Wireless Access Points as Sensor Network

Discussions about Internet service providers (ISPs), the Meetinghouse Firewall, wired and wireless networking, usage, management, and support of Meetinghouse Internet
Post Reply
atticusewig
Member
Posts: 308
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:48 am

Wireless Access Points as Sensor Network

#1

Post by atticusewig »

Do the Wireless Access Points(WAP) in a building
have access logs that would enable them to
be used as a primitive sensor network ?

For example, if I had a list of MAC addresses for
the mobile devices used by the youth, could
I consult the logs of the WAPs to see that on
a specific date and time they used a specific
access point ?

One use would be to see that a particular youth was
on the other side of the building than their Sunday School
class using the internet.

Another use could be to count the number of unique
MAC addresses that enter the chapel and compare it
to the sacrament count to determine how "connected"
they are. Or a ratio might be established to quickly
double check the physical count of a clerk. For example,
if half of the physical count are normally mobile users, and
if the AP says 100 MAC addresses entered the chapel, then
there should be about 200 people.
russellhltn
Community Administrator
Posts: 34419
Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 2:53 pm
Location: U.S.

Re: Wireless Access Points as Sensor Network

#2

Post by russellhltn »

There are no logs available to local leaders.
Have you searched the Help Center? Try doing a Google search and adding "site:churchofjesuschrist.org/help" to the search criteria.

So we can better help you, please edit your Profile to include your general location.
pbarnsley
New Member
Posts: 10
Joined: Sun Mar 17, 2013 10:47 am

Re: Wireless Access Points as Sensor Network

#3

Post by pbarnsley »

I can pull up the MAC list on our access point without logging in to any admin interface. You could also sniff them from the air if you are really sneaky.

I think your idea sounds a bit dodgy though, people would be mad if they found out they were being tracked around the site. Do you work for Google? ;)
drepouille
Senior Member
Posts: 2859
Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2007 6:06 pm
Location: Plattsmouth, NE

Re: Wireless Access Points as Sensor Network

#4

Post by drepouille »

Are you assuming that all wireless devices automatically connect to the nearest WAP, even as you walk around the building? I have not found that to be the case. My devices connect to the first WAP they see, and that connection gets weaker as I walk to the other side of the building. I usually have to disable/enable my wireless to get the strongest signal from the nearest WAP.
Dana Repouille, Plattsmouth, Nebraska
atticusewig
Member
Posts: 308
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2007 9:48 am

Re: Wireless Access Points as Sensor Network

#5

Post by atticusewig »

I guess to track someone's movement, you would have to limit the range of
the WAPs, or use fewer WAPs further apart. I like the thought-challenge about
what can be done with the equipment, but the whole "Big Brother" stigma
could get in the way of actually using it for productive uses.

P.S. I don't work for Google. If I did, I would advocate tracking all web traffic,
having an indoor mapping project with 360 degree "pew view", and each member
having a special android app that used the phone's accelerometer to measure how
fast they left a Sunday School lesson :)
drepouille
Senior Member
Posts: 2859
Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2007 6:06 pm
Location: Plattsmouth, NE

Re: Wireless Access Points as Sensor Network

#6

Post by drepouille »

Our visiting GA told us that the Church had blocked espn.com in all meetinghouses, resulting in better reverence, etc. I tested it, and was able to get through to espn.com. Oh well.
Dana Repouille, Plattsmouth, Nebraska
Post Reply

Return to “Meetinghouse Internet”