New Wireless network

Jeremy · 02-28-2007, 09:08 AM

Got my new wireless network set up and working last night, now what do i need to do to make sure the neighbor kid isnt using it to play video games online? Any advice out there?

Gizmo Man · 02-28-2007, 09:10 AM

use the security feature where any other computer trying to use your system must know th KEY or password to use it.

Giz...

Norm · 02-28-2007, 09:13 AM

Just setup WEP, it should automaticly generate a "key" for you. You will then need to put the key on you home systems wireless network settings. Without this "key", the router will not allow you to connect.

Jeremy · 02-28-2007, 09:21 AM

I have the option to use WEP or WPA which one is better? WEP generates a 124-bit encryption string of 24 characters that i have to enter. WPA i enter the string and the amount of time until it expires. Im guessing that with WPA after that string is expired access to the connection is pretty much locked down?

The Chub · 02-28-2007, 09:25 AM

WPA is better but make sure all of your devices on your network are setup to use it. If they aren't they will default back to WEP.

IDWITHELD · 02-28-2007, 04:14 PM

Additionally, you can setup MAC filters for another level of security.

JustCallMeDave · 02-28-2007, 07:38 PM

MAC filtering is the best way to go, along with WPA. Every network-enabled device out there has a unique MAC address. Check your router documents on how to do MAC filtering.

WEP is lousy security. That can usually be cracked in about 5 minutes. Don't ask me how I know this. I just do.

Jeremy · 03-01-2007, 08:12 AM

Ok i think i got everything figured out. I changed the default password on the router, changed the broadcast name, turned off my SSID broadcast, enabled MAC specific filtering, and WPA-Personal security. With the WPA passcode it expires after a certain amount of time like 60 minutes, does that mean that after that time you have to go back in and set another passcode if you want to connect an additional computer? Also is there any way to test that my network is secure after i get it all setup? thanks for all the info.

Jeremy · 03-02-2007, 07:10 AM

Maybe i spoke too soon, here is the problem i am having. I can get connected to the network and the internet and it identifies the network. If i put the laptop to sleep and then wake it up again, sometimes it finds the network without a problem. Other times it still shows the network connected except that it says it is Unidentified and is a local connection only and cant get on the internet. Any suggestions for keeping the network connected other than just leaving the computer up and running all the time?