As most of you are aware, i just bought a new laptop, but i havent received it yet. Well last night i decided i needed to buy a wireless router for when i get my laptop. the guys at circuit city talked me into getting a "Linksys Wireless Router (WRT54G)". I got it all set up and im just wondering about securing the wireless network. right now i have wireless disabled because i have no need for the wireless network until i get my laptop. But when i get my laptop i want to make sure i secure it right. i read this article http://paininthetech.com/5_minute_wi..._for_your_home do you think if i do all of the steps listed there that my network will be secure enough? any other suggestions or ideas? thanks in advance - you guys have been tons of help.

 

Setup WEP encryption. You create a WEP key on your Router and then tell your laptop wireless card what that key is. Use 128 bit.

 

Depends on how secure you want it....if you want it as secure as possible just follow your linked article. Remember anything can be cracked its just how hard do you want to make it.

I still run 128 WEP because my TIVO doesnt support WPA but WEP is easily cracked nowadays...

 

I had a feeling I was forgetting something; yea WPA is way better if your router and laptop support it.

 

Another question...

If you disable the broadcasting of your SSID, how can anyone detect that your network exists? And, even if they figure out that it's there, how can they connect if you've tweaked your SSID from the default (ie: linksys).

 

I told you not to get a wireless router didn't I?

 

But he does have a Laptop Jamz.

 

hmm. i'll use wpa, how will i know if my laptop supports it? the wireless card i got is "Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 802.11a/g Mini Card (54Mbps) & Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth Module (2.0+EDR). does anyone know if this supports wpa?

 

With your eyeballs. Go to the security section(s) and see if it's a freakin option.

Yea; you should have stayed away from wireless; too much brain power required.

 

Programs such as SNORT "grab" packets flying through the air ***** Wonka like...once enough packets are collected the SSID, MAC addresses, IP scheme, etc can be pieced together. The better the encryption the longer this process takes.

The idea is to make it easier to go to Smeezy's house and get it for free with no trouble

 

I can understand that....but wireless can and will be a pain in the buttchecks if you are new to networking.

 

If you read the first post, i havent got the laptop yet.

 

What does that matter? Why are you asking questions you can find out for yourself when it arrives. Do you need the answer now? No.

 

sorry, your right uc, i can just wait until i get it to see, but i was just wondering if perhaps someone knew off the top of their heads.

 

Just about any wireless laptop or PC Wireless card made within the last year or two should have WPA. The best wasy to secure you wireless network is to:

Use WPA.
Don't broadcast your SSID.
Force all computers to register a MAC address to gain access to the network.
Check your broadcast coverage outside your house, and if possible, locate your router/access point to maximize wireless inside the house but minimize signal outside the house, esp. to places where people might sit to swipe your signal (e.g., the street).

With just a bit of precaution, you can make it much more difficult for anyone to get onto your network.

Good luck!