WiFi newbie

[Pig]

My neighbor just got a new laptop. It has a built in wireless modem. I have never used something like this, so pardon my naievity. The ISP he wants to use is AOL (shiver). The from India we ended up speaking to after 45 minutes of being bounced around said that we need to get an internet connection first. I'm guessing this is basically a phone line for modem? Can someone help me out? TIA.

[B&T]

Define wireless modem. Do you mean an 802.11B wireless device? Then you need a router or bridge to a netork with an internet connection or another peer who is connected to the internet.

Or do you mean some other type of device? Like a cell phone modem?

[Pig]

It's a wireless modem.

[XJnick]

Hi,

It is fairly common to find a wireless network card built into laptops now days (usually 802.11B or faster WiFi interfaces). I can't, off the top of my head, think of anything fitting the description "wireless modem" which I have seen built into a laptop though. The closest thing I can think of is that maybe it is some sort of Bluetooth device?

[satis]

yea, my thoughts would be bluetooth, maybe cellular modem, but probably 802.11x. Pig, in that case she may as well have a network card or a backscratcher installed, if she's looking to hook up to AOL with it via dialup. It'd probably be easier just to buy an external dialup modem (USB or parallel or something) and connect via that.

[B&T]

Just look in the specs and tell us specifically what kind of device it is. 802.11B, cellular, bluetooth - I guess those are the options.

With 802.11B and bluetooth, those are devices for connecting to another network that has an internet connection. Bluetooth is very short range, the 802.11 spec and a, b, & g which are all longer range.

If it is a cellular, then you need to arrange for service with your wireless company. Just like having a cell phone with web capability.

[symo]

I'm going to try, based on assumptions, two of which are:

1. We're talking about a NEW laptop. In which case I going to assume it's 802.11g wireless network connection.

2. This person has high speed data (either DSL or cable) and want's to signup for AOL for Broadband, or already use AOL for Broadband via their current computer and Cat5 to the DSL or cable modem.

To set up the wireless thing your going to need a wireless interface at the DSL/cable modem end. I say router because, 1 it has a built in firewall (NAT) and 2, allows for expansion of additional machines (wirelesss if you get a wireless only router, or wireless and wired if you get a wireless router with a built in switch). I prefer the switch route as I can also add network capable devices such as external hard drives and printers.

So you have face plate at the wall, then DSL/cable modem, then router. Shut everything down then fire up the modem and let it boot, then fire up the router and let it boot, then fire up the PC and let it boot.

Go to Network connections and find the wireless connection and make sure it is enabled. Most new laptops have a physical switch on the machine to turn the wireless on or off (battery preservation). Then set up the DHCP settings per the manufacturers suggestions.

Load the router software and then open the browser and go to 192.168.1.1 (most, but not all use this for a default) and follow the manufacturers instructions for the setting up the router. At this point don't enable any sort of WAP or WEP encryption until you see that everything is working. When you have confirmed that everything is working then do what ever you want with regard to encryption and changing the SSID and the default admin password.

If on the otherhand they are using AOL dialup, and do not want to switch to AOL for Broadband, do not want to buy a wireless router, then give them a RJ11 phone cord and go with the backscratcher suggestion. :D

HTH

symo

[Pig]

It says it is Toshiba software modem. I believe it is a modem, and not a Network device. It dials as well, it just doesn't get a dial tone.

[symo]

What model of Toshiba? I've never run into a "wireless" modem. There would still have to be some kind of device at the phone jack to do the dialing and send the info back and forth to the computer without using a phone cable.

symo

[B&T]

OK, if it is a celular modem, then as long as you have service . . .

I used to use a cellular modem, you attached it to a cell phone to make the call. Just like hooking up your modem in your standard PC to a phone line (except he modem requires special capability - a regular modem will not work).

Is that the type of device? If so, then yes, there is nothing to do on the PC except get the proper driver. You will not get a dial tone, cell phones don't work that way (unless they are now faking it with that model).

[symo]

OK says the guy in the straight jacket. If this is the case, just as B&T says the computer is using its normal internal modem.

For my phone I had to by the cable and software and load the interface software so the modem would use the cell to dial to my earthlink account using my normal setup in Network Connections for my earthlink dialup account.

Sure burns minutes fast though. I only use it in locations where there are no other options. In addition, some wireless companies charge extra for modem usage. Verizon does include access (Express Net) for no charge, but I sure wouldn't recommend it for surfing.

symo

[B&T]

I used to use it during layovers at airports before the days of laptop connections everywhere. It was a lifesaver for doing that email exchange before the next flight. Now . . . there are much better alternatives in airports.

[symo]

Yeah. If fact the thread got me curious, so I pulled out my cable and fired up my Express Network connection came into the forums, clicked on new posts, found you last one and am responding now. All of this has only taken 2 minutes 38 seconds. :(

The WiFi thing is what threw me off. I wasn't even thinking about "wireless" wireless :D

symo

[Pig]

Thanks for the help guys.

[symo]

Not to worry... if I ever get out of this darned coat, I'm going to take up php programming... that'll make your day :D when I come looking for help :cool:

symo

[afamative]

Hello,

I have a Toshiba Satellite Pro 6100 series with an inbuilt wireless network adapter installed. Can I actually connect wirelessly to any internet connection around my machine?

I have read about wireless enabled laptops accessing unsecure internet connections. Is this really possible?

It's 802.11b.

[B&T]

Is this really possible?
Yes, it is.

[afamative]

B&T,

Thanks for the information.

Is it correct to say that if I walk into a room with an unsecured wireless internet access and switch on the wireless network adapter that I can simply launch my browser and start surfing?

I do hope it is as easy as that.

Another thing I need to find out is this, everyone keeps talking about DSL, Cable, Broadband as regards sharing say wirelessly, can't a dial up internet access be shared wirelessly too?

[satis]

anything can be shared wirelessly. As long as you have a PC with a wireless card and the 'other' type of connection, running internet connection sharing or somet other proxy-type software, you can share anything.

As far as hacking a wireless system, it's not as easy as just turning on a laptop with a wireless card and connecting. You have to know the channel and the SSID, for instance. And of course, if WEP is enabled, you have to crack the WEP key.

However, that's not as difficult as it may sound. Taking WEP out of the picture, if the wireless access point is set to broadcast its SSID, most wireless software will pick up the SSID and channel automatically. Boom, you're in.

Otherwise, you'll probably have to do some scanning. There's software for that, too. And, lastly, if WEP is enabled... well, there's software to crack that, also. However, at that point you're looking at spending a bit of time at it. Depending on how much traffic is being broadcast on the wireless connection, it may take days to crack the key.

on a side note, the 802.11i security specification for wireless connectivity was recently passed. This would standardize an AES-based encryption that will be significantly more difficult to crack than WEP. When this goes mainstream, you'll basically be locked out of AES-encrypted wireless domains, unless you're willing to spend a long time hacking it.

On a positive note (at least for wireless hackers) most people are morons and will continue to run unsecured WLANs that broadcasts its SSID.

[afamative]

The opportunities are exciting but unforunately I don't know much about wireless. I hope to understand it so as to be able to do some of these things you've mentioned like cracking WEP and actually connecting if one has access to the Channel (what's that) and SSID (this I know).

Many thanks though for your response.

[satis]

well, the wireless system I use at home has 6 'channels'. I choose which channel I want on my router, and the wireless nic picks it up automatically. This may not even be important, but I thought I'd mention it.

Just for the record, I've never actively hacked a wireless network. I simply have some knowledge of the process.

[afamative]

I read an online article some couple of months ago about building from stratch an antenna with quaker oats can and some elementary connections here and there, this antenna was supposed to recieve signal if done correctly from any ISP dish around. Of course one must know the frequencies the ISP is using to be able to communicate with it.

Some people according to the article claim they've been using such antennas for accessing the net.

Thanks. Do let me know if/when you attempt successfully hacking a wireless network.

[extras]

Many thanks though for your response.

I would edit the post so that nobody thinks that
you have intention of making unauthorized login.

I've heard that someone just got arrested (in Japan?)
because he logged into unauthorized wifi access-point.

In the city, it's not rare that you connect to wrong
network by accident because there are so many
unsecured access-points. (especially from high-rise)

But if you do it intentionally, it can be considered
criminal act (at least in some countries.)

Also, there are some people who let the access-point
intentionally unsecure so that they can infect/use
machines that naively connect to their network. ;)

[afamative]

extras, thanks for your post. I am interested in knowing how one can do it. I am not interested in doing it.
All the best.

[extras]

::edit post removed by extras

[afamative]

extras,

I have always asked honest questions and appreciate responses but this particular one smacks of hatred and complex, hopefully inferiority complex.

Later.

[extras]

::edit another post removed

[satis]

My suggestion would be to never intrude on another network with that person's permission. Regardless of any positive desires. There've been too many instances of cops getting involved and people getting in trouble over stupid 'computer intrustions'. Some of it's enough to make me sick.

The only 'hacking' I've done is of my own or friends' computer and/or networks. It's great stuff to know, and alot of fun, but I would never risk jail time by hacking anything real.

Besides, I don't know enough. It's too easy to get caught. :) Though the growth of wireless networks makes the chances of getting caught slimmer by the day.

[afamative]

Hi extras,

If your reply states correctly what you had in mind and I would want to believe that, I apologise. I guess we all should present any information in the clearest way possible to avoid misinterpretations.

I also agree with your position on criminal activities and implications. I am always eager to learn something new all the time and it's been helping me in life. Like I said knowing how to do something is one thing and actually doing it another.

All the best.

Satis,

Thanks for your comments, I really do appreciate them. One of the reasons why I would like hack is to know the extent of vulnerability on my machine and see how I can make it more secured. While my computer was within the warranty period Toshiba US asked me to send it to US and it was to be replaced or repaired at no cost after they tried all they could on phone without any success. I didn't send the laptop to them, I simply try to figure out what the problem was and after going through the manual and making some calculated guesses I brought the laptop back to life. So, knowing something extra (not my friend extras this time) helps in life.

Thanks again for everything.

[extras]

Hi extras,

If your reply states correctly what you had in mind and I would want to believe that, I apologise. I guess we all should present any information in the clearest way possible to avoid misinterpretations.

All the best.


I'm glad my explanation cleared up some misunderstandings.

Please know that I just wanted tell you about the risk
of bad image and other disadvantages against you.

As I can see that you are running buisiness,
I thought you don't need any possible bad reputation.

I still think you had better edit or delete at least
some part of your post, and I will remove my responses.
If "edit" link does not work anymore because of the
time-limit, maybe you can ask moderator to remove
some of your posts.
(In that case, I agree that all my posts in this thread
can be removed if you wish so.)

Also, if you don't underdstand my post, please ask.
I always try to be clear enough, but I'm far from perfect,
as this episode shows well. ;)


::edit

I removed things that are not needed anymore.

PS.

I would not use the term "hacking" too much
to describe "learning", "testing", and so on,
because general public (as imagined by me)
often associate it with illegal activities.

I know you just want to learn, but people may
take it otherwise.

[afamative]

Hi extra,

Thanks for the info. I can see the edit link. I will delete part of the messages. I think I understand your point.

Thanks once again.