Internet connections: How does this happen?

[gsdx]

How do the internet connection options change, and where do the names come from? Seriously, I don't think 'sugardaddy' is a genuine internet service.

(These two screencaps were taken about 1/2 hour apart.)

[Stoffe]

You can change your internet connection name. It's just what you call your network.

[JohannBessler]

GSDX, those Internet connections represent Wireless networks.

When you set up a Wireless network,you give it a name and a password, just as you did when you joined JUB. The reason they disappear and re-appear is that the various Wireless networks either get turned off, or you move your laptop out of range.

Think of it like radio stations (the Wireless networks) and a radio (your computer). When you move your radio around, the radio stations you can receive change.

So somebody really did name their network "sugardaddy".

I wonder who he is?

[gsdx]

Oh, so they're not mine. They're just other wireless connections that my laptop is picking up, and that's how my neighbours found my connection. They were students who lived in another part of this 4-plex. Their service was cut off a few days before they moved out when college ended and they came to my door and asked if they could hook up to mine for a few days. I didn't have a clue how they found me, so I said 'no'. They even offered to pay me. I still said 'no'. I always wondered how they knew.

Now I know. Thank you.

[borg69unimatrix]

Even some of the newer phones show up on my wireless... it's not just computers.

[Corny]

You should change your connection name to "FBI surveillance Van #23" that will scare those students off

[gsdx]

^ No FBI here. I would have to change it to CCISS (pronounced 'CEE-sis'), but very few people would even know what that is, including most Canadians.

In all honesty, I didn't know I could change it. I've learnt something new today. Thanks.

[JohannBessler]

^If you want to change it, look for the documentation that came with your wireless router.

I can think of some other interesting names. "DevilWorshipper" will surely get those tongues wagging, as will "AssMuncher".

(BTW, you do have a password, don't you? If not, probably at this very moment, somebody's stealing your bandwidth.)

[Keeland]

They even offered to pay me. I still said 'no'.

Good. They could have used it, under your name and ISP number, to download anything illegal, load your computer with it and/or turn it into a spam/kiddie-porn zombie.

The first hint you'd get is CSIS battering down your door with a ram and the RCMP Tasering you for having a loaded stapler in your desk.

[gsdx]

(BTW, you do have a password, don't you? If not, probably at this very moment, somebody's stealing your bandwidth.)

When the guys came to me, I did some investigation and discovered what it would take for them to steal my bandwidth (which, by the way, is limited, so going over my limit would have been notice enough in itself). Plus, there is an LED light which lights up when there is a wi-fi connection. It's never 'on' when I'm not.

It's very secure. That much I know. But thanks for the concern.

[andysayshi]

If you are not using at least WEP2 encryption, it's not very secure at all. Have you enabled a reasonable level of password-based encryption on your wireless network? If not, you are vulnerable to data theft, network security breaches and more.

[rotary]

You should change your connection name to "FBI surveillance Van #23" that will scare those students off

Lemonparty.org is much more fun. I'm sure many of my neighbours have fallen victim to it :-

[AstareGod]

If you are not using at least WEP2 encryption, it's not very secure at all. Have you enabled a reasonable level of password-based encryption on your wireless network? If not, you are vulnerable to data theft, network security breaches and more.

Just wanted to clarify that andysayshi probably meant WPA2. WEP has been broken a long time ago and is considered insecure, and there is no WEP2 as far as I know. WPA and WPA2 are the best encryption available today over Wi-Fi, and you should also make sure you use a strong password which isn't easy to guess.