TPLink HomePlug - Weird thing happened

JasonLVC

I've tried googling this to no avail, so maybe the MSE Techie's might be able to explain something to me.

I have a HomePlug network. PC attached to HomePlug, other HomePlug attached to an O2 router. Simple set up, no worries.

I updated the firmware on the TP-Link PA211's over the weekend and had to unpair/re-pair them again. When they re-paired everything seemed fine but I couldn't access my router settings.....when I visited my router website (192...) instead of seeing my O2 log in page, I got a BTHomeHub login page.

Doing a Network Map (network sharing centre) I could see my PC >> Router >> Internet. But under my Router was a line going down and then showed another PC (nothing to do with me) >> Router >> Switch >> Internet. There was also an Epsom printer and Ipad shown as connected to that network.

Huh, how can I pick up a neighbours BTHub router on a supposed secured wired network? To test things in case this was just some default map inbuilt into the software as an example, I unplugged my routers phone connection and I could still surf the net so I was clearly using someone else's network connection. Weird.

I tried to Log into the other PC but didn't have their log in details, couldn't log into the HomeHub either.

I then did a hard reset of the HomePlugs and re-paired them again and everything went back to normal - just my PC/router/internet.

Any explanations would be useful as I'm pretty good on techie stuff but not come across this before. House is detached so no "connected" neighbours.

neilwoods

Would assume your neighbour has some homeplugs as well, obviously not secured. May want to tell your neighbour.

Lucero_2

You picked up someone elses unsecured wireless network. Why is your router address 162. Did you make it that?

JasonLVC

Lucero wrote: »

You picked up someone elses unsecured wireless network. Why is your router address 162. Did you make it that?

I was using a desktop PC, no wireless facility, only connection is to the HomePlug>Router using Ethernet/wired conenction.

Sorry, I meant 192.1.....I haven't changed the router IP address/settings.

I did try my laptop wirelessly and I could surf the net but not access the router settings, typing in the 192 address brought up the BTHome Hub log in. In effect, my router didn't exist. When I disconnected the telephone line could still surf the net. The BTHome Hub wireless conenction is secured as I could see it on my laptop screen but I could still access it via my/their hardwire router.

As I said really weird.

JasonLVC

neilwoods wrote: »

Would assume your neighbour has some homeplugs as well, obviously not secured. May want to tell your neighbour.

I suppose resetting the TPLinks may have wiped the password/security and opened them up to others, although they are once again 'secured'.

So is that the answer? That homeplugs are not secure over the house wiring? I had always assumed that my household wiring was not connected to anybody else's house....I realise that the electricity comes in off the street into my house and other houses but thought the 'homeplug network' would stop and start at my fusebox and not escape out onto the street.

espresso

JasonLVC wrote: »

I suppose resetting the TPLinks may have wiped the password/security and opened them up to others, although they are once again 'secured'.

So is that the answer? That homeplugs are not secure over the house wiring? I had always assumed that my household wiring was not connected to anybody else's house....I realise that the electricity comes in off the street into my house and other houses but thought the 'homeplug network' would stop and start at my fusebox and not escape out onto the street.

Why do you think that the signal is encrypted then? Your properties electricity is connected to other properties but the signal modulated onto the wiring will get weaker over distance. I have set up homeplugs between adjacent detached properties and they work fine which proves that the signal is not confined to your own property and that homeplugs can only be used on the same ring main.

neilwoods

JasonLVC wrote: »

I suppose resetting the TPLinks may have wiped the password/security and opened them up to others, although they are once again 'secured'.

So is that the answer? That homeplugs are not secure over the house wiring? I had always assumed that my household wiring was not connected to anybody else's house....I realise that the electricity comes in off the street into my house and other houses but thought the 'homeplug network' would stop and start at my fusebox and not escape out onto the street.

That is what is supposed to happen, not go beyond the main fuse board. But as someone mentioned above, it can be done.

Someone can correct me if wrong, the electrical supply from the street is something like 3 phase, only 1 phase comes into the property, so you have a 1 in 3 chance that your neighbour is on the same phase and using same compliant homeplug.

If they were that secure, there would not be any need for encryption between the plugs.

JasonLVC

Thanks Neil/Espresso, that clears that particualr mystery up.

I must have switched off the encryption/security whilst pairing/updating the firmware which is why I got an 'open' line. I'll try and track down the neighbour and let them know.

It's really great to learn stuff like this. Cheers.

Splott

JasonLVC wrote: »

Huh, how can I pick up a neighbours BTHub router on a supposed secured wired network?

Because they use mains wiring to communicate to each other and both your houses are connected to the same mains cable in the street.

No idea why you seem to think a fusebox which is basically nothing more than wires with a link that will break in a fault would stop it.

TBH I'm quite surprised it doesn't happen more often and its one reason these things will never ever be in my house.