Need low tech way to limit range of wireless router.?

Question

Would wrapping the antenna of my wireless router in aluminum foil choke back the range of transmission? How else can I limit the range without software tweaks or password changing? Think low tech, please. If it only transmitted 50 feet, that would be fine with me. (Trying to inhibit my neighbors' son from using my ISP and IP address. Yes, I know more sophisticated ways exist.) Thanks!

Answer 1

covering your antenna will effect all wireless receivers on the network. you might as well just use the hub and run CAT 5 to all your computers.

Answer 2

Simply put a password on the connection, then no one else can access your network. It is important to password protect you wireless network so no one can access your financial data while you are online transmitting data. Anyone with the skills can access you data packets if the can access your network.

But considering it is the holiday season if you neighbors can not afford a high speed network connection then possibly it would be nice to allow him to access your network as a gift. Just a thought you may make a friend who will learn to respect you as an giving and caring adult.

If you do not know how to turn on the security features of your router then call the manufacturer that can walk you through the security features in less than 10 minutes.

I hope this helps.

Peace

Answer 3

Why on earth would you do that when there are about a million people here that can help you secure your wireless connection? If you limit the range, you will just decrease the signal strength and therefore slow down your connections to your router...

1) Change the ssid
2) Do not broadcast the ssid
3) Setup a wep key on the router
4) Use same wep key on wireless network cards

Answer 4

Aside from unscrewing or removing the antennae(s), it would be easier to implement WEP security on the router. Create a key that only you know and set your PCs up to use this key when connecting. Still gives you all the range you need and keeps the neighbors out.

The support website for your router should have details on how to implement (it will be slightly different depending on the brand).

Answer 5

There are also settings for the strength usually in the router settings... I have mine set high for my laptop and XBOX Live. However, can limit if I want. I would strongly recommend 128 bit WEP encryption. Takes less than 5 minutes and will assure no stealing by the neighbors.

Answer 6

in the adventure that your router helps it you could drop the transmit power of the radio. maximum shopper units have not got this option, which you would be able to no longer have the flexibility to do it. Encrypting your connection with WPA2 and a key of 13-20 characters would desire to shop you enormously secure. in case you somewhat need to you could setup a radius server wherein case you ought to use dynamic keys which could be as defend as you will get. actual protection in instant is confusing if no longer impossible. i think of your setup is the wonderful you will get. i've got heard of WiFi blockading paint, yet i'm undecided if its so you might purchase or if it became in basic terms one thing executed in a lab. no be counted if this is on the marketplace, I doubt that's much less high priced. outdoors of which you would be able to placed your place in a Faraday cage.

Answer 7

the best way to secure your router is setting up passwords. even if you manage to limit your signal to your neighbors, someone could still buy a WIFI extender that will increase the strenght of the signal they get.

Answer 8

Hmm...why not just make it so that it doesnt broadcast the signal? Go into the router and select the option for no broadcast.