Table of Contents
- 1 How does Wi-Fi determine location?
- 2 How does a router recognize a device?
- 3 How does Wi-Fi send/receive information?
- 4 What information does a router have?
- 5 What information can be taken from a router?
- 6 Does Wi-Fi improve location accuracy?
- 7 What do I need to know about my wireless router?
- 8 Does router placement matter for Wi-Fi?
- 9 Does the distance from the connected device matter for Wi-Fi?
How does Wi-Fi determine location?
The databases of what Wi-Fi APs are where are kept up to date by smartphones and 3G/4G tablets. Those devices have GPS receivers in them, so they know where they are by GPS. They periodically check their GPS location, and then do a Wi-Fi scan to see which APs are nearby.
How does a router recognize a device?
Routers identify devices by their physical address, known as the MAC address (media access control address), which is unique. Based on the MAC address, the DHCP service assigns each device to an IP address, based on the list of free and taken IP addresses range it has.
How does Wi-Fi send/receive information?
A computer’s wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna. A wireless router receives the signal and decodes it. The router sends the information to the internet using a physical, wired ethernet connection.
What determines device location?
GPS determines a device’s position using satellites. As a result, it doesn’t require internet service and works pretty much anywhere. So, if your phone isn’t connected to Wi-Fi or data, it may still be giving away your location. GPS data is used by both Android Location Services and Apple Location Services.
Do routers have GPS?
The location of a WiFi router(s) can be found via GPS, but unless a router has a built in GPS receiver, the router itself won’t “switch GPS position” when moved. WiFi and GPS are entirely different things.
What information does a router have?
What Information Is Stored In A Wi-Fi Router? Information stored in a Wi-Fi router’s memory includes its operating system, routing tables, PPPoE credentials, admin passwords, and configuration files.
What information can be taken from a router?
They can find out information about the computer such as, the name, or the nickname, of the connected device, the IP address assigned to the device, and the MAC address of the device.
Does Wi-Fi improve location accuracy?
The accuracy of location determination is improved because WiFi radio signals are one of the best ways to determine where you are. Think of the Wifi signals your phone/tablet is picking up (read: within range) as being sensory input to the location determination algorithm.
Does Wi-Fi show your location?
You have a strong GPS signal—great, your phone knows where you are via GPS. Now, your phone scans your nearby wireless networks and uploads a list of them to Google’s Location Services database along with your current location.
How do I find the exact location of a wireless router?
Here are the steps I took that led me to find the exact location of a wireless router that was hidden out of my sight: Grab a Windows or Mac laptop and charge the battery. Download and install InSSIDer on the laptop. The software costs $19.99, but you can get a free 7 day trial license.
What do I need to know about my wireless router?
Provide wireless network connectivity to WiFi-enabled devices such as PCs, tablets, gaming consoles, smartphones, and more What Standards Should my Wireless Router Support? When selecting a wireless router, the first thing to do is to check its Wi-Fi wireless standard (802.11b, g, n, or ac).
Does router placement matter for Wi-Fi?
Yes, Router Placement Matters It’s tempting to stick your Wi-Fi router wherever you have space, without giving it much thought, but that’s a mistake. A Wi-Fi signal only travels so far, and the more walls, bookcases, or other materials it encounters, the shorter that distance becomes.
Does the distance from the connected device matter for Wi-Fi?
As you can gather from the previous points, it is not only the distance between the Wi-Fi and the connected device that matter. This is about a lot more, including the various objects that might be in the way of your Wi-Fi signal.