Matrix: nodes with low signal ratings Options

[Odsh]

It is written somewhere (can't remember where exactly) that one of the ways to protect the various (peripheral) nodes of your PAN is to reduce their signal ratings, so that a hacker has to be in close range in order to hack them.

However, any device can function as a router:

A routing is established every time data from node A want to access node B, facilitating other nodes in between as routers. Due to the mesh-network nature of the Matrix, every wireless node can function as a router and will do so if not in passive or hidden mode (see PAN modes, p. 211, SR4). Even peripheral nodes participate in the mesh network routing, though priority is given to standard nodes and nexi. A construct is not aware of the nodes it is being routed through and cannot access them. However, a construct can analyze the traffic that is routed through a node (see Intercept Traffic, p. 224, SR4).

Therefore, it is enough to carry one device (for example, the commlink) with a high enough signal rating that is not in passive or hidden mode in order for an enemy hacker to hack every device in your PAN, since that device will route any connection requests to all the nodes in the PAN. Or, in a crowded area, use the commlink of any bystander to do that. Is that correct?

EDIT: maybe one thing I didn't think of is that the hacker needs those nodes' access ID in order to do that...

Moreover, those nodes, even with an ECCM program running, will almost never resist a jamming attempt, making them even more vulnerable to enemy hackers' attempts to mess with them.

I know there are other solutions, like skinlink or wired connections. I'm just wondering if purely wireless, low signal rating devices are of any use to any serious shadowrunner.