fake wifi signal?

nikeman · 04-15-2007, 11:37 AM

is it possible for a belkin USB wireless adapter to show a fake wifi signal? I have one listed and it had 5 bars all the time and its not locked and it wont ever connect to it. I try to force it to use that one and it just wont connect all the way. WHats the deal with this? This signal came out of nowhere too...

ceri sheeran · 04-15-2007, 11:47 AM

Hi,

It is likely that this signal will belong to a business or a neighbour who also has a wireless network.

It could also be a nearby cafe, station college school or similar with a wireless Internet setup.

If the signal "came out of nowhere" as you state then it is likely to be because someone moved in nearby and set up an unsecure wireless network. it is generally illegal under Telecommunication legislation to use somebody eleses wireless network Iternet connection.

hth

Ceri

nikeman · 04-15-2007, 12:24 PM

actually, i forgot to mention that i was trying to set up a range extender in my girlfriends apartment because her signal is really weak and now I am thinking that the range extender is sending out a fake signal. Is that possible? It has a VERY STRONG signal but it will not connect to the internet through that signal and after a while of trying it it go back to the original POOR signal and that one will connect but its not very reliable (the main reason I got the range extender)

johnwill · 04-15-2007, 04:35 PM

Turn off the range extender, that'll tell you if it's the one sending out the signal.

nikeman · 04-16-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnwill

Turn off the range extender, that'll tell you if it's the one sending out the signal.

i had it unplugged and when its unplugged the signal is still there but its not 5 bars all the time.... I will do it again when i go over there to see when its not plugged in..

johnwill · 04-16-2007, 06:36 PM

Well, if it's unplugged and not connected to anything, I suspect it's not the issue.

nikeman · 04-17-2007, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnwill

Well, if it's unplugged and not connected to anything, I suspect it's not the issue.

why am i unable to connect to it though? Its not locked but it just wont connect to it...

johnwill · 04-17-2007, 12:42 PM

Without knowing exactly how everything is configured, it's hard to say. Of course, I also don't know what equipment we're talking about here either.

04-15-2007, 11:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
nikeman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 314 OS: Win XP	fake wifi signal? is it possible for a belkin USB wireless adapter to show a fake wifi signal? I have one listed and it had 5 bars all the time and its not locked and it wont ever connect to it. I try to force it to use that one and it just wont connect all the way. WHats the deal with this? This signal came out of nowhere too...

04-15-2007, 11:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
ceri sheeran Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 285 OS: WINXP	Re: fake wifi signal? Hi, It is likely that this signal will belong to a business or a neighbour who also has a wireless network. It could also be a nearby cafe, station college school or similar with a wireless Internet setup. If the signal "came out of nowhere" as you state then it is likely to be because someone moved in nearby and set up an unsecure wireless network. it is generally illegal under Telecommunication legislation to use somebody eleses wireless network Iternet connection. hth Ceri

04-15-2007, 12:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
nikeman Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 314 OS: Win XP	Re: fake wifi signal? actually, i forgot to mention that i was trying to set up a range extender in my girlfriends apartment because her signal is really weak and now I am thinking that the range extender is sending out a fake signal. Is that possible? It has a VERY STRONG signal but it will not connect to the internet through that signal and after a while of trying it it go back to the original POOR signal and that one will connect but its not very reliable (the main reason I got the range extender)

04-15-2007, 04:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 32,581 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: fake wifi signal? Turn off the range extender, that'll tell you if it's the one sending out the signal. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

04-16-2007, 06:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 32,581 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: fake wifi signal? Well, if it's unplugged and not connected to anything, I suspect it's not the issue. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

04-17-2007, 12:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 32,581 OS: XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: fake wifi signal? Without knowing exactly how everything is configured, it's hard to say. Of course, I also don't know what equipment we're talking about here either. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience