[SC-Help] Re: Assume miles for wireless router range.

[John E. Malmberg]

In article <dusq8g$4ha$1 at news.spamcop.net>,
  "POP" <nobody at devnull.spamcop.net> writes:
>
> "John E. Malmberg" <wb8tyw at qsl.network> wrote in message
> news:NN3aNusoprZD at eisner.encompasserve.org...
>> There is a posting on the webforum about "Spamcop after virus /
>> spyware attack" where it appears that the cause was an insecure
>> wireless router.
>>
>> Posters to the thread should be aware that with the right
>> equipment on the attackers side, it may be possible to access
>> such routers from miles away.
>
> Isn't any kind of access a 2 way street that requires handshakes?
> I don't see how it would be accomplished from "miles away" if
> you're talking about radiated energy to the wireless sytems.  Or
> are you talking something different?

It can be done, and many Amateur Radio experimenters put in a lot of effort to
determine how far they can go with weak signals.

With a gain antenna and amplifiers on just one end, a great deal of range can
be added.

If you are concerned about access by a motivated person of an unencrypted WAP
service, assume that they can easily do 1/4 mile with readily available
and cheap equipment, and with spending a little cash they may be able to get
at least a mile under ideal conditions.

-John
wb8tyw at qsl.network
Personal Opinion Only