Can I switch wireless router off?

veggiecar

Alicatt wrote: »

,,,when not in use?

Or will it lose settings if I do?

Probably really daft question but I'm new to this wireless lark.

Thanks

Ali

YES, you can turn it off. As long as you have saved any settings you have changed on the router itself.
Since you are new to "this wireless lark" make sure you set up the security and save it. Also save the password on the PCs/laptops using it.
If you also have a seperate modem you will typically have to turn this on, before the router to initialise everything properly when you need it next time.
Practise with it when you have spare time, until you are confident with the way it sets up.

veggiecar

Alicatt wrote: »

Just been looking at security - all a bit confusing to be honest! The person I spoke to at internet providershelp desk helped me set up WPA Encryption. Does that mean my connection is secure?

Any really determined hacker will get passed almost any security. But yes, WPA will stop anyone using your wireless unless they know the password.
(Determined hackers won't generally waste their time on residential PCs, so don't lose ANY sleep over it)

Ayeshalush

veggiecar wrote: »

YES, you can turn it off. As long as you have saved any settings you have changed on the router itself.
Since you are new to "this wireless lark" make sure you set up the security and save it. Also save the password on the PCs/laptops using it.
If you also have a seperate modem you will typically have to turn this on, before the router to initialise everything properly when you need it next time.
Practise with it when you have spare time, until you are confident with the way it sets up.

:eek: Now I'm scared to switch anything off!!!!:eek:

exup

Alicatt wrote: »

Just been looking at security - all a bit confusing to be honest! The person I spoke to at internet providershelp desk helped me set up WPA Encryption. Does that mean my connection is secure?

if its WPA then it should be secure .

you can go from having none (not secure)
not transmitting the SSID (slightly more secure)
using WEP encryption (even more secure - but crackable)
WPA / WPA 2 (secure aslong as no one knows the password).

Your router should hold its settings when turned off. usually you would have to do a full reset to get back to factory settings - something like holding the reset button in for 30 seconds (on some linksys routers).

If you are finding that your router is losing settings on powering down. then there may be a problem with it - either it's getting a bit long in the tooth, or its firmware needs upgrading.

Ayeshalush

:T Thanks everyone for your help - can always rely on MSE forums for quick and helpful advice.

hundredk

Alicatt wrote: »

Just been looking at security - all a bit confusing to be honest! The person I spoke to at internet providershelp desk helped me set up WPA Encryption. Does that mean my connection is secure?

Most of the time spent setting up mine was getting a secure connection - I cant remember how exactly but glad I did - think it involved a website to set the SSID (the router name) and password and after this all was well.

I googled the different types afterwards which explanied how each type of encryption work. I got a made to bring his laptop and try to connect and he couldnt without putting a password in so waqs reassured by that, especially as there were other neighbours unsecure connections he could also connect to.

Ayeshalush

hundredk wrote: »

I got a made to bring his laptop and try to connect and he couldnt without putting a password in so waqs reassured by that, especially as there were other neighbours unsecure connections he could also connect to.

Good idea - will borrow a laptop to check - just to set mind at ease!

nobby24

If you want to know if it's secure ask a friend to try and access it, it should ask for a password if it's secure. btw I have a Netgear router and switch it off every night, no problems.

xxdeebeexx

Hope you don't mind if I jump on this thread.
If I am connected to a wireless modem with the ethrenet cable do I still need WPA Encryption? I have just bought a new wireless modem today and found this section really tricky. The wireless bit is for the boys to play their PS3.

TIA

Dx

bluboy

Not on the PC. The WPA on the router(?) will protect unauthorised access to the PC.