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Forum Discussion
Bmaiden
Nov 24, 2015Aspirant
Channels
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 ...
- Nov 24, 2015
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.
TheEther
Nov 24, 2015Guru
Ok, can you clarify how you are seeing this user? Are you looking at the Attached Devices listing on the router, or something else?
- BmaidenNov 24, 2015Aspirant
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?
- TheEtherNov 24, 2015Guru
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.
- BmaidenNov 24, 2015Aspirant
Security is all I cared about. I had to find out for certain. It never fails had I just assumed it was ok and ignored it then it would have been something important. I do know that channels are not private and that not only one person can use them at a time. Had I lived in a more populated area I wouldn't have even noticed this person. However, there are only (seriously) 4 other than myself that appear where I was looking and they are the only ones who appear when you are connecting via WiFi on devices. So that is why it was so easy to see this particular person switching with me. When there are more than enough channels without anyone on them and even setup says to pick one without anyone or as few as possiable it's strange that they would choose to follow with me. Strange enough that I had to make sure I wasn't missing an important security issue.
Thank you for your time and help