Comcast routers broadcasting free Wi-Fi to neighborhood

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  1. Posts : 1,449
    Windows 7 ultimate 64-bit
       #10

    andrew129260 said:
    That's a fantastic security risk. Thanks comcast!

    Just goes to prove you should buy your own router. And preferably modem as well.
    For sure!!; I would not trust getting any such unit from the cable company; even if it is one of the newest all in ones. Because if you didnt know the hotspot was there then you could be broadcasting your network for anyone to gain access to. Hackers, others, you name it. Just the reason even if you get a separate modem and a separate router; you should still thoroughly check the configuration page for any hotspots and disable them and secure them.
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  2. Posts : 2,409
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
       #11

    You could try turning off your router to check for any other networks to disappear other than your primary network.
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  3. Posts : 10,485
    W7 Pro SP1 64bit
       #12

    My guess is that the wi-fi offered to other comcast users is isolated from the network of the home owner using a vlan setup. I would also guess/hope that the internet facing IP address is different* from the one that the home owner has...

    ...but all of that is just guessing since my brief search into this did not find many details.

    This hotspot arrangement appears to have been in place since 2010.

    *should prevent the whole swat team thing. Comcast should tell the authorities that the offending traffic came from the hotspot side of the location and they should be able to pass along the Comcast account name used to access the hotspot. Of course, the account credentials could be stolen.
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  4. Posts : 2,409
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
       #13

    Yeah why won't Comcast take the blame? It was them who made the hotspots in the first place.
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  5. Posts : 53,363
    Windows 10 Home x64
    Thread Starter
       #14

    Yeah, this is Comcast basically offering hotspots to their users via other users routers. It is separate from your network, and it's security. They are apparently not even using your bandwidth, but rather the systems bandwidth. This is by design no doubt, so not something to "fix" for them. It's a bit sneaky, but it is their equipment albeit using your electricity. A Guy
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  6. Posts : 10,485
    W7 Pro SP1 64bit
       #15

    Other ISPs do this too: Cable WiFi® | Internet access brought to consumers through a collaboration among U.S. Internet service providers

    While it may be your electricity, if you use it while out and about, then it might even out.
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  7. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #16

    If this is to be the norm, Comcast owes it's subscribers a hefty discount for helping to spread their signal. I don't use the service when I'm out and see no need to be semi-forced to provide free service to anyone else.

    It is their equipment, but subscribers have a right to control who gets the service they are paying for.

    I weaned myself from there high equipment charges and bought my own modem, which was paid for within 7 months of the rental fee to use theirs.
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  8. Posts : 2,409
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
       #17

    Or you could completly turn off your power. Once i had a power outage and only my primary network disappeared.
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  9. Posts : 2,409
    Windows 7 Professional 32-bit/Windows 8 64-bit/Win7 Pro64-bit
       #18

    UsernameIssues said:
    Other ISPs do this too: Cable WiFi® | Internet access brought to consumers through a collaboration among U.S. Internet service providers

    While it may be your electricity, if you use it while out and about, then it might even out.
    Wow they're explaining it like it is a good thing...
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  10. Posts : 10,485
    W7 Pro SP1 64bit
       #19

    Computer0304 said:
    UsernameIssues said:
    Other ISPs do this too: Cable WiFi® | Internet access brought to consumers through a collaboration among U.S. Internet service providers

    While it may be your electricity, if you use it while out and about, then it might even out.
    Wow they're explaining it like it is a good thing...
    For the sake of discussion, go ahead and list some of the reasons why this should not be done.

    I'll play the devil's advocate.
      My Computer


 
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