Wireless q - hope I dont sound daft

[targarama]

OK, have wireless at home, use it at work, in our US office etc. But always locking onto secure (or my own) networks.

I always thought all the peeps I see around in coffee shops and at airports are surfing wireless through some kind of ISP they've paid to belong to. However, recently I've susses this might not be the case...

So, if I stick my wireless card in at the local wireless emporium (coffee shop or whatever) will I find an non-secure network I can just log onto and surf FOC without some kind of ISP join up/payment thing going on?

[RickH]

My local coffee shop runs a wireless system that costs a nominal fee (can't remember off the top of my head, was a while ago I saw it used), and in return they give you a username and a password.

Not sure about the open spaces of airports and the like.

Rick

[BliarOut]

Usually run by T-Mobile et al.... You'll be redirected to a secure credit card payment page.

It is possible to find unsecured wireless access points all over the place if you keep looking hard enough

[wedge girl]

BliarOut said:

It is possible to find unsecured wireless access points all over the place if you keep looking hard enough

Otherwise known as Hotlinking...

[mikef]

Wireless hijacking under scrutiny

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4721723.stm

[roop]

What you need is a 19dBi high gain antenna. I can pick up wireless networks from several kilometers out with that beastie. Loads of unsecured nets out there to use.

[theexcession]

wedge girl said:

BliarOut said: It is possible to find unsecured wireless access points all over the place if you keep looking hard enough Otherwise known as Hotlinking...

.. or WarDriving, and highly illegal if you get caught using an Access Point for which you don't have access permissions.

Roop's got the right idea though, it's really amazing what you can find with a 20dB Yagii antenna ( www.solwise.co.uk/wireless-outdoorantenna-24.htm#24YAGI )


Ex

[Bodo]

It's really amazing what you find with Kismet http://kismetwireless.net/
It displays hidden networks without showing your computer scanning - it's passive.

>> Edited by Bodo on Thursday 8th September 17:15