How to Prevent Limited User Switching Wireless Network

[Burt Peltier]

I setup our home network with Linksys wireless (and wired) router and put
access restrictions on to prevent kids using computer past 9PM on school
nights.

Our wireless is setup with mac address filtering and to NOT broadcast the
SSID.

So, out network is secure enough for me.

But, in this apartment complex, there are at least 2 wireless networks "wide
open" and our kid has found how to get past the access restrictions by
simply switching to the other networks after 9PM to gain Internet access.

The kids accounts are setup as "limited" in Windows XP Home but this does
not prevent the capability to switch wireless networks.

So, my question... does anyone know how to prevent this kid from switching
to other "wide open" wireless networks?

I know I could run a cable and get rid of the wireless card, but this would
be a real hassle to run the cable where it is not visible.

--

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi Burt,

Not really good news, but I don't think you can in a Home system. You would
need a policy editor to lock down the connection (something that is only
available in the Pro version) and the ability to change it. Maybe you could
persuade your neighbors to lock down their connection by telling them you
are going to cancel yours and just piggyback on their bandwidth?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Malke]

Hi Burt,

Not really good news, but I don't think you can in a Home system. You
would need a policy editor to lock down the connection (something that
is only available in the Pro version) and the ability to change it.
Maybe you could persuade your neighbors to lock down their connection
by telling them you are going to cancel yours and just piggyback on
their bandwidth?

And of course, there is always the good old non-technical way - if you
catch your kids disobeying your rules, take away the computers! I know
what would happen if my kids did something like this.

Malke

 

[Burt Peltier]

I knew there was going to be a reason I should have gotten XP Pro ! I
suppose I should have researched a little more before getting the Home
edition. Oh well.

As for the neighbors, logical suggestion to at least discuss how "wide open"
they are and how "somebody" could just be piggybacking on their system. They
probably don't even know how exposed they are.

--

Hi Burt,

Not really good news, but I don't think you can in a Home system. You
would need a policy editor to lock down the connection (something that is
only available in the Pro version) and the ability to change it. Maybe you
could persuade your neighbors to lock down their connection by telling
them you are going to cancel yours and just piggyback on their bandwidth?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org

 

[Burt Peltier]

Did that and it worked for a while.

Every kid is different and some forget quicker (especially teenagers) than
others what the discipline felt like.

I was just a litttttle surprised that a "limited account" in XP Home could
not be prevented from doing this.

--

 

[Malke]

I knew there was going to be a reason I should have gotten XP Pro ! I
suppose I should have researched a little more before getting the Home
edition. Oh well.

As for the neighbors, logical suggestion to at least discuss how "wide
open" they are and how "somebody" could just be piggybacking on their
system. They probably don't even know how exposed they are.

Yes, you are actually doing them a favor by letting them know running
wireless open is not A Good Thing. You can show them how to close it
off and that will solve your kid problem and you'll be a good neighbor
at the same time.

Cheers,

Malke