Invasion of privacy

[brightncheerful]

A problem with my broadband router dropping line connections has been resolved by having a new router which this time has wifi as well.

Now that I have a list of about a dozen other networks in proximity (that presumably I could join if I knew their passwords), the next step is to identify the user of each network so that whenever I am out and about and happen to meet the person concerned I can include in any conversation a cryptic comment along the lines of I see you weren't on-line at (time) on (day).

[Alaric]

the next step is to identify the user of each network so that whenever I am out and about and happen to meet the person concerned I can include in any conversation a cryptic comment along the lines of I see you weren't on-line at (time) on (day).

My understanding of how wi-fi operates is that the router will broadcast its invitation to connect regardless of whether anyone is using the broadband connection it hosts. So it's not a proxy for on-line usage unless, unusually, the router is switched off when not in use.

[swill453]

Now that I have a list of about a dozen other networks in proximity (that presumably I could join if I knew their passwords), the next step is to identify the user of each network so that whenever I am out and about and happen to meet the person concerned I can include in any conversation a cryptic comment along the lines of I see you weren't on-line at (time) on (day).

They'll probably think "How passé, I've been broadcasting my SSID for all to see for the last 10 years."

You do know you didn't need a wifi router to see them, don't you?

Scott.

[simoan]

Of course you can disable the broadcast of your SSID or change it to something appropriate in the knowledge your neighbours will see it e.g. "CutThatBloodyConiferDownBigEars". Of course, if your router supports multiple network ID's like mine you can have an SSID for each of your neighbours. Hours of fun to be had

All the best, Si

[swill453]

29 Most Passive Aggressive Wi-Fi Network Names https://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/no-more-free-wifi

Scott.

[brightncheerful]

A taxi-driver I know is thinking of changing his car wifi to 'Remembertotipme"

[brightncheerful]

You do know you didn't need a wifi router to see them, don't you?

I didn't. Not having previously had a wifi netwrk of my own, I assume one would have to be interested enough, or curious, to look at what happens if you turn Airport on.

The only times I used wifi before is on smart phone and ipad where there has been wifi at wherever I've been.

[UncleEbenezer]

29 Most Passive Aggressive Wi-Fi Network Names https://www.buzzfeed.com/jessicaprobus/no-more-free-wifi

Scott.

Careful with that! Cautionary tale at http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/11/05 ... i_network/ . OK, that's France, but our powers-that-be can get very silly too.