question about wireless security

12 years ago

If someone wants to use the wireless connection in your home or office, is there a way to allow them without putting your wireless password on their computer?

Katie

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

kudzu9
12 years ago
In order to use a connection that's secured with a password, the password must be entered when on their computer when they logon. If it didn't work that way, there would be no point in securing your connection. Of course, you could later change your password so they couldn't subsequently get on. What's the issue? Do you trust this person or not?
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
12 years ago
I with out question say no to sharing my wireless network. Just won't do it. To many negative consequences could result.

If it is someone in my home visiting and they want to access it while here for a few days I sometimes do that.
Related Discussions
A question about wireless connections
Q
Comments (4)
"I don't think someone would be on the phone 3 to 4 hours almost every night" You must not have a teenage daughter. :) The phone interference would be most likely if it's in your house since you're not in an apartment. I don't know why you're dropping the connection every night. Is there any other electronic equipment that gets turned on at your house during that time? Maybe something else is sending off signals that interfere. Have you tried resetting the router when that happens? Turn it off, let it sit for a minute and turn it back on to see if that helps. If you're on a 1 acre lot, I'm surprised that you're seeing your neighbors' connections. To secure your connection, you'd need to go into the router setup and the wireless setup on your computer and set them both to use WPA (or WEP if that is all that is supported). The router should have instructions on how to do this. If not, post here and somebody can help.
...See More
Security system - wired or wireless?
Q
Comments (18)
In my previous house I had a wired alarm and the sensors were not that obvious. There was a hole drilled in the base of the window sill under the window and a pencil-diameter sensor dropped into it (the wires running back to the panel were inside the sill under the sensor). The other half of the sensor (a magnet) was just epoxied onto the bottom of the window frame. I have a Honeywell wireless alarm in my current house, and they have many options for sensors. I am using one on my windows that mounts on a double-hung window next to the latch, so its quite visible, but there are others that would work. Some of the wireless sensors also have a set of wired contacts, so you can use the wireless sensor/transmitter along with any type of contact switch (e.g., lever action, water sensor, etc.). Bruce
...See More
Securing an Unsecured Wireless Network
Q
Comments (5)
Suprised linksys doesn't have a CD install that prompts you thru most of the settings and security setting. Mostly I find its not knowing the technical wording that confuses & scares people. Really not much to it. Pick a channel your neighbors not on... 1, 6, or 11 hopefully as they have perfect non overlapping radeo wave frequency. Change the 'ssid' = name of your 'radio station' to something other than linksys. Some check boxes for PSK & WPA = basicly the type of secure phrase it will accept. 128 bits is fine on encryption. Make a passphrase, I used my firstnamelastname. With a twist. Make sure you copy& paste that passphrase and get it on each computer before pushing the set button. Then add or change the login/password on the login to the wifi access point/router. Most of that just flows with, next page, next page in the routers wifi setup. Here is a link that might be useful: inSSIDer ... freeware to see neighbors channels
...See More
questions about wireless internet
Q
Comments (3)
I'll try to answer several of your questions. Yes, you will need a special router, but I would NOT buy the one the salesman is pushing on you. I have one made by Cradlepoint (the CTR350) which I bought at Amazon.com and did not pay nearly that much for it. It is very small and I plug the wireless "card" (modem) into a USB port on the router. Then I connect my desktop computer via Ethernet (cat 5 cable). I connect my laptop via the wireless signal sent from the router. It is very easy to set up the security on the router. In addition, I also use software firewalls on my computers. The built-in wireless in the laptop is not the same thing as what you plug in. It allows the laptop to receive and use wireless signals, and all new laptops come with this. Now whether this would be faster than your DSL is questionable. Sometimes my service with Verizon is quite fast, but at busy times, mostly evenings, it slows down quite a bit. With DSL you have a dedicated line, so your speed should remain constant. I went this route, because I cannot get DSL or cable, and I suffered over 2 years with satellite. Then Verizon's 3-G (EVDO) became available to me. You need to be fairly close to a tower to get a good, strong signal also. If your cell phone service is good, chances are the wireless Internet would be good, also. I was able to buy a used "card", which is really a modem, so that I was not locked into a contract and I can end the service at any time without penalty. So it's your call. If you are unhappy with your DSL, you might give it a try. Do they have a trial period during which you can return anything and only owe for the usage you had? If not. . . . .It's your call.
...See More
grandms
12 years ago
There is a little application called wi-fi backup manager that I found out about recently. I have it on a thumb drive, and it allows a visitor in my home to use my wi-fi just by plugging the thumb drive into that person's computer. This way, I do not have to reveal my password to that person. Very handy. I found out about it on Kim Komando's newsletter, I believe.

Here is a link that might be useful: wi-fi backup
jane__ny
Original Author
12 years ago
..."What's the issue? Do you trust this person or not?"

Not.

Is there a way to share wireless without typing in a password? There must be a way around this.

I will look into wi-fi backup, but I will have 3 people present.

Katie
kudzu9
12 years ago
If you don't trust the person, why would you want to allow him/her to use your connection?
cannahavana
12 years ago
Can you create a "guest" account with a guest password? My inlaws have it set up that way so when the grandkids come over with their laptops, they only have access to the internet, not the computers in the their home.

Rebecca
jane__ny
Original Author
12 years ago
I am holding a neighborhood meeting. Everyone will have laptops. I do not want to give out my password. I'll figure out something else.

Thanks all,
Katie
vala55
12 years ago
My router came with a guest account that someone can use. It has it's on password and the guest cannot change anything. I let a neighbor test it for me and she can use it, but can't see anything in my computer.
Pooh Bear
12 years ago
If you are just holding a neighborhood meeting, turn off all security on your wi-fi, and turn off your computers. Just leave the router on. Everyone can connect, and no chance of anyone getting access to your files. When the meeting is over and everyone has left, turn the security back on.

Pooh Bear

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES 9 Hard Questions to Ask When Shopping for Stone

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn all about stone sizes, cracks, color issues and more so problems don't chip away at your design happiness later

Full Story

WORKING WITH PROS 10 Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ensure the right fit by interviewing general contractors about topics that go beyond the basics

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

Full Story

149

HOME TECH High-Tech Tips for Securing Your House While You're Away

By Mike Elgan

Prevent burglaries when you're traveling by using the latest gadgets, apps and online services

Full Story

REMODELING GUIDES Survive Your Home Remodel: 11 Must-Ask Questions

By Mitchell Parker

Plan ahead to keep minor hassles from turning into major headaches during an extensive renovation

Full Story

FEEL-GOOD HOME The Question That Can Make You Love Your Home More

By Laura Gaskill

Change your relationship with your house for the better by focusing on the answer to something designers often ask

Full Story

244

DOORS 5 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Barn Door

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Find out whether that barn door you love is the right solution for your space

Full Story

335

SELLING YOUR HOUSE 15 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

By Laura Gaskill

Here’s what you should find out before selecting an agent to sell your home

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 7 Questions to Ask Before Laying Stepping Stones

By Joanna Tovia

These broken-up pathways invite you to put a spring in your step — while adding functionality to the garden

Full Story

CURB APPEAL 7 Questions to Help You Pick the Right Front-Yard Fence

By Matthew Ankeny

Get over the hurdle of choosing a fence design by considering your needs, your home’s architecture and more

Full Story

question about wireless security

Comments (9)

kudzu9

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

Related Discussions

grandms

jane__ny
Original Author

kudzu9

cannahavana

jane__ny
Original Author

vala55

Pooh Bear

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

question about wireless security

Comments (9)

kudzu9

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

Related Discussions

grandms

jane__nyOriginal Author

kudzu9

cannahavana

jane__nyOriginal Author

vala55

Pooh Bear

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

jane__ny
Original Author

jane__ny
Original Author