Why is there a neighbor on our network?

So, my DVD drive finally kicked it, will be getting a replacement soon. So I figured out how to setup the network so I could use mom's CD drive to install a game I got just before it died. However, for some reason, our neighbor's computer came up on the network when I looked. It is not a wireless network. How did this happen?

EDIT: Neighbor's not a geek.

 

Two thoughts: (1) Does your computer have a wireless card in it? If so, are you sure it's your neighbor's computer that's showing up and not simply your neighbor's wireless network SSID showing up as an available network within reach of the wireless card? (2) Even though your computers may be hardwired to your router, does your router have wireless capabilities? If wireless is enabled and unsecured, anyone can still join your network (wirelessly) even though you are hard wired.

 

No, I don't have a wireless card that I'm aware of. The box the router came in says nothing about wireless.

 

What's the make/model of the router?

 

The only thing I know is that it's a Linksys. I tried to find the model number on the router but I couldn't. And my mom put the box away.

 

The model is usually in fine print on a label, either on the underside of the router or on the front (perhaps both). For example, mine is a WRT54GS

 

Here's one I took a few days ago. I checked it, no changes. (Obviously, I'm Aimee. "BEV" is my mom. The other one is the name of one of the neighbors in our apartment)

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/2229/whatisthisdoinghere.png

EDIT: Going to check the router

 

OK, so it turns out the box I was looking at was for the other router (the backup one). My mom gave me the "right" box which says Wireless. Duh!!!

 

Sounds like you need to secure your wireless network.

 

Well, my mom thought she put a password on it but apparently it didn't work.

 

There's a difference between changing the default password of the router and setting up wireless encryption. You may want to look in the manual and determine if there's a way to switch off wireless if you're not using it. That would be your safest bet.

 

I found the manual, but it's in French, and the English one is missing. Oh well.

EDIT: Oh. I opened up the French manual and the English one fell out. Damn these flimsy paper things!

 

In addition to either disabling or securing the wireles in the router, see if the aerial can be unscrewed from the back. If it is possible, it should just unscrew like a F-type connector like the ones found on a cable TV cable. This is a good idea as it will drop the hackable range of the network, even if it is encrypted, from 40m (max) to about 2.5m (I think)

 

You will more than likely have to go through the setup process again, take a few minutes to read the instructions carefully. You will have to reset the modem, there is a tiny red button on the back that must be held in for 30 seconds. You will find this in the instructions but many seem to miss it, after the reset follow the directions. I have found it is much easier to have you digital camera ready to to take screen shots of passwords, when you get to the security part set it to WAP or better if equipped WPA2. Have fun it is a learning curve don't get frustrated follow the book!

No need to turn off a properly setup router!

 

Aimee, you don't need to be particularly savvy to use someone else's wireless network if it's not secured. When my neighbours' laptop boots up, if wireless connection is turned off or it's out of range of its' own modem, it asks if you want to connect wirelessly and from there it pretty much walks you through connecting to any network in range, so an unsecured one is easy to access.

And some people aren't clear on the fact that you have to pay for access to the internet or how you actually get online. I've spoken to people who've been confused enough that I can quite see they would buy a computer, have a message like that pop up, set up access via the prompts and wouldn't realise they are stealing someone else's internet.

 

If she's not using wireless, disabling it is still the safest way to go. Which is safer?... Putting a lock on a door or not installing a doorway in the first place? Pulling the antenna (assuming it is external), as collinsl recommended, is also standard procedure if you're not using your wireless.

 

The Router have a sticker with a Model number.

Log to Llinksys support and for your model you will find there a download of a pdf manual.

Then read the manual part of securing the Wireless and use WPA Security.

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