Wireless

  • Thread starter Thread starter RC
  • Start date Start date
R

RC

Wireless is getting more and more popular these days.
I saw people bring their wireless laptop on highway,
park, library, bus/train, anywhere.

I am consider buy a wireless router connect to the
DSL modem with my desk top PC, then have my laptop
connect to Internet by wireless card.

But before I buy a wireless router, I would like
ask some security questions.

What I understand people on street they can connect
their wireless laptop to my home wireless router.
Will this slow down my DSL/Cable modem (my home network)?
The worst thing is they can get into my home PC, access
my hard drive(s)?

I think there are some security software to prevent people
login my PC, but I am not sure are there some security
software can prevent people tap in your home wireless network?

Please educate me.
Thank Q very much!
 
wireless accesspoints (WAPS) and routers allow you to set a secutity code
which will be needed to connect to your wireless network. I am sure that
you dont want all the neighbors and strangers connecting and doing what ever
they want on your broadband connection. This may lead to violations of your
ISP's TOS(terms of service) and may also cause you to consume more bandwidth
than allowed. Feel free to buy the router but make sure you run the setup
util that will come with it and set up your access codes.

Jon
 
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In general you need to...

1. Change the admin password on the WAP to something other than the
default. Use a strong password.
2. Change the default SSID to something other than the default. Use a
unique SSID so you can easily identify your network. Do not disable the
SSID broadcast. You only cause other issues. Cloaking your SSID is not a
valid security measure.
3. Use the strongest encryption possible that is supported by your
hardware. WPA2/WPA is recommended but if your hardware only supports WEP
use 128-bit WEP at a minimum. In the case of WPA use a 63-character key.
Personally I use WPA-PSK (TKIP) with a 63-character key to encrypt my home
wireless network.

A WPA key generator...

http://www.kurtm.net/wpa-pskgen

A WEP key generator...

http://www.warewolflabs.com/portfolio/programming/wlanskg/wlanskg.html

4. Do not give the key to your neighbors...
5. If your WAP allows for remote admin over the wireless link disable or
turn that off. Only administer the WAP via a wired connection.
6. Use a software firewall on your local PCs. Use the XP SP2 Windows
Firewall or a third-party firewall like ZoneAlarm to block unauthorized
access to your PCs. Personally I use the XP SP2 Windows Firewall on my PCs
and setup File & Print Sharing so only specific PCs on my LAN can access
each others files and printers.

The real key to all of this is to use as strong encryption as possible on
your wireless segment.

A wireless security FAQ that may be of interest...

http://www.broadbandreports.com/faq/wifisecurity

Also note that I always run the XP SP2 Windows Firewall on my wireless
laptop with NO EXCEPTIONS set. That way if I am at a public wireless
hotspot I am not worried about incoming probes. When I am at home and I
need to get a file from one of my home desktops to my laptop I initiate the
file transfer from my laptop...

- --

Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the
mutual benefit of all of us...
The MS-MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights...

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3. Use the strongest encryption possible that is supported by your
hardware. WPA2/WPA is recommended but if your hardware only supports WEP
use 128-bit WEP at a minimum.

What exactly do you mean by WPA2/WPA hardware support? computer or the
wireless router only.
 
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Both... For example if the wireless access point only supports WEP while
the PC card supports WPA you will only be able to use WEP to encrypt your
network...

- --

Al Jarvi (MS-MVP Windows Networking)

Please post *ALL* questions and replies to the news group for the
mutual benefit of all of us...
The MS-MVP Program - http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no
rights...

T1J said:
3. Use the strongest encryption possible that is supported by your
hardware. WPA2/WPA is recommended but if your hardware only supports WEP
use 128-bit WEP at a minimum.

What exactly do you mean by WPA2/WPA hardware support? computer or the
wireless router only.
Click to expand...

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I am asking my question here because whan I try to post a new question, IE
just flashes and clicks.

I am trying to generate a 4 part WEP key, but the network setup in XP only
gives me one line. Does anyone know how to enter or generate a regular 4 part
WEP key for a new wireless network?
 
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