am I sending RF signals into their home? Better stated: Let’s say I drive into Cecil’s driveway. I open my laptop, click on my wifi connection and see an access point entitled “CecilisGod1” and it states that the access point is encrypted. I close my laptop and drive away.
Have I sent any RF signals into his home?
If you are just seeing that is broadcasting, and not sending any data or requests to it, then no, I don’t see why you should be.
Curious why you are asking but I believe the answer is yes. My wireless software shows packets counts in and out while the radio is on, even if I am not connected to a network.
Probably. Wifi clients usually do what’s called active scanning, which sends out a packet called a probe request frame and listens for a probe request response from any AP. Passive scanning can be done, but it’s slower. If you have any preferred or remembered networks stored on your device you are definitely sending out probe requests.
The answer is yes. Stores use this behavior for tracking customers:
Are you trying to figure out if attempting to access a wireless router could be a trespass or nuisance?
Or maybe he’s trying to determine if it’s possible in principle to know if somebody is listening to his router. And he’s just being cagey by writing the question from the POV of his adversary.
ETA: Not likely, but possible 