Warchalking is the drawing of symbols in public places to advertise an open Wi-Fi network. Inspired by hobo symbols, the warchalking marks were conceived by a group of friends in June 2002 and published by Matt Jones who designed the set of icons and produced a downloadable document containing them. [1] [2] Within days of Jones publishing a blog entry about warchalking, articles appeared in dozens of publications and stories appeared on several major television news programs around the world. [2]
The word is formed by analogy to wardriving , the practice of driving around an area in a car to detect open Wi-Fi nodes. That term in turn is based on wardialing , the practice of dialing many phone numbers hoping to find a modem. [3]
There is a difference between wardriving and warchalking. Warchalking and wardriving both are used to share information about wireless networks. Warchalking is different from wardriving since warchalking involves marking public spaces with symbols indicating different types of Wi-Fi networks. Warchalking relies on visual cues , while wardriving involves driving around with a device to detect wireless access points. It is a method used to search for networks. [4]
Having found a Wi-Fi node, the warchalker draws a special symbol on a nearby object, such as a wall, the pavement, or a lamp post. [2] Those offering Wi-Fi service might also draw such a symbol to advertise the availability of their Wi-Fi location, whether commercial or personal. [5]
 | This section needs expansionwith: Cites establishing either A) warchalking was actually used in the field, or B) the opposite. If it was never actually used, this article may be miscategorized. You can help by adding to it. (June 2013) |