wireless networking question

[dynamix1]

I had done some computer upgrades for my neighbor and they mention that they have cable service with a wireless router. their act light is going constantly crazy even with the system turned off. They believe there next door neighbor may be using their bandwith. I'm not too familiar with wireless, is there a way to find out if there are other systems using their router and how can they be blocked. Thanx all.

[ofbarea]

Routers almost always have a web management interface. From this interface you could identify who is connected to the network.

If you want to prevent others from connecting to the his access point, enable WEB security, change the default network name (SSID) to something else, if possible configure the access point to not broadcast the SSID, and use WEP data encryption (128) bits.

[neomaine]

I found that setting up an access control list in mine gave me the happy medium of security but without the issues of setting up encryption.

If your not doing anything worth encrypting, then don't worry about it. And by using an access control list, only the MAC addresses you list can use your router.

[pfh]

All very good options. Keep in mind that the ISP or WAN connection is in constant contact so the activity light will blink.

[HillJack]

If your not doing anything worth encrypting, then don't worry about it. And by using an access control list, only the MAC addresses you list can use your router.

Excellent suggestion!

[Deku Scrub]

Like pfh said, the activity light is always blinking on these things; it doesn't mean someone is tapping into your bandwidth.

[ofbarea]

Final comment, no matter what option you use to secure your wireless network, always change the default password of the router.