using it at some point?And if someone is sitting in front of your house,then they aren't just scanning,they are probably using,or trying to use it. |
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koolman2
Premium
join:2002-10-01
Anchorage, AK
·GCI.net
| When you go to connect to your network, your computer first has to send a packet out to see the network. In the process, any other networks close by respond as well, and you end up seeing a list of available networks, secure or not. The software also lists what kind of security is enabled, as this information is sent out along with all of the other information.
That's how you would know that there are other networks around.
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