New 25-Mile Radius Wireless Network - Is It Real?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the emergence of a new wireless network technology purported to allow for 25-mile radius hotspots. Participants explore the feasibility, security implications, and potential applications of such technology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the truth of the existence of a 25-mile radius wireless network and expresses interest in its potential use.
  • Concerns are raised about security issues associated with a wide-radius hotspot, suggesting that it could be more vulnerable to unauthorized access.
  • Another participant argues that with proper security measures, such as a changed default password and MAC address filtering, unauthorized access could be mitigated.
  • Discussion includes the possibility of MAC address spoofing, where a device's MAC address can be changed, raising further security concerns.
  • Technical details are provided regarding the security of Wi-Fi protocols, including the importance of using WPA over WEP and the implications of passphrase length on security.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the determination of hackers to access a network, questioning how they would obtain a MAC address in the first place.
  • There is a request for more information about the new technology, including its intended use and pricing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of curiosity and skepticism regarding the new technology, with some agreeing on the importance of security measures while others remain uncertain about the feasibility and practicality of the proposed wireless network.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various assumptions about security protocols and the technical capabilities of potential hackers, but there is no consensus on the effectiveness of the proposed security measures or the viability of the 25-mile radius technology.

aychamo
Messages
375
Reaction score
0
I hear there is a new type of wireless network coming out, allowing 25 mile radius hotspots? Is this true??

I mean, I'd love to buy a 25 mile radius router for my cable modem. I could use my **** at school!
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Wi-Fi security

You might have security issues, with a 25 mile hotspot radius.
 
If I had my router with a changed default password, and with MAC address filtering on, how could they get into my network?
 
Inherhent unsecurity of Wi-Fi

MAC addresses are supposed to be unique, but you can change the one on a given device to whatever you like http://home.jwu.edu/jwright/papers/wlan-mac-spoof.pdf by burning a new EEPROM chip.




If I had my router with a changed default password
You're using WPA, right (and not the out-of-date WEP)? The longer (than 20 characters), the better:



  • As the standard states, passphrases longer than 20 characters are needed to start deterring attacks. This is considerably longer than most people will be willing to use.

    This offline attack should be easier to execute than the WEP attacks.


    Using Random values for the PSK

    The PSK MAY be a 256-bit (64 hexadecimal) random number. This is a large number for human entry; 20 character passphrases are considered too long for entry. Given the nature of the attack against the 4-Way Handshake, a PSK with only 128 bits of security is really sufficient, and in fact against current brute-strength attacks, 96 bits SHOULD be adequate. This is still larger than a large passphrase, but is unlikely to be in a dictionary attack. Using a relatively small random value represented in hexadecimal, and entering it as a passphrase will expand it to a proper 256-bit PSK.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Aye, but if a hacker is that determined to get 54mbs (or whatever unit) or 11mbs internet access, then so be it. I'd doubt any hacker would be so determined to gain access to my network that he'd burn an EEPROM. How would they get my MAC address anyway?

Regardless, what is the news on this technology? Is this WiFi-Max meant for home use? Price?
 
Big MAC snortack

aychamo said:
How would they get my MAC address anyway?
Sniff.




The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.[/color]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
14K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K