Wifi Sniffer App Guidance

Question

I am writing a WiFi connectivity/sniffer in .Net to be used as a self deploying tool from a USB stick. The intention is that it will scan for unsecured available networks and then try to connect to each one in turn and detmerine whether there is a login / proxy or whether directo connection to my arbitary website is possible. This is to build up a roaming list of hotspots (and thier long term availability) for a database I am planning to populate.

The intention is to distribute this tool to friends/friends of friends in order to build a local map of my area for publication on the web. I am still unsure of whether this would breach any legislation (reading up on that now) or be of any long term value.

It is more of a pet project to learn WiFi coding tech than anything else, but also to help my mates who have IPods/PSPs etc.

My queestion is: What's the best SDK for this bearing in mind I need GPS functionality too- is the Mobile Devices SDK the best to use?

Thanks,

MaS

Answer 1

The Mobile Devices SDK is good to use if you've got Windows Mobile devices to use; From the legality standpoint, that may vary on the jurisdiction you're in, but I believe it would be considered as unauthorised access in at least the UK, and as such would fall foul of the law (usual disclaimer applies here -- I am no lawyer, consult one if you want a real answer, I tend to err on the side of caution)

Answer 2

I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play oen on TV.

As has been pointed out, piggybacking on random open networks can be considered "unauthorized access", and can, in some jurisdictions, be prosecuted as a form of theft.

HOWEVER, there are open networks that explicitly grant free access (as in speech, as well as beer). "Free WiFi" coffeeshops, anyone? If you're careful to only keep/publish these, even if you accidentally sniff out private ones, you may have a defense if it ever becomes a legal issue.