Who uses their neighbours wireless connection?

[DudeZXT]

When I initially set mine up, my wife was on with her Toshiba E750 and I tried to get on, but my network was maxed out with 5 IPs because my neighbors apparently were using them all.

That was just another reason for me to lock it...

[duality169]

To clarify, I have no problem with analogies, I just meant that where this specific issue is concerned people tend to use overly dramatic examples.

Again I think most will agree it is not an above board practice and that if you would feel guilty getting caught that's one of those convenient little signs that you shouldn't be doing it.

By the way it's cold and snowing in Wisconsin right now so your pool and sprinkler analogies are really eating at me.

[Noisy Crow]

Well in Toronto it's raining and the temp is hovering around the freezing point. I think I'd prefer snow!

[Viper2005]

When I'm at home, I don't steal internet, but when I travel, I always look for unsecured networks to connect to fetch my mail or to just surf.

[thundertracks]

I remember reading about a court case about 6 mos. ago, where the judge ruled that it was not illegal to use another's unsecured connection. He theorized if it is left open then it is legally open for public use. I read it in the CNet news from the AvantGo website. If I recall correctly, the court case was brought by an IP taking exception to neighbors sharing one connection. I helped my neighbor secure his so my laptop would stop jumping back and forth between his and mine. The sad part is the guy from BestBuy told him he didn't need to bother with securing his network. I drive around my neighborhood with my Axim wireless on it finds a ton of networks with at most only half secured.To use someone's network exclusively may not be illegal but it's not exactly following the straight and narrow path either.

[axzilla]

no one can blame you for their own stupidity if its an open network then its free game its not like its a big mystery how wifi works and with all the free sites out if you dont want yours to be then secure it fool

[professor-axim]

I always love reading this type of thread when it pops up every month or so - there are always pretty interesting analogies made and a heated debate or two. But, ultimately, what does the law (at least in the US) say....... It may (or may not) be illegal. There is no cut and dried answer to the use of your neighbor's signal. The legality depends on a variety of factors, such as how much bandwidth you consume, if you cracked a password to obtain entry, and similar behaviors. Now, the ISP may have a case against you, and the ISP may have a case against your neighbor (especially if your neighbor explicitly allows access - this violates most TOS agreements). So, will you get in trouble for using your neighbor's signal to check email, browse a few websites, post to Aximsite, and other bandwidth limited activities? Most likely not. But, if you decide to use your neighbor as your sole internet connection, or use bandwidth intensive apps, or continue to use the connection if asked to stop, or "eavesdrop" there could be some consequences. Ultimately, all you really need to do is use good judgment until some kind of law is passed (which will probably happen when some ignorant Congressman gets mad when someone mooches his bandwidth from his unsecured AP).

Prof-ax

[Terryvi]

Saying that you stealing your neighbor's bandwidth is his fault for not securing his network is ridiculous. It's nothing more than a lame rationalization. It's still stealing and what part of "thou shalt not steal" don't you understand!

[PocketBrain]

It's not stealing, but it is potential access to sensitive data. Stealing implies that they no longer have use of the thing, which is not the case here, unless you use so much bandwidth that they are impacted negatively by that. Then, it is stealing.
Otherwise, if you want an analogy, it is like a light. Your neighbor has his home lit well, and the light spills over into the front yard, and onto the sidewalk. Now, are you just walking on the sidewalk, or are you peering in-between the gaps in the blinds to see what lies inside?

[Terryvi]

It's not stealing, but it is potential access to sensitive data. Stealing implies that they no longer have use of the thing, which is not the case here, unless you use so much bandwidth that they are impacted negatively by that. Then, it is stealing.
Otherwise, if you want an analogy, it is like a light. Your neighbor has his home lit well, and the light spills over into the front yard, and onto the sidewalk. Now, are you just walking on the sidewalk, or are you peering in-between the gaps in the blinds to see what lies inside?

So if I follow your analogy, it's OK to come to your house and take anything I want if you are not using it so long as I return it before you need it.

[uzziah0]

Stop the madness of this thread!!!!!

At least stop the analogies.

[Cole]

I hate all these analogies! I always look for a signal on my axim. I haven't had the need to on my lappy unless at a friends house, where they set me up anyway.

If someone is broadcasting a signal, the way the FCC law reads is that it is not against the law to recieve the signal if unsecured (i.e. not a police frequency, etc.) However, it is against the law for you to use networking equipment that you do not have explicit permission to use. Thus, using a neighbor's AP without their knowledge is breaking a Federal law. If they give you permission, they are breeching thier contract with the ISP, and that's between the ISP and your neighbor. As for that court case, I've not heard of that one before but I'm gonna look it up.

Know what you're up against before you break the law. Chance are you won't get caught, but if you do...you don't want to be the example do you?

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/h...0----000-.html

see section A(2)

[Terryvi]

Stop the madness of this thread!!!!!

At least stop the analogies.

Not using analogies is like an eagle without wings.

[uzziah0]

Not using analogies is like an eagle without wings.

Using BAD analogies is like bricks with eagle wings, finger nails on the chalkboard...Eek