How do i secure a wireless network?

Question

Ok, i'm sure this question gets asked a lot.

We've got an internet connection with a wireless router and i want to secure it.

How?

Also, my roomate used his computer to set up the connection (but couldn't figure out the password stuff) can i set up the security on my computer or do i have to use his?

If you need any other info please let me know.

Answer 1

unplug it. Actually that's the only sure wayt to secure it. So, with that, how do you best secure it without unplugging it?

First, if you don't remember the passwords for the admin pages, you'll need to restore the device to the factory settings. Many routers have a hardware reset button to do this, or some allow you to "flash" the bios which effectively resets everything.

You want to enable WEP/WAP/xxx whatever your router has available. You can additionally turn off the SID broadcast, but that only helps a tiny bit. You can enable MAC filtering where the router only allows connections from specific hardware addresses. You can then also turn off DHCP and allocate a specific IP address to each machine. Change the IP address of the device to 192.168.x.x rather than 192.168.0.1 (or whatever is the default.)

Your router's manual should provide alot of this info.

Answer 2

You need to create a wep key for it. WEP stands for wireless encryption protocol it encrypts your wireless connection so you need the wep key (password) to access your network. Go to your routers setting and activate wep encryption then click wep key settings create a key then apply the settings. Go to the windows wireless network setup wizard (under network and Internet connections) then enter your wep key when prompted. Do the same on your roomates machine and your all set!

Answer 3

put a wep key on it, which is a simple password that you need to know to use the internet. I believe you need to use his, but i'm not sure.

Answer 4

Check here on how to secure wireless network:

http://www.home-network-help.com/wireless-network-security.html

Don't use WEP/WPA encryption, they are not secure anymore...

Hope helps..

:o)
picoHat

Answer 5

I suggest you use a hub or router