wireless connections

G_M

I have a fixed line router, but use wireless to connect to my printer.

I've noticed when connecting that my neighbour's wireless connection shows up. I've never clicked 'connect' to this of course, but wonder whether in theory he can also see my wireless link and connect to my laptop, and either view my laptop, see when I use passwords (banking etc), or connect via my cable router to the internet.

I've never set any passwords on my laptop as I'm the only one who uses it.

evans502

Hi G_M,

It sounds like you use what is known as 'ad-hoc' to connect to your printer to print - your neighbour may be able to see this but might need a password to connect to it I assume, so no need to worry about that!

I can't recommend setting a password on your laptop enough though, it may seem annoying at first but if it does get stolen or accessed, it will be a lot harder to get your information - especially if you bank from it.

But on the basis of using your neighbour's wireless, there are ways to access but for the most part you can avoid by not accessing it and just using your fixed line instead.

Hope it helps!

G_M

Thanks. I'm not really worried about him accessing my printer. If he did, a) he wouldn't be able to collect hisprint-out and b) I'd know cos I'd see the print-out.

Nor am I interested in accessing his network - My fixed line cable works just fine.

I'm just unsure whether my laptop is 'broadcasting' a wireless connection that he can click, in the same way that my printer does, and his system does.

To password protect, do I need to do this at each user-profile level, or is there a network level where I can/should put apassword?

It's whether he can 'see' and connect to my laptop.

flashg67

If you go into your router settings - usually via a web browser (usually on the bottom of your router), then you can cheek your security settings. Only if the security is set to 'open' will anyone else be able to connect to your network without knowing your password.

DCFC79

G_M wrote: »

It's whether he can 'see' and connect to my laptop.

No he cant connect to the laptop, he might be able to see a wireless signal is nearby but he wouldnt be able to tell its yours unless the name of the router is "54 Anywhere Street, Newtown " then he would know its you.

closed

is the router wireless

G_M

flashg67 wrote: »

If you go into your router settings - usually via a web browser (usually on the bottom of your router), then you can cheek your security settings. Only if the security is set to 'open' will anyone else be able to connect to your network without knowing your password.

No he cant connect to the laptop, he might be able to see a wireless signal is nearby but he wouldnt be able to tell its yours unless the name of the router is "54 Anywhere Street, Newtown " then he would know its you.

is the router wireless

Not sure why everyone is focussing on the (cable) router...

closed

what should we focus on, "a fixed line router" is ambiguous, as is a "(cable)" router

DCFC79

G_M wrote: »

Not sure why everyone is focussing on the (cable) router...

I cant comment on the wireless printer but as far as I know I cant gain access to a neighbours laptop to view passwords the neighbour is entering let alone access the laptop. When you use a wireless device eg a laptop you dont see other wireless laptops around, all you see is the wireless connections to connect too.