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First my sincerest apologies for my question if it is stupid and/or not a topic to be addressed here. My knowledge of anything beyond the use of a computer is fairly limited. I set up our WiFi Modem C6300BD (limited knowledge but can follow direction) I have had no problems with it as far as performance except from time to time it lags. I finally had time to see what patterns if any I could find to the lag. This is where my question begins. I noticed that the times it lags another user appears on the channel I am set to. So first question is would this simply be coincidence or is it potentially the cause? I have switched the channel figuring if it’s the problem then it would be solved. Here we enter the second question. Does a channel have anything to do with security? I ask because I had a lag again. Checked and there is the same person again. I changed channels sat here and within 2 min this person changed to the channel I am on. I(Just to make sure I wasn’t being paranoid) have played this little game now for the past hour and have picked random channels never the same one they are not far behind so I think coincidence can safely be ruled out. I checked my network and there are nothing out of the norm to my untrained eye. Why would a person follow my channel changes? Is there something I can or need to do? I guess my main concern is security. Should I be worried about this or not give it any more thought?
Thank you
Ok, you have nothing to worry about as far as security is concerned. Despite what you might think, you don't have exclusive use of a Wi-Fi channel. Multiple, neighboring Wi-Fi networks can use the same channel. They simply have to share airtime. It's best to find an unused channel, but if your neighborhood is crowded, then the next best choice is to pick the least congested channel.
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Do you have a Wi-Fi password set for your network? If not, you should add one right away. Make sure to use WPA2-AES security, if at all possible.
Yes, I do have password in place and currently set to WPA2-PSK. Is it an issue that someone is doing this? What other steps do I need to take if any?
- Ok, can you clarify how you are seeing this user? Are you looking at the Attached Devices listing on the router, or something else?
It's when I am in Genie under WiFi connection. It shows the channels and WiFi users in your area using them. I do not see them when looking at my own network and I am able to account for all devices displayed. However I wouldn't expect to find anyone that easy if they are getting in. Are there other places I should check to ensure my network is secure? If yes how and where?
Ok, you have nothing to worry about as far as security is concerned. Despite what you might think, you don't have exclusive use of a Wi-Fi channel. Multiple, neighboring Wi-Fi networks can use the same channel. They simply have to share airtime. It's best to find an unused channel, but if your neighborhood is crowded, then the next best choice is to pick the least congested channel.