Roaming Software 4 Wi-Fi [Archive]

Alan Jr

03-22-2004, 10:38 PM

Friends,

Just purchased a Link-SYS WUSG54G...Is this the best to use for exploring' wireless networks?...I see it is only 2.4 ghz, is there a better device or is this O.K....I am amazed how many networks are in my area (NYC ) and are NOT protected..No WEP enabled...ALso, I have used PCTEL but it expired, anyone have some software they recommend?....I have two if anyone wnats to play, Air Snare and Trepia....Let me know where to send or upload.....Alan

M/Q

03-23-2004, 07:08 AM

Welcome to the forum. I think you mean the WUSB54g, and it will work. But the USB style adaptor has been known to have more erratic behavior than the other style of adaptors. But then in some cases they worked fine. As for exploring networks, I am not sure if you are mobile or stationary. That was a little unclear and would make a difference as to what would be the best for your situation.

As for PCTEL, what software are you referring to? If you are referring to utilities that will scan for networks and similar, this link will give you quite a variety to choose from.

http://www.wardriving.com/code.php

I also have another link to a very good/active wireless group in NYC. They have a mailing list and good website, that I frequent.

http://www.nycwireless.net/

Also, not to dampen your enthusiasm, but I just want to make sure you be careful about associating with all the open networks you are finding. It is one thing to find them as RF is free as of yet, but associating is becoming a legal issue. If you are using Windows and have TCP/IP enabled, you can automatically become associated with these networks. In most areas if that network is not advertising open access, that is considered wrong if not illegal. If you sniff for wireless networks with the TCP/IP off then you will not be able to associate. That is the safe way. I mention this as there are two other possible threats to you by an unknown wireless network, especially in a large metro area. First, the wide open network , could be a front for a honey pot, which wants you to associate and search around the network. If could either be a sting operation by a company or law enforcement agency. Your computer could be marked or your information logged. The other possible honey pot is that it is a nasty place where they want you to associate and then they download executable files to your computer. It might be that they want to own it for later use or just want to wreck it out of spite. These are extreme examples, but I have seen it happen and have had friends that have had to deal with it already. I always like to make sure everyone is aware of what they maybe getting into and make good decisions.