Warchalking
Warchalking is the drawing of symbols in public places to advertise an open Wi-Fi wireless network.
Inspired by hobo symbols, the warchalking symbols were conceived by a group of friends in June 2002 and publicised by Matt Jones. The word is a backformation from wardriving, the practice of driving around an area to detect open Wi-Fi nodes. That term in turn is backformed from wardialing, the practice of dialing many phone numbers hoping to find a modem. See also demon dialing.
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. Anyone initiated in the ways of warchalking will recognise what it means and get online. In certain cities, the word bellum indicates the presence of an open node. If the node is later protected by some means such as encryption or if the node is no longer existent, the word bellum should be crossed out and replaced with the word pax. These words are Latin for war and peace respectively.
See also: wardriving
External links
- http://www.wifimaps.com
- Is warchalking Legal? Is it ethical? (http://ssrn.com/abstract=585867)
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