WiGLE

Last updated
A map of Wi-Fi nodes in the world collected by the WiGLE project, 2019 20191015-wigle-world.png
A map of Wi-Fi nodes in the world collected by the WiGLE project, 2019

WiGLE (Wireless Geographic Logging Engine) is a website for collecting information about the different wireless hotspots around the world. Users can register on the website and upload hotspot data like GPS coordinates, SSID, MAC address and the encryption type used on the hotspots discovered. In addition, cell tower data is uploaded and displayed. [1]

Contents

By obtaining information about the encryption of the different hotspots, WiGLE tries to create an awareness of the need for security by running a wireless network. [2]

The first recorded hotspot on WiGLE was uploaded in September 2001. By June 2017, WiGLE counted over 349 million recorded WiFi networks in its database, whereof 345 million was recorded with GPS coordinates and over 4.8 billion unique recorded observations. In addition, the database now contains 7.80 million unique cell towers including 7.75 million with GPS coordinates. [3] By May 2019, WiGLE had a total of 551 million networks recorded. [4]

Mentions in books

From Hacking for Dummies [5] to Introduction to Neography, [6] WiGLE is a well known resource and tool. As early as 2004, its database of 228,000 wireless networks was being used to advocate better security of Wifi. [7] Several books mentioned the WiGLE database in 2005, [8] [9] including internationally, [10] and the association with vehicles was also becoming widely known. [11] Some associations of WiGLE have been positive, and some have been darker. [12] [13] [14] By 2004, the site was sufficiently well known that the announcement of a new book quoted the co-founder, saying “This is the ‘Kama Sutra’ of wardriving literature. If you can't wardrive after reading this, nature has selected you not to. This is the first complete guide on the subject we’ve ever seen (it mentions us). Don't quote me on that.” –Bob “bobzilla” Hagemann, WiGLE.net CoFounder" and a shortened quote appeared on the book's cover. [15] [16]

Mentions in academic papers

In early days, circa 2003 the lack of mapping was criticized, and was said to force WiFi seekers to use more primitive methods. "The most primitive method disseminated is warchalking, where mappers inscribe a symbolic markup on the physical premises to indicate the presence of a wireless network in the area." Regarding WiGLE in particular, it was said, "The Netstumbler map site and the Wireless Geographic Logging Engine store more detailed wardrive trace data, yet do not offer any visualization format that is particularly useful or informative." [17] By 2004 others felt differently, however, and a WiFi news site said about "the fine folks at wigle.net who have 900,000 access points in their wardriving database," "While the maps aren't as pretty, they're quite good, and the URLs correspond to specific locations where WiFiMaps hides the URL-to-location mapping." [18] In late 2004, other authors stated, "that war driving is now ubiquitous: a good illustration of this is provided by the WiGLE.net online database of WAPS." They also said, "The motherload of WAP maps is available on the Wireless Geographic Logging Engine Web site (wigle.net). Circa late September 2004, WiGLE’s database and mapping technology included over 1.6 million WAPS. If you can’t find the WAP of interest there, you can probably live without it." [19] In 2005, using WiFi databases for geolocation was being discussed, and WiGLE, with approximately 2.4 million located access points in the database, was often mentioned. [20] [21] [22] In 2017, data from WiGLE was used as a source for WiFi router locations and encryption frequencies. [23] In 2018, data from the WiGLE database was compared against the data collected by the authors. [24] The WiGLE Android app was compared against other wardriving tools in a conference in 2021. [25] In 2024, data from the WiGLE database was compared against Apple's location services and Erik Rye and Dave Levin found that the vast majority of networks in their sample from the WiGLE database were within 1km of the Apple database. [26]

Licensing

Although the apps used to collect information are open sourced, [27] the database itself is accessed and distributed under a freeware proprietary license. [28] Commercial use of parts of the data may be bought. [29] The Android app to collect Wi-Fi hotspots and their geographic correspondent information is available under a 3-clause BSD license. [30]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wireless LAN</span> Computer network that links devices using wireless communication within a limited area

A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a wireless computer network that links two or more devices using wireless communication to form a local area network (LAN) within a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory, campus, or office building. This gives users the ability to move around within the area and remain connected to the network. Through a gateway, a WLAN can also provide a connection to the wider Internet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wi-Fi</span> Wireless local area network

Wi-Fi is a family of wireless network protocols based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, which are commonly used for local area networking of devices and Internet access, allowing nearby digital devices to exchange data by radio waves. These are the most widely used computer networks, used globally in home and small office networks to link devices and to provide Internet access with wireless routers and wireless access points in public places such as coffee shops, hotels, libraries, and airports.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wireless access point</span> Device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network

In computer networking, a wireless access point, or more generally just access point (AP), is a networking hardware device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network or wireless network. As a standalone device, the AP may have a wired or wireless connection to a router or router, but, in a wireless router, it can also be an integral component of the networking devices itself. An WAP and AP is differentiated from a Wi-Fi|Mi-Fi)|hotspot, which can be a physical location or digital location where Wi-Fi or WAP access is available.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wardriving</span> Search for wireless networks with mobile computing equipment

Wardriving is the act of searching for Wi-Fi wireless networks as well as cell towers, usually from a moving vehicle, using a laptop or smartphone. Software for wardriving is freely available on the internet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wi-Fi hotspot</span> Wi-Fi access point

A hotspot is a physical location where people can obtain Internet access, typically using Wi-Fi technology, via a wireless local-area network (WLAN) using a router connected to an Internet service provider.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fon Wireless</span> UK Wi-Fi service company

Fon Wireless Ltd. is a for-profit company incorporated and registered in the United Kingdom that provides wireless services. Fon was founded in Madrid, Spain, in 2006, by Martín Varsavsky. Today, the company is headquartered in Bilbao.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Municipal wireless network</span> Wi-fi network provided by local government

A municipal wireless network is a citywide wireless network. This usually works by providing municipal broadband via Wi-Fi to large parts or all of a municipal area by deploying a wireless mesh network. The typical deployment design uses hundreds of wireless access points deployed outdoors, often on poles. The operator of the network acts as a wireless internet service provider.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tethering</span> Means of sharing Internet connections

Tethering or phone-as-modem (PAM) is the sharing of a mobile device's Internet connection with other connected computers. Connection of a mobile device with other devices can be done over wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), over Bluetooth or by physical connection using a cable, for example through USB.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wi-Fi calling</span> Protocol that extends mobile voice, data and multimedia applications over IP networks

Wi-Fi calling, also called VoWiFi, refers to mobile phone voice calls and data that are made over IP networks using Wi-Fi, instead of the cell towers provided by cellular networks. Using this feature, compatible handsets are able to route regular cellular calls through a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) network with broadband Internet, while seamlessly change connections between the two where necessary. This feature makes use of the Generic Access Network (GAN) protocol, also known as Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MSN WiFi Hotspots</span>

MSN WiFi Hotspots, previously Windows Live WiFi Hotspot Locator, was a website that helped users to locate wireless Internet hotspots worldwide and view their positions on a map using Live Search Maps.

Piggybacking on Internet access is the practice of establishing a wireless Internet connection by using another subscriber's wireless Internet access service without the subscriber's explicit permission or knowledge. It is a legally and ethically controversial practice, with laws that vary by jurisdiction around the world. While completely outlawed or regulated in some places, it is permitted in others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boingo Wireless</span> American wireless network company

Boingo Wireless, Inc. is an American company that designs, builds and manages wireless networks. Its public and private networks include distributed antenna systems (DAS), small cells, macro towers and more than one million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world. The company operates networks for airports, transit stations, stadiums, military bases, hospitals and commercial properties. In December 2022, the company announced it was moving its headquarters to Frisco, Texas, and would maintain regional offices in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Las Vegas. The company was listed on the Nasdaq until it was acquired by investment firm Digital Colony Management LLC in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wireless@SG</span> Wireless broadband programme

Wireless@SG is a wireless broadband programme developed by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore as part of its Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure initiative, being part of the nation's 10-year masterplan called Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015).

Wi-Fi positioning system is a geolocation system that uses the characteristics of nearby Wi‑Fi access points to discover where a device is located.

Laws regarding "unauthorized access of a computer network" exist in many legal codes, though the wording and meaning differs from one to the next. However, the interpretation of terms like "access" and "authorization" is not clear, and there is no general agreement on whether piggybacking falls under this classification. Some jurisdictions prohibit it, some permit it, and others are not well-defined.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MiFi</span> Brand name for a wireless router that acts as mobile Wi-Fi hotspot

MiFi is a brand of wireless router that acts as a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot device.

WiFi-Where was a tool that facilitated Wardriving and detection of wireless LANs using the 802.11b, 802.11a and 802.11g WLAN standards. Versions existed for the operating systems iOS and Palm OS. Originally created in June 2004 for the Palm OS by Jonathan Hays of Hazelware Software, the IP for WiFi-Where was licensed to 3Jacks Software in 2009. An iPhone version of the application was released in January 2010, but was pulled from the App Store by Apple in March 2010. The app was frequently listed as a common tool to facilitate Wardriving As of 2010, it is still available in the Jailbroken Cydia store.

The E5 is a mobile Wi-Fi device produced by Huawei Technologies, and is part of the company's mobile Wi-Fi series that includes the E5830s, E585, E583c and E586. The E5 series connect to other devices using a wireless interface. The devices are pocket size and allow users to access the Internet through any Wi-Fi device, mobile phone, game console, digital camera, notebook and personal digital assistant (PDA).

Tep Wireless, branded as Tep, is a telecommunications company which provides mobile broadband for international travelers. The aim of the service is to prevent roaming fees for individuals going abroad, while keeping them connected to the Internet anywhere they go. The service is rendered via pre-paid MiFi devices, which are delivered to users before their trip or picked up at various airports. At the end of the user's trip, the MiFi device is returned by post or dropped off at airports. Tep delivers its mobile broadband service through partnerships with global network operators, including Vodafone. The WiFi device can be ordered on the company's website, or those of Expedia or VisitBritain.DHI Telecom acquired Tep Wireless in October 2018 and continues to operate as a subsidiary.

References

  1. ↑ "WiGLE FAQ". Archived from the original on 2017-10-10. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  2. ↑ "Wigle.net: The 411 on Wireless Access Points". Archived from the original on 2012-06-25. Retrieved 2010-03-01.
  3. ↑ "WiGLE Statistics". Archived from the original on 2021-02-26. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  4. ↑ WiGLE Statistics (archived)
  5. ↑ Beaver, Kevin (December 16, 2015). Hacking for Dummies (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons. pp. 372, 389. ISBN   9781119154693. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2017.
  6. ↑ Turner, Andrew (Dec 18, 2006). Introduction to Neography. O'Reilly Media, Inc. p. 21. ISBN   9780596529956. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 29 June 2017.
  7. ↑ Field, Dave; Brandt, Andrew (Oct 27, 2004). How to Do Everything with Windows XP Home Networking: Keeping Your PC Safe. McGraw Hill Professional. p. 140. ISBN   9780072258097. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  8. ↑ Proceedings: The Twentieth National Conference on Artificial Intelligence and the Seventeenth Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence Conference. American Association for Artificial Intelligence AAAI Press. 2005. p. 20. ISBN   9781577352365. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  9. ↑ Hong, Jason I-An (2005). An Architecture for Privacy-sensitive Ubiquitous Computing. University of California, Berkeley. pp. 123–125. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  10. ↑ Gellersen, Hans W.; Schmidt, Albrecht (Jun 23, 2005). Pervasive Computing: Third International Conference. Springer. pp. 122, 139. ISBN   9783540260080. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  11. ↑ Stolarz, Damien (2005). Car PC Hacks: Tips & Tools for Geeking Your Ride. O'Reilly Media, Inc. p. 293. ISBN   9780596008710. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  12. ↑ McClure, Stuart; Scambray, Joel; Kurtz, George (May 10, 2005). Hacking Exposed (5th ed.). McGraw Hill Professional. pp. 664, 690. ISBN   9780071493666. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  13. ↑ McPherson, Tara (2008). Digital youth, innovation, and the unexpected. MIT Press. pp. 85, 88, 95. ISBN   9780262134958. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  14. ↑ Wang, Wally (2006). Steal this Computer Book 4.0: What They Won't Tell You about the Internet. No Starch Press. ISBN   9781593271053. Archived from the original on 2024-08-07. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  15. ↑ "Syngress Publishing Announces the Release of "WarDriving: Drive, Detect, Defend"". helpnetsecurity.com. Help Net Security. 27 April 2004. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  16. ↑ Hurley, Chris (Apr 2, 2004). WarDriving: Drive, Detect, Defend: A Guide to Wireless Security (1 ed.). Syngress. p. Cover. ISBN   1-931836-03-5. Archived from the original on 2024-08-07. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  17. ↑ Lentz, Chris; Kotz, David (June 1, 2003). "802.11b Wireless Network Visualization and Radiowave Propagation Modeling" (PDF). Dartmouth College Computer Science Department Senior Thesis. Technical Report TR2003-451: 2, 3. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  18. ↑ Glenn, Fleishman. "WiFiMaps Encompasses the World of Wardriving, April 27, 2004". WNN WiFi Net News. Glenn Fleishman. Archived from the original on 8 April 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  19. ↑ Berghel, Hal; Uecker, Jacob (December 2004). "Wireless Infidelity II: Airjacking" (PDF). Communications of the ACM. 47 (12): 15, 19. doi:10.1145/1035134.1035149. S2CID   14235023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 April 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  20. ↑ Roto, Virpi; Laakso, Katri (2005). "Mobile Guides for Locating Network Hotspots" (PDF). Workshop on HCI in Mobile Guides: 2, 5.[ permanent dead link ]
  21. ↑ Letchner, Julia; Fox, Dieter; LaMarca, Anthony (2005). "Large-Scale Localization from Wireless Signal Strength" (PDF). AAAI. 05: 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 April 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  22. ↑ King, Thomas; Kopf, Stephan; Effelsberg, Wolfgang (June 2005). "A Location System based on Sensor Fusion: Research Areas and Software Architecture" (PDF). Proc. of the 2. GI/ITG KuVS Fachgespräch Ortsbezogene Anwendungen und Dienste: 3, 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 April 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  23. ↑ Kavak, Hamdi; Padilla, Jose J.; Lynch, Christopher J.; Diallo, Saikou Y. (2018-04-15). "Big data, agents, and machine learning: towards a data-driven agent-based modeling approach". Proceedings of the Annual Simulation Symposium. ANSS '18. San Diego, CA, USA: Society for Computer Simulation International: 1–12. ISBN   978-1-5108-6014-8. Archived from the original on 2024-08-07. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  24. ↑ Bandong, Arvin; Felizardo, Christine; Festin, Cedric Angelo M.; Tan, Wilson M. (2018-11-03). "Opportunistic Wardriving Through Neighborhood Public Utility Vehicles as an Alternative to Crowdsourcing and Dedicated Wardriving for Wireless Network Data Collection". 2018 IEEE International Conference on Internet of Things and Intelligence System (IOTAIS). IEEE. pp. 66–72. doi:10.1109/IOTAIS.2018.8600890. ISBN   978-1-5386-7358-4. Archived from the original on 2024-08-07. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  25. ↑ Thomas, Aju Mathew; Kumaran, Gowtham Akshaya; Ramaguru, R; Harish, R; Praveen, K (2021-12-10). "Evaluation of Wireless Access Point Security and Best Practices for Mitigation". 2021 5th International Conference on Electrical, Electronics, Communication, Computer Technologies and Optimization Techniques (ICEECCOT). IEEE. pp. 422–427. doi:10.1109/ICEECCOT52851.2021.9707914. ISBN   978-1-6654-3272-6. Archived from the original on 2024-05-10. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  26. ↑ "CSDL | IEEE Computer Society". www.computer.org. arXiv: 2405.14975 . doi:10.1109/sp54263.2024.00239. Archived from the original on 2024-08-07. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
  27. ↑ "Tools and Downloads". Archived from the original on 2017-10-10. Retrieved 2017-06-28.
  28. ↑ "WiGLE - EULA". Archived from the original on 2024-08-07. Retrieved 2013-06-18.
  29. ↑ "WiGLE: Wireless Network Mapping". Archived from the original on 2010-06-11. Retrieved 2010-03-01.
  30. ↑ "Wigle-wifi-wardriving". GitHub . 19 November 2021. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.