Wireless Router Config Stupid Newbie Questions 3

[StevenB]

OK folks, I'm an utter novice to wireless. Previously, I've had a wired home network of 2 PCs and a laptop. A recent power company snafu fried my cable modem and wired router. I replaced them with a Linksys modem and a Linksys WRT54G wireless router.

Both my laptop and one of the PCs have wireless network cards.

I was able to set up the wireless router, at least to the point where it functions from this PC (wireless or wired), but I don't have security enabled.

Being a total wireless noob, where would you suggest I go to look into the best ways to secure this home network? I know nothing about WPA, etc. Linksys's information is weak at best. I'm looking for something that's going to tell me, "For Joe Average User, here's the security you should use, and here's how to configure it."

Secondly, I use my laptop to connect to work via a VPN connection. They have given me detailed instructions on how to configure my wireless router in the secure manner they prescribe. If I follow their instructions, will I have multiple types of connections, or will all of my connections use the new settings described by my company? OK, that's a little vague.

Anyway, one step at a time. Since I can still get into VPN no problem using a wired port, let's just focus on the first part. What do I do to secure this network, other than having a good firewall? (I use ZoneAlarm's free version right now.)

Thanks very much!

Steve

 

[IPKONFIG]

First off you'll want to change the password to the router. That way other people from outside your network won't login and change things. I know this sounds stupid, but a lot of people don't change the passwords. Next you'll want to enable WEP encryption. I beleive it will ask you if you want to make it "mandatory" or "disable" it. You'll want to make it "mandatory". Click on the WEP Key Setting button and there will be two options. Either enter a passphrase or enter the key manually. If you choose a 128bit key then it's 26 characters long. (Hex) Write this number down so you can put it on your wireless PC's. Once you do this, just apply the changes and your PC's should loose connection. Go to your PC and go to the services if it's a windows box and make sure you have the "Wireless Zero Configuration" service started (auto would be best). Then go to your adapter and you'll see a tab called "authentication" in your properties box. In there you'll find the section asking for a WEP key. Just make sure it's set to 128bit and use the same key as the AP. When this is all done, you can even turn of the SSID broadcast in your AP. Just make sure your PC has the SSID set statically. That should be more than enough to secure your home network. If anyone is desperate enough to crack all that, they should look at getting a hobbie or something. My opinion is all. Good luck.

"I can picture a world without war. A world without hate. A world without fear. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."
- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

 

[StevenB]

Thanks! I will get right on that. Since I didn't want to leave that network up while it's unsecured, I shut everything down until I get back to it.

Stupid question #2. What is "the AP"?

 

[IPKONFIG]

AP = Access Point Sorry.

"I can picture a world without war. A world without hate. A world without fear. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."
- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

 

[StevenB]

IPKONFIG,

Thanks so much for all of your help. I was able to get everything working perfectly!

I'm sure I will have more questions eventually.

Thanks!

 

[IPKONFIG]

Glad I could help.

"I can picture a world without war. A world without hate. A world without fear. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."
- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

 

[polymath5]

A star from me for such a clear, concise explanation. I'm goinng to use it for my users when they ask me how to set up their home wireless.

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Mens et Manus
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[Honsell]

Here's a question from another "newbie". I have the Linksys WRT54G router and eaisly got it up and running with my DIRECWAY DW6000 satellite modem. However, I want to password protect my system as well as encription. I've read the book where it tells me to enter the 192.168.1.1 address of the router in the browser address window. But I get nothing but a blank page.

Can someone PLEASE tell me what I'm doing wrong? I'm afraid someone will lot on my network and take over!

Thanks for any help,

Honsell

 

[polymath5]

Not to be insulting. But you did use:

http://192.168.1.1

correct? the octets by themselves won't do it.

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Mens et Manus
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[IPKONFIG]

What polymath5 suggested should work. If not, check the default gateway on your client machines. That will tell you what the routers IP address will be. (assuming your hosts have connections to the internet) And if the address is different, then use it in the format that Polymath5 suggested. And get that AP locked down...

"I can picture a world without war. A world without hate. A world without fear. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."
- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

 

[Snabelsven]

Another newbie qest: dg834g router winxp one lap wireless one wired stationary both reach internet noone reach eachother,,?? what is wrong?? I have used xps guide to both home network and wireless network,,,,still no contact!! I am frustated and downgraded myself to nearly novise at all comp working from a glad amature who helpfully understanded the most of win comps but not this one HELP!!

 

[IPKONFIG]

Make sure you have layer 3 connectivity first. Can you ping the other computer? If so, then move your way up the OSI model. Try to manage the other computer through terminal services or some other application. You must make sure that they are on the same subnet to be able to communicate on the LAN.

"I can picture a world without war. A world without hate. A world without fear. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."
- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

 

[Honsell]

I offer this for what's it worth. I have a Linksys G router and had a Blitzz USB wireless connection. It gave me trouble and more trouble. This is bad enough for a Guru, but for a novice such as me, it is really bad news. Anyhow after pulling out some more of my hair (not much left)-in desperation I went to Wally World and bought a Linksys wireless card.

End of problems. However, in all fairness the Blitzz worked fine during my recent RV trip to Arizona and back. I stopped at Flying J truck stops along the way and used their wireless connection and my Blitzz worked flawlessly. It could possible be the Blitzz just went belly up on me. It works sometimes for a minute or so, then cuts me off.

I just wonder if any of you have had any problems getting a Linksys and Blitzz to work harmoniously together?

Thanks !
Honsell

 

[drashish]

To IPKONFIG or anyone else

can someone in a VERY SIMPLE WAY, for another nubie, explain MAC address filtering and how to set it up. I noticed your initial thoughts did not discuss this. It seems like the most secure aspect of setting up a secure network; open it up to only certain MAC addresses.

Also, how can I view if others have attempted to login or access my network on a daily basis. I tried the firewall log from windows but that seems too involved and hard to interpret?

 

[drashish]

Also, you mentio to use WEP. I'm reading that WPA is better? Is this true? If so, using your straight forward teaching style, how do we change to WPA

 

[bcastner]

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,1157726,00.asp

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/index.php?p=43

 

[IPKONFIG]

follow bcastner's link...it's good information and easy to understand.

"I can picture a world without war. A world without hate. A world without fear. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."
- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

 

[jvdm2]

I have a Dell Inspiron 1000 with external dell truemobile 1300 w/lan pc card.

I am able to connect and get signal from any wireless router except the one at my work. I was previously able to connect at work before but now get no signal. Other people in my office can connect to our router. It is a dell truemobile 2300. The guy down the hall added a wireless router and I am able to get his signal. Any ideas would be appreciated.


jvdm2

 

[IPKONFIG]

That AP that your trying to connect too could be running security now. Or they could have changed their SSID and stopped broadcasting it. You'll have to check the the administrator of your LAN.

"I can picture a world without war. A world without hate. A world without fear. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."
- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

 

[Horde]

I've set up a wireless network, and want to have it security enabled too. I'm wondering which adapter setting you were refering to in the first reply. You said "Then go to your adapter and you'll see a tab called 'authentication' in your properties box."

I'm new to this as well, so I don't exactly get where exactly this one is.