The internet is in my name. The router is owned by my roommate and he recently locked me out by changing the login info. When I called my internet provider, they weren't really helpful and said that the only thing I can really do is terminate the service as a whole and open a new account. (This option will result in cancellation and start up fees.) I have little problem getting a router of my own, but is there anything I can do to prevent him from leeching off my connection before obtaining a new router and after?
Answers (1)
Well there are two parts to getting Internet.
Modem - This is the box that you plug either the Broadband cable or DSL/Phone Cable to get Internet from your provider. Your provider should provide this as part of your package, otherwise you would need to provide your own.
Router - This shares the connection from the Modem to either provide wired or wireless internet connection.
From your question, it sounds like your roommate changed the login information to the router. In which case, if he wants to lock you out from using Wireless internet, than you're out of luck. However, you can directly connect your computer or laptop with the Modem and have no need to share your internet with anyone else.
However, does your roommate have a modem/router combo? As I explained above, there are two gateways to receive Internet connection.
Service Provider -> Modem -> Router -> Your CPU
If he owns both the Modem and Router, than you're out of luck.
If you have the modem, than you have a little bit more power as you can disconnect the modem from the router and use it yourself and unless he wants to share the Router, than he/she is out of luck.