Is it possible to locate the physical location of a device on a network?

Deimos · 3 Nov 2008 at 08:18

The question is in the title, basically to use decent internet at my campus you have to pay for it. Theres a way around the login system and so I basically spoof the MAC address of a friend and use the 'Super' connection as its called at the same time. There don't seem to be many problems considering how bad multiple MAC's on a single network are meant to be.

But the thing that I am concerned about, is it possible for the network admins to locate the devices by Room etc? If it is, then I guess I'll pass on using this method lol

Banzai_Joe · 3 Nov 2008 at 08:56

don't think they can deterine where you are geographically, but it may link the mac address to the name of your pc which could be a giveaway, ie. "DEIMOS's pc", then you'd be ****ed!

wij · 3 Nov 2008 at 09:48

Well if they know which ports are wired to which rooms which is more than likely then they certainly can find out where you are, and anyone else using that MAC at the same time.

Banzai_Joe · 3 Nov 2008 at 10:00

Lol, durrrr.....why didn't i think of that. Of course they can as wij jas said. They will undoubtedly have a presentation board with port details, with that many across campus they'd need it for maintenance procedures.
I just spent this weekend installing a switch and presentation panel at home, and i didn't think to mention what wij did..... uugghh!

Sadgeek · 3 Nov 2008 at 14:53

You're assuming they even care...

If there's no problems, then why would they be looking for it? A lot of hassle, comparing MAC addresses just to see if there are any duplicates within a network

Beerbaron · 3 Nov 2008 at 15:53

if they really wanted to find you couldnt they just view packets you are sending/receiving to get more info?

Dist · 3 Nov 2008 at 17:11

Sadgeek said:
You're assuming they even care...

If there's no problems, then why would they be looking for it? A lot of hassle, comparing MAC addresses just to see if there are any duplicates within a network

He said to get the better service you have to pay, so basicaly he is stealing that better service. So of course they should care as they are loosing money because of him.