Paul Harper <paul@harper.net> wrote:
>On Tue, 2 Aug 2005 15:02:47 +0100, Alex Heney <me8@privacy.net> wrote:
>
>>There is one HUGE difference.
>>
>>There is no big sign saying "Free wireless connection here".
>
>There *is* if they are broadcasting (that's they key word, right
>there) the SSID of the network.

Please explain how that is true?

That is like saying the back door to the garage has to be
camouflaged to hide the fact that a door exists.

Just as with broadcasting the SSID, if anyone actually uses that
hidden door it will be spotted by everyone standing in the
street watching.

Every packet sent by the AP includes the SSID in clear text; the
only thing that "broadcasting" it does is provide it at a
frequent enough rate that a quick scan (by someone who wants to
avoid interference) will spot it. Not broadcasting it merely
means the scan has to last a little longer (someone has to stand
in the street watching the garage until the door gets used).

The only way the SSID is a sign is if it is something like
"FREE_ACCESS". If it says "Linksys" that is no different that
the lock on your door saying "Shlage" on it.

--
Floyd L. Davidson <http://www.apaflo.com/floyd_davidson>
Ukpeagvik (Barrow, Alaska) floyd@apaflo.com