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Windows XP Ad-Hoc Network Advertisement (Free Public Wi-Fi)



Windows XP's wireless zero configuration (WZC) utility's default behavior is to remember any network to which it connected. This includes "ad-hoc" networks, which are typically machine-to-machine networks. Another default behavior for WZC is to look for any network to which it previously connected. These two default behaviors can result in undesired consequences. An example of this is the notorious Free Public Wi-Fi ad-hoc network.

At one point in time, there was a legit configuration of an ad-hoc network called "Free Public Wi-Fi". As stated in the above default behaviors, the device remembered the ad-hoc network "Free Public Wi-Fi" and would advertise it when no other network was available. Eventually, another device (Device B) would inadvertently associate to this available ad-hoc network, and subsequently remember it. Device B would then advertise it when a network was unavailable. Thus, this behavior created the worm-like behavior of what is now referred to as "Free Public Wi-Fi".

To prevent your device (WinXP) from participating in this issue, perform the following:

  1. Click on the Wireless option in the System Tray and open the Wireless Network Connection window
  2. Click on Change advanced settings
  3. Click on the Wireless Networks tab
  4. Click Advanced
  5. Select the "Access point (infrastructure) networks only" radio button

There have been sitings of Free Public Wi-Fi ad-hoc network all over the world. The only way to stop it would be for all devices that have ever connected to it to remove it from the list of remembered networks and then perform the steps outlined above. Since an event like that is improbable, the best thing individuals can do is never connect to Free Public Wi-Fi and perform the above steps. If you accidently do connect to that ad-hoc network, promptly check your remembered networks and remove it from the list. This will prevent you from advertising it and continuing the progression of this problem.



Current Record: 3655

Create Date: 01-24-2008
Last Reviewed: 01-24-2008
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