Not so much a hardware question....

[DCMan]

Hey guys...

Just wondering - does anyone know what the laws in the UK are for wireless networking? Here's the "theoretical" scenario:

Lets imagine I don't have an internet connection at my house. And also imagine, I have a wireless NIC card... And lets imagine again, that I plugged it into my box one day and found that I can connect to the internet via someone else down my road - and I can use their connection.... and that means that I can connect to the internet from a house with no connection, to ask a question about networking laws......


Any ideas anyone?

Thanks :)

DC :)

[Gabriel]

Interesting subject, here's a link I found, and read. Seems that if they are monitoring it to that extent, then it is a problem and they prolly don't look too highly on it, although it looks to be reserved to big business right now.

Take a read

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/1/low/technology/2885339.stm

[DCMan]

Good find ... To be honest though, I dont know if i could go online like that for a very long time without my conscience screaming at me... I was more interested in the actual question - but according to that article, it doesnt look like its actually illegal... does it? Interesting quote tho..

If I leave a £10 note lying on the pavement I would be surprised if someone didn't pick it up, and even more surprised if I got it back. If the owners of wireless networks leave them lying around insecure in public places they should not be surprised if someone "picks them up" either. To launch an attack on those doing the "picking up" is to point the finger in the wrong direction. If you run a wireless network you should make it secure.

DC :)

[Kabooka]

Here's my two cents ......

I have an internet provider who gives me an IP in exchange for $50 a month. I also have a wireless network in my home.

I am aware - (as is I'm sure the administrator, in the "theoretical" scenario) that someone in close proximity to my house is attaching to my lan.

I could do a couple things;

1. Lock down my WLAN with encryption to prevent the attachment.
2. Filter out the neighbor by enabling MAC address rules.
3. Allow my neighbor to connect to my LAN in exchange for a couple beers now and then.

Either way, in theory, if it's there take advantage, for the adminstrator knows ( or should know) you're there. And if you happen on him or her in a pub - pony up a pint!

:drinky: