Multiple WiFi Networks causing dropped connections.

Setup:
I have a 3com OfficeConnect 3crwe51196 that is a combo 802.11b WAP/4-port
10-100 switch/router/firewall. Its connected behind a Comcast cable modem
and has one wired client. I have 3 wireless clients - an XP Pro laptop w/ a
..11b card, a Tablet w/ .11b Centrino, and an XP Home PC w/ a .11b Linksys
card. They all use MS Windows connection control and are configured to
connect to infrastructure only. I've had my WLAN up for about 18 mo w/
128bit WEP and MAC control enabled. I change my WEP key about 1/mo. I have
the latest firmware from 3Com, all Windows updates, and latest drivers for
wireless cards installed. The WAP is set up as a DHCP server. All machines
report 11Mbit connections and excellent signal strength at all times.

Problem:
Recently, someone in my neighborhood must have bought a WAP or a WiFi
enabled PC (I suspect this) because their NetGear keeps showing up in my
available connections sporadically. It's been there for about 2 months, but
hasn't caused problems until now. Lately, when it shows up, Windows drops
the connection to my WAP and says "connections available". I have to click
the pop up and re-connect to my WAP. Its very frustrating. Last night my
wife and I were trying to exchange files between the tablet (no IR port) and
the laptop. We both kept getting dropped, but never at the same time. I
would go down, re-establish, and then a few min later, she would drop, etc.
This went on for about 1/2 hour. Needless to say, we couldn't get much work
done.

Other misc. details:
I didn't think to turn on my AP sniffer until later and the person had
obviously shut of their machine because I couldn't find their signal.
During the interference I tried switching my WAP channel several times, but
that didn't stop the problem. I checked my WAP logs and there had been IP
spoofing against the firewall earlier in the day, but nothing logged last
night. I have also seen MAC spoofing in the logs in the past, but nothing
recently. I looked outside during the episode for evidence of wardrivers,
but I didn't see anyone. I don't have the Windows ICF enabled on any
machine because it wipes out file and printer sharing on the network. The
Tablet is set up to connect to this WLAN and another at the university.

1. Do you think I have a neighborhood cracker trying to get into my network
or is this some ignorant neighbor's new PC just broadcasting and screwing up
my signal?
2. Is there a way to block Windows from seeing and asking to connect to
this unwanted network?
3. Should I turn off fileshares and enable ICF on my Tablet and try to
connect to them in order to figure this out? I really don't want to be
cracking on them....
4. Any other solutions? Should I go knock on doors and offer the poor soul
access and config for a little $$ or convince them to turn off WiFi if they
aren't using it?

I know several of my neighbors in close proximity to my house and I doubt
that they are into cracking WAP's for a hobby Then again, this is
Seattle.

Thanks for any help,

Brian

Brian Piltz wrote:

> Setup:
> I have a 3com OfficeConnect 3crwe51196 that is a combo 802.11b
> WAP/4-port 10-100 switch/router/firewall. Its connected behind a
> Comcast cable modem and has one wired client. I have 3 wireless
> clients - an XP Pro laptop w/ a .11b card, a Tablet w/ .11b Centrino,
> and an XP Home PC w/ a .11b Linksys card. They all use MS Windows
> connection control and are configured to connect to infrastructure
> only. I've had my WLAN up for about 18 mo w/ 128bit WEP and MAC control
> enabled. I change my WEP key about 1/mo. I have the latest firmware
> from 3Com, all Windows updates, and latest drivers for wireless
> cards installed. The WAP is set up as a DHCP server. All machines
> report 11Mbit connections and excellent signal strength at all times.
>
> Problem:
> Recently, someone in my neighborhood must have bought a WAP or a WiFi
> enabled PC (I suspect this) because their NetGear keeps showing up in my
> available connections sporadically. It's been there for about 2 months,
> but hasn't caused problems until now. Lately, when it shows up, Windows
> drops the connection to my WAP and says "connections available". I have
> to click the pop up and re-connect to my WAP. Its very frustrating.
> Last night my wife and I were trying to exchange files between the
> tablet (no IR port) and the laptop. We both kept getting dropped, but
> never at the same time. I would go down, re-establish, and then a few
> min later, she would drop, etc. This went on for about 1/2 hour.
> Needless to say, we couldn't get much work done.
>
> Other misc. details:
> I didn't think to turn on my AP sniffer until later and the person had
> obviously shut of their machine because I couldn't find their signal.
> During the interference I tried switching my WAP channel several
> times, but that didn't stop the problem. I checked my WAP logs and
> there had been IP spoofing against the firewall earlier in the day, but
> nothing logged last night. I have also seen MAC spoofing in the logs in
> the past, but nothing recently. I looked outside during the episode for
> evidence of wardrivers, but I didn't see anyone. I don't have the
> Windows ICF enabled on any machine because it wipes out file and printer
> sharing on the network. The Tablet is set up to connect to this WLAN
> and another at the university.
>
> 1. Do you think I have a neighborhood cracker trying to get into my
> network or is this some ignorant neighbor's new PC just broadcasting and
> screwing up my signal?
> 2. Is there a way to block Windows from seeing and asking to connect to
> this unwanted network?
> 3. Should I turn off fileshares and enable ICF on my Tablet and try to
> connect to them in order to figure this out? I really don't want to be
> cracking on them....
> 4. Any other solutions? Should I go knock on doors and offer the poor
> soul access and config for a little $$ or convince them to turn off WiFi
> if they aren't using it?
>
> I know several of my neighbors in close proximity to my house and I
> doubt that they are into cracking WAP's for a hobby Then again, this
> is Seattle.
>
> Thanks for any help,
>
> Brian
>
>
Have you unchecked the 'Automatically connect to non-preferred networks'
and insured that only your network is listed in the 'Preferred networks'
box?

Boy do I feel your pain !!!

Same for me and yes...I've tried all the tricks except passing out flyers in
the neighborhood on the virtues and good neighborlyness of proper wireless
network management and configurations.

If everybody just hid their SSIDs and setup only to connect to their
preferred wireless network, nobody would get kicked of their own
networks....because nobody would be managing their wireless security by
powering on & off their WAPs. You can tell when WAPs broadcast SSIDs with
names like Linksys and wireless.

Well at least I have something to discuss with the neighbors when we all
come out of our winter caves and give our new Christmas toys a break to cut
the lawn.

"Jerry Park" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:Q9cWb.39008$(E-Mail Removed). ..
> Brian Piltz wrote:
>
> > Setup:
> > I have a 3com OfficeConnect 3crwe51196 that is a combo 802.11b
> > WAP/4-port 10-100 switch/router/firewall. Its connected behind a
> > Comcast cable modem and has one wired client. I have 3 wireless
> > clients - an XP Pro laptop w/ a .11b card, a Tablet w/ .11b Centrino,
> > and an XP Home PC w/ a .11b Linksys card. They all use MS Windows
> > connection control and are configured to connect to infrastructure
> > only. I've had my WLAN up for about 18 mo w/ 128bit WEP and MAC control
> > enabled. I change my WEP key about 1/mo. I have the latest firmware
> > from 3Com, all Windows updates, and latest drivers for wireless
> > cards installed. The WAP is set up as a DHCP server. All machines
> > report 11Mbit connections and excellent signal strength at all times.
> >
> > Problem:
> > Recently, someone in my neighborhood must have bought a WAP or a WiFi
> > enabled PC (I suspect this) because their NetGear keeps showing up in my
> > available connections sporadically. It's been there for about 2 months,
> > but hasn't caused problems until now. Lately, when it shows up, Windows
> > drops the connection to my WAP and says "connections available". I have
> > to click the pop up and re-connect to my WAP. Its very frustrating.
> > Last night my wife and I were trying to exchange files between the
> > tablet (no IR port) and the laptop. We both kept getting dropped, but
> > never at the same time. I would go down, re-establish, and then a few
> > min later, she would drop, etc. This went on for about 1/2 hour.
> > Needless to say, we couldn't get much work done.
> >
> > Other misc. details:
> > I didn't think to turn on my AP sniffer until later and the person had
> > obviously shut of their machine because I couldn't find their signal.
> > During the interference I tried switching my WAP channel several
> > times, but that didn't stop the problem. I checked my WAP logs and
> > there had been IP spoofing against the firewall earlier in the day, but
> > nothing logged last night. I have also seen MAC spoofing in the logs in
> > the past, but nothing recently. I looked outside during the episode for
> > evidence of wardrivers, but I didn't see anyone. I don't have the
> > Windows ICF enabled on any machine because it wipes out file and printer
> > sharing on the network. The Tablet is set up to connect to this WLAN
> > and another at the university.
> >
> > 1. Do you think I have a neighborhood cracker trying to get into my
> > network or is this some ignorant neighbor's new PC just broadcasting and
> > screwing up my signal?
> > 2. Is there a way to block Windows from seeing and asking to connect to
> > this unwanted network?
> > 3. Should I turn off fileshares and enable ICF on my Tablet and try to
> > connect to them in order to figure this out? I really don't want to be
> > cracking on them....
> > 4. Any other solutions? Should I go knock on doors and offer the poor
> > soul access and config for a little $$ or convince them to turn off WiFi
> > if they aren't using it?
> >
> > I know several of my neighbors in close proximity to my house and I
> > doubt that they are into cracking WAP's for a hobby Then again, this
> > is Seattle.
> >
> > Thanks for any help,
> >
> > Brian
> >
> >
> Have you unchecked the 'Automatically connect to non-preferred networks'
> and insured that only your network is listed in the 'Preferred networks'
> box?
>

It was not checked and only my network is in the preferred window.

Brian


"Jerry Park" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:Q9cWb.39008$(E-Mail Removed). ..
> Brian Piltz wrote:
>
> > Setup:
> > I have a 3com OfficeConnect 3crwe51196 that is a combo 802.11b
> > WAP/4-port 10-100 switch/router/firewall. Its connected behind a
> > Comcast cable modem and has one wired client. I have 3 wireless
> > clients - an XP Pro laptop w/ a .11b card, a Tablet w/ .11b Centrino,
> > and an XP Home PC w/ a .11b Linksys card. They all use MS Windows
> > connection control and are configured to connect to infrastructure
> > only. I've had my WLAN up for about 18 mo w/ 128bit WEP and MAC control
> > enabled. I change my WEP key about 1/mo. I have the latest firmware
> > from 3Com, all Windows updates, and latest drivers for wireless
> > cards installed. The WAP is set up as a DHCP server. All machines
> > report 11Mbit connections and excellent signal strength at all times.
> >
> > Problem:
> > Recently, someone in my neighborhood must have bought a WAP or a WiFi
> > enabled PC (I suspect this) because their NetGear keeps showing up in my
> > available connections sporadically. It's been there for about 2 months,
> > but hasn't caused problems until now. Lately, when it shows up, Windows
> > drops the connection to my WAP and says "connections available". I have
> > to click the pop up and re-connect to my WAP. Its very frustrating.
> > Last night my wife and I were trying to exchange files between the
> > tablet (no IR port) and the laptop. We both kept getting dropped, but
> > never at the same time. I would go down, re-establish, and then a few
> > min later, she would drop, etc. This went on for about 1/2 hour.
> > Needless to say, we couldn't get much work done.
> >
> > Other misc. details:
> > I didn't think to turn on my AP sniffer until later and the person had
> > obviously shut of their machine because I couldn't find their signal.
> > During the interference I tried switching my WAP channel several
> > times, but that didn't stop the problem. I checked my WAP logs and
> > there had been IP spoofing against the firewall earlier in the day, but
> > nothing logged last night. I have also seen MAC spoofing in the logs in
> > the past, but nothing recently. I looked outside during the episode for
> > evidence of wardrivers, but I didn't see anyone. I don't have the
> > Windows ICF enabled on any machine because it wipes out file and printer
> > sharing on the network. The Tablet is set up to connect to this WLAN
> > and another at the university.
> >
> > 1. Do you think I have a neighborhood cracker trying to get into my
> > network or is this some ignorant neighbor's new PC just broadcasting and
> > screwing up my signal?
> > 2. Is there a way to block Windows from seeing and asking to connect to
> > this unwanted network?
> > 3. Should I turn off fileshares and enable ICF on my Tablet and try to
> > connect to them in order to figure this out? I really don't want to be
> > cracking on them....
> > 4. Any other solutions? Should I go knock on doors and offer the poor
> > soul access and config for a little $$ or convince them to turn off WiFi
> > if they aren't using it?
> >
> > I know several of my neighbors in close proximity to my house and I
> > doubt that they are into cracking WAP's for a hobby Then again, this
> > is Seattle.
> >
> > Thanks for any help,
> >
> > Brian
> >
> >
> Have you unchecked the 'Automatically connect to non-preferred networks'
> and insured that only your network is listed in the 'Preferred networks'
> box?
>

Couple of things you can do

1. Change the channel your AP is broadcasting on. Most likely you
and your neighbor are using the same channel.

2. Once you connect to your network, go turn off the Wireless Zero
Configuration service. Its accessed by going through administrative
tools in Win XP.

In my original post I mentioned that changing channels didn't have an
effect.
I need the Zero Config because I use WiFi at school on a different network

Brian

"templar" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed) om...
> Couple of things you can do
>
> 1. Change the channel your AP is broadcasting on. Most likely you
> and your neighbor are using the same channel.
>
> 2. Once you connect to your network, go turn off the Wireless Zero
> Configuration service. Its accessed by going through administrative
> tools in Win XP.

dont disable the zero config. just turn it off at home after you
connect. you can turn it back on at school.

"Brian Piltz" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message news:<c0f3bg$j54$(E-Mail Removed)>...
> In my original post I mentioned that changing channels didn't have an
> effect.
> I need the Zero Config because I use WiFi at school on a different network
>
> Brian
>
> "templar" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed) om...
> > Couple of things you can do
> >
> > 1. Change the channel your AP is broadcasting on. Most likely you
> > and your neighbor are using the same channel.
> >
> > 2. Once you connect to your network, go turn off the Wireless Zero
> > Configuration service. Its accessed by going through administrative
> > tools in Win XP.