Block intruders from your wireless network!

ManAtHome

Didn't have a problem with Linksys - not a good idea to try set up security using the wireless link though (change the router settings, re-boots... whoops - where's me network).

K9cuddles

Ah.. so it's better to connect via the Lan cable?

tomstickland

I just set an encryption key on all the machines.

tomstickland

192.168.2.1 goes to the set up screens on my Belkin router.

I'm running WPA encryption because that's what the instruction book recommended.

RufusA

Personally I don't bother with encryption. None of the traffic that goes over my Wifi is confidential enough to justify the overheads, and it's pretty pointless if the same information is then sent on to the internet un-encrypted. Also because of a few bits of legacy kit, I can't use the latest / most secure encryption methods.

To prevent people accessing my WiFi I make sure that the SSID is not being broadcast (so the network isn't so visible), and set filtering on MAC address to just my machines. Therefore unless someone can guess my SSID, and clone my wifi network card(s), then they can't get it.

Not 100% secure, but my house isn't either, and if someone is going to go all that trouble to access my network, it would IMHO be easier for them just to break in.

HTH - Rufus.

Monkey_Tennis_3

RufusA wrote:

Personally I don't bother with encryption. <snip>

To prevent people accessing my WiFi I make sure that the SSID is not being broadcast (so the network isn't so visible), and set filtering on MAC address to just my machines. Therefore unless someone can guess my SSID, and clone my wifi network card(s), then they can't get it.

You have obviously considered your options and made an informed decision, but for most non-techie users some form of encryption is advisable - not to protect data 'in transit', but as the most convenient way to prevent bandwidth theft (malicious or accidental) or use of your connection for 'undesirable' activities.

Even with SSID broadcast turned off your SSID and MAC address are easily retrieved with passive sniffing, although I agree this is rarely done accidently...

jamesebaker

Sara, as you have a Belkin router, the best thing to do is to phone up the Belkin helpline which can be found on the back of your user manuals. Its a freephone number and the help is great. They are based in Holland I think so occasionally you have to repeat things until they understand but they are very patient and will stay on the line until your problem is fixed. I think its 24hrs as well.

It is advisable to hardwire your PC while you are making changes to the settings and make sure you write down the password you choose!

I'd advise you change the SSID name from Belkin54g to something different
Stop the broadcast of the SSID
Use WEP in maximum encryption
You can also enter the MAC codes of PCs you want to allow on to the network, but I've had problems with some of my machines in the past.

Hope this helps.

K9cuddles

Thanks Jamesebaker..

busterkeye

nobody tell the couple next door cos I use theirs sometimes. All day the other day cos mine wasnt working

DCLane

I used the golf-course's opposite before getting wireless when using my laptop out of the study where broadband's based.

Mine's not secured (there's a secure one locally), but there's other security on it.

However, I sometimes still use the golf course's since their broadband connection's faster than mine!

David