Comments for How should I protect my network and computers from my guests?

Comment from some goil on 2009-06-30

2009-06-30T14:41:18Z

I got a strange call from my internet provider (the local phone company) accusing me of hooking up to a neighbor's wireless connection. I don't have a laptop and don't subscribe to WiFi. The phone company said that doesn't matter, a person could still get a wireless connnection. It made absolutely no sense to me; I was completely flabbergasted. Other neighors are on the wireless connection, but not me; I subscribe to high speed DSL through my phone's modem. Can someone piggy back off my computer on a wireless connection even though I don't subscribe to it? I am really paranoid now!

Wireless isn't something you "subscribe" to. It's the WiFi connection used by your laptop and typically provided by your own wireless router or access point. If you don't have any wireless adapters or laptops and no wireless access point or router, then I have no idea what your ISP is talking about either.

- Leo
01-Jul-2009

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A comment on: How should I protect my network and computers from my guests?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from T Johnson on 2009-01-28

2009-01-28T20:48:09Z

The explanation that seems to be missing here is that with WPA on my BELKIN router, you are allowed to specify two passwords: one that allows full access to the protected network and another that allows guests to access only the internet connection (and not the protected network).

That way, I make the main password very difficult but can keep it static. The guest password I made simple, but can change anytime I suspect an intrusion onto my internet connection.

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A comment on: How should I protect my network and computers from my guests?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from Rahul Mehta on 2009-01-27

2009-01-28T02:53:47Z

I am with Leo in two network approach.

My suggestion is: Add a router with no wifi security to your main network (with wifi security enabled) for your guests and keep it out of your main network (in DMZ). When the guests are not around, you can even switch off this second router to prevent someone else using your connection resources, consuming bandwidth etc.

Alternatively keep your main router at the front end without security and keep your main network behind a second security enabled router. guests get connected through this main router straight out to the Internet and the second router will protect your main network. You won't be able to switch this front end router off this this case.

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A comment on: How should I protect my network and computers from my guests?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from arvin meyer on 2009-01-27

2009-01-27T18:20:03Z

So you think you are OK because your property is 4 acres? Have I got news for you!

http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html

Maybe with 400 acres, you'd have a chance. Bottom line? Use all the security that's within your financial capabilities and don't do anything risky online.

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A comment on: How should I protect my network and computers from my guests?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
Leo's Answers Newsletter - Ask Leo! in your inbox every week.