Author Topic: securing a wireless network (Read 803 times)

tapakeg · « **on:** April 03, 2005, 10:50:30 PM »

How do I set up my wireless network so only my laptop can access it? I want it password encrypted so even I have to log onto it everytime.

I don't want anyone on the street accessing my wireless signal

thanks in advance

Tapakeg

Kev367th · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2005, 12:16:32 AM »

Use MAC address filtering and WPA to protect it.

Big Mac · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2005, 12:23:19 AM »

I am assuming that you have a wireless router. In mine, I went to the security tab under wireless and enabled MAC address for my router setup. Each machine. PC, Laptop, XBox, etc.. that connects to your wireless network has a unique MAC address. On your laptop network card it has a MAC address, a set of numbers for that card only. As I mentioned I went into the security tab and set only those with MAC addresses that I define may have access.

Also, I setup WEP, an ecryption format, that is defined by a password, again I assume that is an option on your router.

The website for your router will have a ton of info on both of MAC addresses and WEP.

Big Mac

tapakeg · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2005, 12:29:02 AM »

thanks guys, i will try that

Kev367th · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2005, 01:40:03 PM »

If you use XP or 2000, use the WPA option in your router as opposed to WEP. WPA is supposed to be more secure.

crd · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2005, 05:00:33 PM »

WPA is much better than WEP, if your router & wireless card support it.

Mac authentication is good too.

Other thing I would add, is "Disable SSID broadcast". This way your network will not show up in the list of available networks. You will have to enter the ssid manually on PC's connecting to it.

tapakeg · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2005, 06:18:49 PM »

I appreciate the help, could you bring it down a notch?

How do i get to these settings?
I don't see a security tab.

I'm normally good with computers, i've never done this before.

Please, step by step instructions.

I'm running Winxp with linksys routers/ stuff

thanks again

tapakeg

ALF · « **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2005, 07:58:00 PM »

Networking...bring it down a notch.....ahhhhhhhh!

You have to log onto the router 192.68.1.1 I think....you did change the default password from ADMIN right:D

tapakeg · « **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2005, 09:05:36 PM »

where do i 192.68................

how do i get to that stage?

Clifra Jones · « **Reply #9 on:** April 05, 2005, 09:17:31 AM »

In your browser address bar. (I.E.)

Yes, change the password, this is a must. Also change your ssid, that way if you ever travel with your notebook you can connect to those wireless networks in hotels and places where that genius of an IT guy never changed the SSID from "linksys".

All other suggestions here are spot on. Follow them.

tapakeg · « **Reply #10 on:** April 05, 2005, 05:38:34 PM »

Sounds great,...............

now where do I change the password??????????????

ie.....

control panel----> networking-------> wireless----> security.......

the 192.168.1.1 in ie browser brought up an MSN search "could not find"

please give directions on how to get to the areas you all are talking about.

Tapakeg

ALF · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2005, 06:47:59 PM »

You need to find a local geek to come over to your house....network troubleshooting with a novice via messageboard is well......pretty much about as much of a bad idea as you can get:D

tapakeg · « **Reply #12 on:** April 05, 2005, 07:37:07 PM »

yeah i agree, thanks for the help anyway.

Tapakeg

crd · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2005, 10:37:24 AM »

Tapakeg, post the model of your router, and I can put together steps for you.

Mobieus

tapakeg · « **Reply #14 on:** April 08, 2005, 06:34:22 PM »

ty, i did manage to get a lot done, the ip address alf gave was one # off.

I did manage to get into the router and do some stuff, but i could use more help,

thanks for the help

D link DI 524

What I really want at this point is to name my signal, I keep getting "default" I thought I had it re-named several times, but nope.

or better yet, not broadcast a signal at all. I only want my laptop to be able to log onto the wireless, and with a password

Tapakeg