4 ms·

This problem will solve itself (at least in europe) now that 'share your broadband and you can use other people's shared broadband connection' schemes are poppi

This problem will solve itself (at least in europe) now that 'share your broadband and you can use other people's shared broadband connection' schemes are popping up everywhere. The telco's have had a monopoly position for too long. The consumer does not care if his call is routed over the internet, skype, broadband or 3g, he just wants his connection, and wants it cheap. Data limits and increased prices are not the way to solve this, evolving the infrastructure is. And don't tell me they need to make huge investments. They've got a vastly automated infrastructure and millions of customers that they're leeching off monthly.

jiggy2011 14y ago
My router has built in software to participate in these broadband sharing schemes but frankly they scare the shit out of me, so I don't touch them. Firstly , I'd be amazed if the TOS for my from most domestic ISPs actually allow you to "resell" your connection in such a way. Secondly what happens if somebody uses your connection for nefarious deeds, how can you prove it wasn't you?
- mmoche 14y ago
  How can they prove it WAS you? This is why it makes sense to avoid locking down a connection. If someone breaks in and does something illegal, you'll have a much tougher time proving it wasn't you than with a wide-open network.
  - jiggy2011 14y ago
    I suppose it depends if we are talking about a criminal or civil case. AFAIK in a civil case (say copyright infringement) they simply have to prove that it was likely to be you or that your negligence (i.e opening up your internet connection) aided somebody else. It's certainly enough of a gray area that I wouldn't want to get involved.
  - freehunter 14y ago
    With that you have to balance the threat to your network. There are many widely-supported encryption standards that are incredibly hard to break, hard enough that no one will reasonably try. However if you leave it wide open, you're not only allowing your access to be used by everyone for everything, you're also allowing them free access to every device on your network. If you're in a densely populated area, someone could spend the time to break your encryption from their own home. But if they're doing that, they're going to be doing worse once you let them in. Open wifi will only compound your issues. If you're not within range of your neighbors, you'll probably notice someone sitting outside for long enough (weeks/months/years) to break your encryption. Long enough to call the police. Basically, if you're worried about a possible legal case involving the use of your network and your defense strategy is to open your network, you might be in much more immediate trouble by allowing people in. You'd still be on the hook for the activities on your network, but now your bank account has been drained by the guys who did nothing more than drive by your house with a laptop so now you don't have the money for a legal defense.

jiggy2011 14y ago

My router has built in software to participate in these broadband sharing schemes but frankly they scare the shit out of me, so I don't touch them. Firstly , I'd be amazed if the TOS for my from most domestic ISPs actually allow you to "resell" your connection in such a way. Secondly what happens if somebody uses your connection for nefarious deeds, how can you prove it wasn't you?

mmoche 14y ago
How can they prove it WAS you? This is why it makes sense to avoid locking down a connection. If someone breaks in and does something illegal, you'll have a much tougher time proving it wasn't you than with a wide-open network.
- jiggy2011 14y ago
  I suppose it depends if we are talking about a criminal or civil case. AFAIK in a civil case (say copyright infringement) they simply have to prove that it was likely to be you or that your negligence (i.e opening up your internet connection) aided somebody else. It's certainly enough of a gray area that I wouldn't want to get involved.
- freehunter 14y ago
  With that you have to balance the threat to your network. There are many widely-supported encryption standards that are incredibly hard to break, hard enough that no one will reasonably try. However if you leave it wide open, you're not only allowing your access to be used by everyone for everything, you're also allowing them free access to every device on your network. If you're in a densely populated area, someone could spend the time to break your encryption from their own home. But if they're doing that, they're going to be doing worse once you let them in. Open wifi will only compound your issues. If you're not within range of your neighbors, you'll probably notice someone sitting outside for long enough (weeks/months/years) to break your encryption. Long enough to call the police. Basically, if you're worried about a possible legal case involving the use of your network and your defense strategy is to open your network, you might be in much more immediate trouble by allowing people in. You'd still be on the hook for the activities on your network, but now your bank account has been drained by the guys who did nothing more than drive by your house with a laptop so now you don't have the money for a legal defense.