Board logo

Securing a Wireless Network
Guinness - 9/7/06 at 09:32 PM

I've managed to get my parents new network up and running. Basic set up is their existing 8meg broadband router, connected to a d-link wireless router, which is connected via an ethernet cable to the desktop machine and via the wireless bit to a laptop.

It all works OK, i.e. both machines can access 'tinternet and emails independantly, even when the other is switched off.

However the problem is when you look at the network it says "open" network and all the neighbours networks are "secure". How do I enable a secure set up? Or is my network open to those computers I have set it up on, and others will see it as secure?

As you can probably tell, 'puters not my strongest suit!

Cheers

Mike


Jubal - 9/7/06 at 09:41 PM

Don't know about dlink kit but you need to go into the router's settings and set up wireless security. WPA-PSK should be an option. Choose a passphrase and use that on each pc on the network when prompted by XP.

For a little more protection you can also choose not to broadcast SSID. I'd suggest getting WPA-PSK working on all pcs first then turn it off. HTH.


Confused but excited. - 9/7/06 at 09:57 PM

Or Faraday cage the house!


Simon164 - 9/7/06 at 10:09 PM

as Jubal says. Ignore WEP as its so easily cracked. WPA-PSK is the way forward.

Turning off the SSID broadcast will only deter the most lame hacker, as the SSID is still sent as part of the transmission. Any wireless network finder for £5 off ebay will find the SSID.

Set the WPA-PSK passphrase up on the wireless box, and then the PCs/Laptops connected will ask you for it next time you authenticate.

Once sorted it will say 'Security enabled network (WPA)' or something similar.

Cheers,
Simon


SixedUp - 9/7/06 at 11:25 PM

All the above, and better yet, if supported, set up MAC address filtering too.
Cheers
Richard


Sacal - 10/7/06 at 03:20 AM

Would help to know the model as the features supported by firmware versions differ!

This might help you get started though

Setting up wireless security

Hope it helps


Hellfire - 10/7/06 at 07:29 AM

quote:
Originally posted by SixedUp
All the above, and better yet, if supported, set up MAC address filtering too.
Cheers
Richard


Basically I've used the 'access MAC address only'. Do a search from your PC for active devices and activate the one you know is your laptop. This will stop other users accessing your network to connect to internet (I think)

The signal is basically so small a range so I wouldn't worry too much. My signal starts to drop off after 10 metres.

Steve