How can WiFi access points recognize me?

Posted by stephanos on Super User See other posts from Super User or by stephanos
Published on 2010-12-31T14:53:10Z Indexed on 2010/12/31 19:56 UTC
Read the original article Hit count: 159

Filed under:

wifi

Due to heavy snowfall I was recently stranded on an airport. Having to do some surfing on my laptop I found an open access point. It offered 30 minutes of free surfing a day. I registered and used up my time.

Then I wanted to see if I could use it again - mostly just for the fun of it. I opened a different browser then before and tried to register again.

It didn't work. The access point recognized me and told me that I'd have to wait another day to get 30 free minutes again. I reconnected again to force a new IP - still the same.

How did it recognize me?

Related posts about wifi

ubuntu wifi disconnection & frustratingly connects to unavailable wifi

as seen on Super User - Search for 'Super User'
Hi, i have already posted this here: here This has happened before with ubuntu 9.1 Beta2 build too that my wifi disconnects if im idle for 5 minutes... so i cant leave my lappy to download anything... i have to keep on continuously using it.. as soon i leave it idle for abt 5 minutes... wifi disconnects… >>> More
Manage Wifi with Native API WIFI on Windows XP SP2

as seen on Code Project - Search for 'Code Project'
This article will demonstrate the ability to establish and operate a WiFi connection from C # program using the Wireless LAN API on a Windows XP Embedded SP2 \ Windows XP Pro SP2. >>> More
Wifi will not connect with an Intel Wifi Link 1000

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
I have an HP dv7t-6100CTO laptop. I have linux ubuntu 12.04 lts dual booted. The specs of my laptop are: - i7-2620m dual core (2.7 ghz) processor - intel wifi link 1000 bgn wireless card I am having a hard time getting my laptop to connect to the internet through wireless. Ethernet is fine, but at… >>> More
Slow wifi on Ubuntu 12.04 wifi driver ath9k

as seen on Ask Ubuntu - Search for 'Ask Ubuntu'
For the last couple of days my wifi connection is extremely slow. I am pretty sure that it is caused by the driver. Can this be improved? lo no wireless extensions. wlan0 IEEE 802.11bgn ESSID:"MyWiFi" Mode:Managed Frequency:2.437 GHz Access Point: 00:18:68:FE:7B:C7 … >>> More
Wifi to USB (wifi USB server)

as seen on Super User - Search for 'Super User'
I have a USB webcam, and I'm wondering if theres a box that will let me plug the webcam in and access it over wifi like this: http://www.belkin.com/networkusbhub/ except wireless. >>> More

Developer IT