[chrisford]

Hi all -

Possibly dense question, but how can I find out which machines are using my wifi network?

I'm using a Dlink wireless modem / router and accessing it via two Powerbooks (Airport Extreme) and one desktop g4 (Normal Airport).

Any clues for a network dunce?

Chris

[bwahahax]

On a related note, I'm looking to open up my wireless hub to anyone in my building or out on the street that wants to use it. Is there a way to know when, and who is accessing my computer, and is there a way to send them a message?

I want to share, but I'd also like to use the sharing as a basis for community.

[Applefreak01]

Originally posted by chrisford:
Hi all -

Possibly dense question, but how can I find out which machines are using my wifi network?

I'm using a Dlink wireless modem / router and accessing it via two Powerbooks (Airport Extreme) and one desktop g4 (Normal Airport).

Any clues for a network dunce?

Chris

If you want to close off your wireless network then choose 128 bit encryption with a password or see if your router can block access by only allowing computers with MAC address you add to the allow list. Also if you think someone else is on your wireless network your router might show the machines connected to it, all you have to do in that case is login to your router and know which MAC addresses are from your PowerBook and G4 anything else would be somebody else using it.

[C.J. Moof]

Originally posted by bwahahax:
On a related note, I'm looking to open up my wireless hub to anyone in my building or out on the street that wants to use it. Is there a way to know when, and who is accessing my computer, and is there a way to send them a message?

I want to share, but I'd also like to use the sharing as a basis for community.

I'd advise against doing this. It's all fine and good until someone comes along and decides to use your open node for transferring his kiddie porn, which gets noticed by the FBI or RCMP or whomever, who trace all this back to your connection, and you've got to explain it. And you probably won't do a real convincing job if you have to ask the forum how to set this up.

Think it doesn't happen?
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...ternet17m.html

There are more examples, I'm just not able to find them right now.

It's also very likely that sharing with everyone around is against the Terms of Service with your ISP.

Sorry to sound like such a wet blanket, but I felt a real need to chime in with a reality check here.

[ghporter]

Moof has a very valid point. Having a completely open wireless network is almost inviting people to abuse it. It's a sad commentary on the state of our society, but it's true.

One thing you CAN do is lock down your network, then open it only to people you can trust. I've seen a model that works very nicely: the 'apartment house network.' One or more individuals open their wireless networks ONLY to their neighbors, usually by a combination of MAC Address Filtering and encryption. The slime ( oops, I mean 'less desirable element') can't join the network because you haven't authorized their MAC address, and they can't hijack a connection (not easily or quickly) because of the encryption. If your equipment is fairly new, you can use Wireless Protected Access, which is very secure, adding enormously to the security of the network.

Your community-mindedness is laudable, but don't go "whole hog" before you really know what you're doing. Altruistic openness needs, as its compliment, a serious dose of "consequences" for abusers. Since public humiliation and locking in stocks are nowadays frowned on, those consequences are hard to come by, so it's best to temper altruistic ideals with a bit of cynicism-on the order of paying great attention to Murphy's Law.

[Zim]

Originally posted by chrisford:
how can I find out which machines are using my wifi network?

On my Netgear WGR614, the web interface to the router contains a link for showing connected devices. Doesn't neccessarily tell you who/where they are, but you can at least get a count that way, and/or disconnect unwanted ones.

Mike

[chrisford]

Hey all -

Thanks for all the replies - I've just upped the security (WPA) and am thinking about only allowing certain MAC addresses.

Quick question - I assume that MAC addresses are always static / don't change?

Zim - I ran thro' the options with the (remarkably kacky) dLink software - it doesn't seem to be there, but I could be missing something.


Thanks again -
c

[dreilly1]

Originally posted by chrisford:
Quick question - I assume that MAC addresses are always static / don't change?

For most purposes, you are correct, they don't change. They are almost always hard-coded into the Ethernet chip.
It is possible for a bad guy to spoof a MAC address, though, which is why you shouldn't rely on MAC alone to secure your network.

[OwlBoy]

Is there any kind of software you can put in place that lets you intercept use, and allow them to contact you for access? Like Hotspots do, so they can take your money.

-Owl

[John Strung]

In the software for my Dlink 614+, I can find out who is connected wirelessly from the Status tab, by clicking on the "wireless" tab or the "log" tab.

[danbrew]

Originally posted by OwlBoy:
Is there any kind of software you can put in place that lets you intercept use, and allow them to contact you for access? Like Hotspots do, so they can take your money.

-Owl

yes, it's called a proxy server. create a network and set up the proxy server so that all http requests go to the proxy server. the proxy server then authenticates the user/password/account and permits access to the internet (or the rest of the network).