[routecon]

I found out recently I had two leechers stealing my wireless connection. I fixed the problem but I was curious as to what they were doing. Furthermore, I thought it might be possible to profit from them. I opened my network back up and let them connect, I then tried using some programs to scan the network traffic. Sadly because I use a WRT54GS linksys router apparently it’s difficult to scan network traffic with it. I might have been able to determine which house it was by the pages they browsed…

Anyway, I want to do two things: one I want to redirect the leechers to a website of my choosing which in this case will hold my message to them (payment plans). The next thing I’d like is to be able to see what they are doing online but I’ve found that to be impossible for a low level computer user like me. Seems it would take a week of detailed study to learn how to do that. What I learned though is that I could probably just insert a script to get all router traffic to go a certain site but I have NO CLUE how to write that. I do know how to put in the script as my router control has a section for it; just cut and paste should work. I’ve looked in vain for a script template…

Please note, I’m well aware of the law (law student) I do not wish to access their computers in any way. I just intend to be nosy and maybe charge for use of my network, hence my profit motive. After all they probably were stealing my connection for six months I was just very stupid about routers until recently. If I can get my message to them that’s it going to cost some money now it might be worthwhile. With my current knowledge though that’s impossible.

Help on this topic would be appreciated.
Thanks,

Edited by routecon, 13 February 2007 - 10:21 PM.

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I believe checking to see what someone else is doing on the internet is illegal...but what do I know.

Well it's actually very easy to see exactly when they get on, but all of this depends on your router. On mine, I simply go to my router(usually 192.168.0.1), Status>Log and I can see every IP that tries to access my router.

or.... Status>Statistics and I can see how much information they've leeched off my network.

But you should be able to enter through a port and monitor everything going on on their computer. That's how the malware issues get started. So instead of handling stuff that may be illegal, I'm gonna hand this question off to one of the geeks to go admins so I don't get booted.

[Bobbydoo8]

I believe checking to see what someone else is doing on the internet is illegal...but what do I know.

Well it's actually very easy to see exactly when they get on, but all of this depends on your router. On mine, I simply go to my router(usually 192.168.0.1), Status>Log and I can see every IP that tries to access my router.

or.... Status>Statistics and I can see how much information they've leeched off my network.

But you should be able to enter through a port and monitor everything going on on their computer. That's how the malware issues get started. So instead of handling stuff that may be illegal, I'm gonna hand this question off to one of the geeks to go admins so I don't get booted.

[dsenette]

so what you're wanting to do...is set this stuff up like a hotel...in that when they connect they have to go through a specific page to get to the internet...this page would obviously need a username/password type deal so that you're not just leaving a network open....i don't know that you can do this with standard routers/equipment...did a little googeling for "hotel wireless redirection" and found a few sollutions that involve extra hardware etc...also...i know you said you're "legally inclined"...but you may want to read your ISP contract again...the VAST majority of them have STRICT rules against what you're talking about doing...they may be vaguely worded...but...MOST isps have rules against you becoming your own isp using their lines...which...is what you're talking about doing...

[routecon]

I researched this first to make sure I was in the clear legally speaking. The bottom line: remotely accessing another person’s computer is illegal. I can’t go though a port or anything like that. I’m not touching anything that could get me in trouble

If they go through my router however, it’s LEGAL to monitor the traffic, the key word is my. If my router happens to send all users off to a web page I set, well sorry that’s just the way the my router works. That’s really what I want to do.

I was unaware of that ISP rule, that’s interesting… Well that ruins my idea. I’m glad you warned me about that. I still want to get a message out though, and it shouldn’t involve passwords or anything. When I speak of "opening" my network all I mean by that is I remove the password and all access restrictions. EVERYTIME I"ve done that just to test, within a few hours the leechers start connecting again. I want to control traffic direction, from my understanding I just need to insert a script that tells my router to send all traffic to a website I designate. The site will be an image hosting provider with my typed message. I'd love to know how to do that.

Edited by routecon, 14 February 2007 - 06:19 PM.

[dsenette]

welll...as a clarrification....monitoring traffic on your network is perfectly legal...i was talking about the sharing of your connection...and the charging for it....that's the thing that ISPs tend to not like

[Pluto56]

Well it's actually very easy to see exactly when they get on, but all of this depends on your router. On mine, I simply go to my router(usually 192.168.0.1), Status>Log and I can see every IP that tries to access my router.

or.... Status>Statistics and I can see how much information they've leeched off my network.

Hate to interrupt, probably sound like a stupid question. Small town here so I don't worry too much about anyone stealing my wireless net and I know my neighbors aren't up to snuff on that sort of thing. However............ since first reading this, I've been searching my puter, looking for the log you mentioned, can't find it. What is the "path", i.e. C:\\???

BTW, Linksys WRT54G hardwired to desktop (XP). Use the wireless for my laptop or any other guests.

Thanks guys, sorry for the intrusion!

[routecon]

Well it's actually very easy to see exactly when they get on, but all of this depends on your router. On mine, I simply go to my router(usually 192.168.0.1), Status>Log and I can see every IP that tries to access my router.

or.... Status>Statistics and I can see how much information they've leeched off my network.

Hate to interrupt, probably sound like a stupid question. Small town here so I don't worry too much about anyone stealing my wireless net and I know my neighbors aren't up to snuff on that sort of thing. However............ since first reading this, I've been searching my puter, looking for the log you mentioned, can't find it. What is the "path", i.e. C:\\???

BTW, Linksys WRT54G hardwired to desktop (XP). Use the wireless for my laptop or any other guests.

Thanks guys, sorry for the intrusion!

Seems no one knows the answer to my question here. Well I can answer yours at least.

You are aware of how to access your router right? How to get to the config settings? The log is under the administration tab and has to be turned on. Although he might mean the DCHP clients table under the status tab. It really depends on what router you are using... If you don't know how to access the configuration go to your router's website and it will tell you.This should work though type or cut and paste http:127:192.168.1.1 in the address bar in your browser. When it asks for a password and username just use admin for both as those are the defualt settings.

I'm sorry if you knew that already.

By the way you can't always trust people, you would be surprised what people will do when they think no one is watching. I'd check just to be sure no one is stealing your connection better to be safe than sorry. If someone happened to it use it to look up child pornography for example. You would be in a lot of trouble, try sorting that out with the police that show up at your door where they traced the connection! I've read about that happening creates a big mess for all.

Edited by routecon, 16 February 2007 - 11:47 AM.

[Pluto56]

Thanks routecon, found it!