[plug] Telstra Sat

[Nathan Alberti]

The main security on a Satellite data links which do not use encryption is
known as "MPE" or Multi Protocol Encapsulation. This basically relies on the
fact that no two cards have the same MAC address, therefore encodes data
destined for "You" with your satellite cards MAC address, this is done at
the IP Encapsulator (uplink) . It is however possible to assign a new MAC
address to most available satellite cards which would then allow you to grab
data destined to the MAC address you have programmed into your satellite
card.

So...it's pretty easy with the right tools...most cards can be set with a
MAC of FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF and hear all they need to know....all you need now
is a PID and a transponder frequency on your favorite satellite...I suggest
Optus B1 but PAS2 and PAS 8 are also good.

BTW..there are a couple of others offering satellite for home users who do
not use Hughes gear, give Access1 or Austar a go.

Regards,

Nathan Alberti

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kim Covil" <Kim.Covil at csiro.au>
To: <plug at plug.linux.org.au>
Sent: Thursday, November 01, 2001 2:47 PM
Subject: Re: [plug] Telstra Sat


> True... but my understanding is that to listen in on a phone line you
> need to get access to the physical line at some location... or access to
> an exchange...
>
> To listen in on a satellite transmission you just need a dish and a card
> that isn't so picky about only listening out for stuff aimed at your MAC
> address...
>
> Plus it is a little harder to listen to a modem conversation which talks
> at a lower level of electrical pulses than listening to a satellite
> stream which must talk at a higher packet level due to the fact that it
> only goes in one direction...
>
> At least that is my understanding... if someone knows better I would be
> glad to know... :)
>
> Cheers
>
> Kim
> On Thu, 2001-11-01 at 14:33, Simon Scott wrote:
> > huh?
> >
> > Anyone can listen in on what is being sent to your modem on a land
> > line with the right equipment too
> >
> > In fact, its probably easier due to the cost of satellite equipment
> > :)
> --
>
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> Kim Covil - CSIRO Exploration & Mining  E-mail:  kim.covil at csiro.au
> ,-_!\
>             PO Box 1130, Bentley,       Direct:  +61 8 6436 8638    /
> \
>             Western Australia  6102     Fax:     +61 8 6436 8555
> *_,-._/
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>         Please direct all personal e-mail to kimbotha at covil.com.au
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