How much does my network know?

O

Ohio373

New Member
I have a personal laptop and I am able to get free internet access at the school I am attending. All I have to do is plug in the ether net cable.

I was wondering how much the schools network admin can find out about me through this way of doing things.
 
They could trace it down to your individual computer by your MAC address. They could even know exactly where the computer is plugged in, based on which port you're hooked up to on their switch. If they really wanted to, they could intercept every packet and see what you're up to, but I'm sure they have more pressing things to worry about. Just don't go pirating movies, music, or software and trigger anything that warns them of your excessive bandwidth use and you'll be fine.
 
Your MAC address identifies your computer from every other one on the network.
 
So let me get this straight. The admin can, if he cares to do so, can see everything I do. And he knows which computer is doing it by my MAC address.

But since he doesn't know which computer has that address he can't say exactly it is mine unless he physically checked it with my computer. Correct?
 
No. It can be checked. It could lead a trail back to you. Maybe you bought the laptop or what ever with credit card, check. Illegal activity could be turned into the provider or law if needed. like foot prints or fingerprints and who bought it. At least this is the way i understand it. Don't do it for illegal activity from home or anywhere else. People do get into trouble and caught.
 
tremmor said:
No. It can be checked. It could lead a trail back to you. Maybe you bought the laptop or what ever with credit card, check. Illegal activity could be turned into the provider or law if needed. like foot prints or fingerprints and who bought it. At least this is the way i understand it. Don't do it for illegal activity from home or anywhere else. People do get into trouble and caught.
Click to expand...

That has nothing to do with it. Manufacturers don't keep a list of MAC addresses.

All the network admin needs to do is find out the port and then he or someone else can just walk to that location and see who is plugged into it.
 
All the same thing and leads a trail. No last chance at work. If you were using for illegal purpose at work for example it was. Your fired zero tolerance and no negotiation. Was no 2nd chance and you were fired. They did not explain the rules two times.
And it was conversation. No....not a tech on the subject. Just saying what i think i know.
Right or wrong. Its ok too. After reading again i agree with you and misunderstood. But important too. My first comment might apply if say i was looking for a free connection from a neighbor with wireless. Never did and always paid. It was just a thought. Like to think i did the best i could to run a secure connection. School's i don't know. Free wireless while at a dealership might apply and not sure.
 
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