Computer Question: How do you detect wireless internet leeches?

[philosophie_en_rose]

I have a wireless connection in my house - with only two computers. At times (around 5 pm or so) the connection slows to a crawl.

I suspect that my unscrupulous neighbors are attaching themselves to my network. Knowing nothing about computers, how would you know if that was true? Furthermore, what could I do about it?

[RazzleCat]

1. Well to detect

You could browse your network (via network connections and see if anyone is on), but the most effective way is to place security on your router. No matter what brand you have their will be a way to place WEP on it. So pull out the manual and do it.

[philosophie_en_rose]

2. I've been on hold for customer service for thirty minutes.

I didn't get a manual with the modem. And I know I'll mess with the setting, if I explore.

I'll go to the company website and look up WEP. So far, nothing has come up.

[Rabrrrrrr]

5. Not the modem, the router

The router is the one with the security settings.

And if it's a Linksys or other big brand one, you can go to the website and pull the manual there.

[Az]

3. Most routers come with the ability to log connections

So just turn it on and check to see if you are getting any extraneous connects.

For what its worth most home brand wireless can't reliably be tapped from wardrivers(hackers that drive around looking for unprotected wireless connections). Most have a range of 300' in good conditions. And that means no obstructions like walls and things. The signal usually can't make to to the curb. So to pick up a signal from a home system you would pretty much have to be parked in front of their house or in their driveway.

The trouble is far more likely due to your local traffic. Since it seems to be hitting at a specific time it may be the result of multiple users coming home from work or school or some such. The network you are on is shared with your entire neighborhood. It may simply be that they have too few junctions in your area and the traffic pegs at certain times causing a bottleneck in your area.

[philosophie_en_rose]

4. Thanks!

I needed you explanation.

I live in an apartment complex full of smart children and university students. There are nine apartments within 300 feet of me. I wouldn't be surprised if it were my crappy internet service provider.

[obxhead]

6. Check windows help

lots of help there if you're willing to invest some time reading. It sounds like you don't have much protection installed and since you're in an apartment setting it is in your best interest to start reading up on how to do this.
Remember, it's not necessarily what you do on the web, but what someone else does from your account that might hurt you.

[crispini]

7. Just change the WEP key on your router

or add one. Second the earlier poster's advice about googling the manual. Should not be too hard. Change the WEP key every month or so anyway.

Get this, I live in a residential neighborhood -- big lots, not apartments -- and I have THREE other wireless networks in reception range of me -- two of those three, unsecured! Could leach off lotsa people's bandwidth if I didn't have my own!