Overly Chatty Penguins

The Ready Room => Off Topic => Topic started by: Manta on January 31, 2006, 07:04:27 PM

Title: Weird wireless networks
Post by: Manta on January 31, 2006, 07:04:27 PM

So I was trying to connect to my wireless network earlier today, but it didn't work, so I checked out the settings and available networks. I only recall setting one network, but I found three, two of which have unfamiliar names ("Sheeno," and "MX990"). Any ideas on what's wrong? I checked the wireless status, and it says the speed was about 12.0 mbps (though it fluctuated between 12, 1, and 36 within half an hour) and that the signal strength was low.

Just a guess (don't know anyone in the neighborhood who would), but is it likely that someone's basically stealing my connection?

Title: Weird wireless networks
Post by: 2_of_8 on January 31, 2006, 07:56:04 PM

It's very likely that there are other people in the area with a wireless network... that's what I think of.

Title: Weird wireless networks
Post by: Anarki3x6 on January 31, 2006, 08:13:31 PM

make sure you have put a condom on your wireless router

Title: Weird wireless networks
Post by: Manta on February 01, 2006, 01:01:12 PM

Ok... I think quarter's right. My connection was probably just slow.

Title: Weird wireless networks
Post by: Black Mage on February 01, 2006, 05:32:36 PM

other networks. names == access points == stealable. find one called "Linksys" and have fun ^^

Title: Weird wireless networks
Post by: Manta on February 01, 2006, 09:13:35 PM

Ironically, that IS mine.

Title: Weird wireless networks
Post by: rad4Christ on February 02, 2006, 09:50:55 AM

You need to change/secure your wireless network. It isn't hard, look into it.

I'm on a business trip to Detroit right now, and we found their wireless network had two leechers on it...

Title: Weird wireless networks
Post by: Black Mage on February 02, 2006, 11:58:34 AM

how far is your computer from your access point? rereading the first post, it sounds like you're on the border of your card's tranmission range.
also, you'll probably get a bunch of other networks if your in a (sub)urban area WiFi nets can be detected from range

probable solution: pick up a new antenna.

also, look into:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,844020,00.asp (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,844020,00.asp)
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/suppor...less_secure.htm (http://www.practicallynetworked.com/support/wireless_secure.htm)
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wireles...ifisecurity.htm (http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelesssecurity/tp/wifisecurity.htm)

Title: Weird wireless networks
Post by: devicenull on February 03, 2006, 04:28:26 PM

It's very easy for somones computer to accidentally connect.  Windows does it automatically, for no real reason.  Happened to one of my computers