Wi Fi Thief

[tweakers_suck]

If you don't want to filter MAC address,

then just tell your dad to unplug the modem when not in use. No worries or config hassles. Will only have difficulties when your dad is using internet, which is probably much less than a kid who plays video games.

 

[Sun Baked]

Depending on which side of the router he is on, and where the router is, you may be able to physically block the signal (or drastically lower it in that direction.)

Bandwidth bozo -- foil -- router -- rest of house

Of course it will still create some dead spots for you, even if it is on the correct side of the house.

 

[maestro55]

I agree with many on the forum. I understand that some people feel the desire to share their internet connections with people, still I believe that doing so is very very unsafe. Does your dad pay his bills online? Does your mom buy stuff online? With an open wireless connection it would be easy for anyone to use a sniffer application and obtain important information. Also you mentioned the kid next door using up your bandwith, what about if that same kid decided to break the law online. As pointed out they would be coming and knocking on your front door. It isn't hard to secure a network, and everyone has been telling you how to do so. Set up the home machines, and like it has been pointed out if your father brought a computer home from work you could walk him into setting that up. Suggestions have been made, personally if I was you I wouldn't let that boy continue taking my bandwith.

 

[rickvanr]

Hmm.. first put a password on your wifi.. then take an old mouse, cut off the cord, and stick the mangled mouse in your neighbours bed while he's sleeping.

 

[applekid]

Going with Applespider's viewpoint, I don't see why talking to the kid is that hard. You're a grown adult, and you're telling me you are not willing to talk to a kid's parent about a dispute like this? You're letting yourself get stepped on.

Of course blocking the MAC address is nice and easy. By the time this is posted, I hope some sort of action has been taken!

 

[doucy2]

maby he broke it

i say just password the whole thing and be done with it
a simple solution to a big problem

 

[James Philp]

Running Win 98 huh?
Well, if your grandparents or whoever can get the hang of spyware, anti-virus software and all the rest, I'm sure they'll be able to handle a simple password to get on the network - especially if you name it something easily remembered.

Seriously though, sharing your connection with anyone could get you in every kind of trouble. If he's a kid, how do you know what else he might be using the connection for? Porn, illegally sharing files? This kind of stuff could easily get you in trouble too!

If you want to be generous, just keep broadcasting your network name, and use this (perhaps - not tried myself) to tell them to come over, you can meet them, and if they seem OK you can allow their MAC address.

Personally, I have my system locked down - I have to enable MAC addresses and have a 26 character long HEX key.
When a friend comes over it takes around 2 minutes to get them on the network - not a problem.

I also use a ADSL moden/router/switch (all in one), so if I wanted, I could just plug the PC/Mac into the back of it, and there is no need for passwords or anything (I assume if the PC can be plugged into the back of the router, I already trust the user!) This is how I connect up my xbox and main computer (as the ethernet is also a lot faster than wireless).
Perhaps a bit of hardware like this will solve your problems - and it only costs what you're paying for 1 month!