Detecting a Wireless LAN

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

"Jack Dee" <nospam@here.com> wrote in
newspsce16m1p27azd6@your-vimqhg1d72:

> I have a laptop with 802.11G and want to get a wireless ADSL 'modem'
> so I can move around the house.
>
> I know you can detect a wireless LAN in the area, even if it's
> secured, but could anyone pinpoint its location to my house?
>
> I'm thinking about burgulars working out that I have a LAN and then
> assuming there's mobile equipment ready to carry off in the middle of
> the night!
>
>

http://www.practicallynetworked.co [...] secure.htm

Duane

Archived from groups: alt.internet.wireless (More info?)

On Sun, 08 Aug 2004 14:53:00 +0100, "Jack Dee" <nospam@here.com>
wrote:

>I have a laptop with 802.11G and want to get a wireless ADSL 'modem' so I
>can move around the house.

What you want is a "wireless router".

>I know you can detect a wireless LAN in the area, even if it's secured,
>but could anyone pinpoint its location to my house?

Yes, very easily with a directional antenna such as a dish.
Transmitter hunting is lots of fun. I've designed several automatic
and manual direction finders but strangely have never bothered to make
one for 2.4Ghz. However, methinks it should be quite simple to do and
I'm sure someone has done it. Maps of known wi-fi access points are
even published on the internet.
http://maps.netstumbler.com

>I'm thinking about burgulars working out that I have a LAN and then
>assuming there's mobile equipment ready to carry off in the middle of the
>night!

Yeah, that's a potential problem. However, in my limited experience,
burglars are not known for their technical sophistication. Mostly
they are smash, grab, and run. They don't want to linger. You can
reduce your exposure by simply NOT placeing your laptop in front of an
accessible window or putting it away so that it can't be easily seen
from the outside.

--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 AE6KS 831-336-2558