In a perfect world, Internet access would be free.  Yet we all have to pay for Internet access; thanks to wireless Internet, more and more people get affordable connections at very high speeds.  The problem is that some users may freely access an unsecured network, and you have to pay for their access as well.  Here are some ways to detect people who are using your wireless Internet access for free.

What is Piggybacking?
The practice of using free wireless Internet access is called “piggybacking.”  Almost every laptop user will piggyback one way or another, especially if the connection is public.  Wifi hotspots like libraries, malls, restaurants, and coffee shops offer free wireless Internet access as part of their service.

Some people subscribe to personal wireless Internet access, and set up their homes or offices with a wireless modem or a wireless router.  Desktops, notebook computers, and other Internet-ready mobile devices can detect wireless Internet access, depending on the radius of the router or Internet connection sharing over the wireless LAN device of a notebook computer.  In unsecured home and office wireless networks, other people may freely access some signal strength and connect to your computer.

While it may seem that sharing an Internet connection makes you a “good neighbor,” you may end up with a network that’s too open because people keep connecting to it.  Not only does the network speed slow down, but you can also risk compromising you