Questions on Wireless Networking

Patricio Elicer · 16th August 2006, 11:50 AM

First of all, my apologies if the subject has been already addressed, I don't visit this forum often.

I purchased this wireless router with the purpose of setting up a home wireless network. The whole thing is simple: I have a wired desktop computer and a wireless laptop one.

Questions are (answers for a dummy, please!):

1) How can I set up a password to the network to prevent bandwidth theft?. Does it have to do with Windows OS or with the router set up program?.

2) If I leave my network password-unprotected, is it possible that others (neighbours) see what I'm typing on a given moment and/or steal info from my hard drives?.

Thanks in advance!

PS
I know the answers are somewhere on manuals and on the internet, but I don't have the time/patience to go through convoluted explanations.

jmercer · 16th August 2006, 12:12 PM

Difficult to answer as worded - all wireless adapters and routers support encryption (WEP), but that's so weak it's not really worth the effort. Can you give explicit information about the PC and router?

Smike · 16th August 2006, 12:39 PM

I think I have the same router as you.

How far have you got? Is it wired up yet? Is is connected to teh internet? Is it supposed to be?

The instructions aren't too complicated, IIRC.

Originally Posted by Patricio Elicer

1) How can I set up a password to the network to prevent bandwidth theft?. Does it have to do with Windows OS or with the router set up program?.

Both...

It is well worth encrypting your network, especially if it is to be connected to the 'net. I personally use WEP.

Patricio Elicer · 16th August 2006, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by jmercer

Difficult to answer as worded - ...

Yeah, it's quite possible that it is not worded properly, but I think it has nothing to do with encryption.

Let me give you an example: my laptop computer, equipped with a wireless internet card, tells me that there is a wireless network available nearby (my neighbour's), but when attempting to connect it will ask me for a password.

So my basic question is: how can I set up a password-protected network, same as my neighbour's?

Thanks for your reply, BTW

.

Apollyon · 16th August 2006, 12:46 PM

I've set up this same router for my next-door neighbor. btw, I hate D-Link's router configuration interface. I find it most un-user friendly.

Anyway, to help prevent bandwidth theft, set up WPA and make sure you disable SSID broadcasting. Also limit wireless access to specific computers by MAC ID. That will stop everyone except the most determined from jumping on your network.

You will have to configure both the router and your computer for WPA and you'll need to obtain the MAC ID from the laptop so you can enter that information into the router.

Knowing the quirks of this particular router, you'll also want to ensure that you have the latest firmware update prior to configuring it. Previous firmware had a penchant for screwing up DHCP.

If you want your network to be secure, there is no fast and easy setup method. You should read the manual and do some research on configuring a wireless network. If you don't have that patience, PM me with any questions you might have and I'll help out where I can.

Patricio Elicer · 16th August 2006, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by Smike

How far have you got?

It's inside my flat, no more than 10 meters away from every spot within.

Quote:

Is it wired up yet? Is is connected to teh internet? Is it supposed to be?

Yes to all.

Quote:

It is well worth encrypting your network, especially if it is to be connected to the 'net. I personally use WEP.

All I'm interested in for the moment is to prevent bandwidth theft, but I can't seem to understand how to set up a password for my network.

Thanks for your help!

Patricio Elicer · 16th August 2006, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by Apollyon

I've set up this same router for my next-door neighbor. btw, I hate D-Link's router configuration interface. I find it most un-user friendly.

Anyway, to help prevent bandwidth theft, set up WPA and make sure you disable SSID broadcasting. Also limit wireless access to specific computers by MAC ID. That will stop everyone except the most determined from jumping on your network.

You will have to configure both the router and your computer for WPA and you'll need to obtain the MAC ID from the laptop so you can enter that information into the router.

Knowing the quirks of this particular router, you'll also want to ensure that you have the latest firmware update prior to configuring it. Previous firmware had a penchant for screwing up DHCP.

If you want your network to be secure, there is no fast and easy setup method. You should read the manual and do some research on configuring a wireless network. If you don't have that patience, PM me with any questions you might have and I'll help out where I can.

Thanks for your help. I'll need to give it a thought.

Apollyon · 16th August 2006, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by Patricio Elicer

Thanks for your help. I'll need to give it a thought.

If you want to do it the easy way and keep the vast majority of people from stealing bandwidth, simply disable SSID broadcasting. That will prevent the router from making your network visible to anyone within the reception area. Also, with that particular D-Link model, you can reduce the signal output. On the router configuration page, click on the Performance button/Advanced tab. At the very bottom there's a drop-down list for "Antenna transmit power." The default is 100% but you can reduce to a significantly lower power so the broadcast range doesn't go much beyond the walls of your flat.

Starthinker · 16th August 2006, 01:44 PM

Not sure about D-Links, but most routers have an access list. Just add your two computers to the access list and no other devices can connect to it.

Smike · 16th August 2006, 01:47 PM

I will assume your router is exactly the same as mine.

Do you know your router's IP address?

If not, it's porbably 192.168.1.1 (as mine is). Go there. You should get a login. Do so (password & username is probably "admin" unless you've changed it). Click "setup" tab. Click "wireless". Under "security" select either WEP or WPA. Enter an encryption key (in Hex) and remember it/record in a safe place.

Think of a nice name for your network, and enter it under "SSID".

Boot up laptop. When you try to connect to your network, it should ask for your key.

You can also play around with various other settings on the router from this.

Hope this helps.

If the passwords/IP don't work, read your manual...

ETA: while you're in there, change the password for the router, by clicking on tools>user management.

gnome · 16th August 2006, 03:37 PM

I have been told that it is a relatively simple matter to determine an SSID even if it is "blocked". I wonder if it is worth the loss of convenience of automatically detecting the network as you set it up; since it adds little marginal security.

Remember that MAC addresses can be spoofed, and so if you use that method you'll want to (as Smike said) make sure your configuration is password protected also. (or, conveniently, most will let you simply require that a computer be wired into the router to change or view the configuration--useful if you have no intention of remotely controlling your router.)

WPA/TKIP is decent security and will be the major thing keeping people off your network. Choose a password that nobody is likely to guess, mix it up with capital & small letters, and throw in a number or two...

Apollyon · 16th August 2006, 03:53 PM

If someone is smart enough to sniff your wireless packets and determine your SSID after its disabled, it's unlikely any defense is going to protect your wireless network, even WPA and MAC address access lists.

gnome · 16th August 2006, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by Apollyon

If someone is smart enough to sniff your wireless packets and determine your SSID after its disabled, it's unlikely any defense is going to protect your wireless network, even WPA and MAC address access lists.

The article I read indicated that it was far simpler to determine an un-broadcast SSID than to break WPA. I wish I could find it again.

Apollyon · 16th August 2006, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by gnome

The article I read indicated that it was far simpler to determine an un-broadcast SSID than to break WPA. I wish I could find it again.

It is easier. My point, which I should have stated more clearly, was that if someone has bothered to learn how to sniff local wireless network packets for SSIDs they likely know how to break encryption as well.

I shouldn't have used the word "smart" earlier either as a person doesn't have to be particularly smart to learn those things.

Patricio Elicer · 16th August 2006, 07:29 PM

After a few set-backs I got the thing to work. I appreciate your help, folks. It was very useful.

Apollyon,

There's no "Performance" tab on the router configuration page. There's the "Advanced" tab, but no mention of the SSID in there.

Smike,

Your directions were spot-on. Now my laptop shows a padlock icon on the "View Wireless Networks" section, and it says "security-enabled wireless network". I was asked to enter the password (and retype it) only on the first reboot. I figure the password is "remembered" by the laptop so I don't have to type it everytime I turn it on.

Quote:

ETA: while you're in there, change the password for the router, by clicking on tools>user management.

What's the purpose of this password?, I guess it is just for internal network management?.

Apollyon · 16th August 2006, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Patricio Elicer

After a few set-backs I got the thing to work. I appreciate your help, folks. It was very useful.

Apollyon,

There's no "Performance" tab on the router configuration page. There's the "Advanced" tab, but no mention of the SSID in there.

Unless the interface has changed, there should be a Performance button on the left of the application window, the lowest one on the left side. Clicking on that button should bring up an Advanced tab, though you may have to click on the Advanced tab to make it the active tab.

On that tab is the setting used to adjust the output strength of your antenna. You can limit the signal propagation so it doesn't leak too far past you flat walls. If you're good enough friends with your neighbors, maybe they'll allow you to test out the best setting so you get a decent signal in your flat but your neighbors don't get a signal in theirs? The best wireless security is preventing others from intercepting your signal in the first place.

Starthinker · 16th August 2006, 08:41 PM

Originally Posted by Apollyon

It is easier. My point, which I should have stated more clearly, was that if someone has bothered to learn how to sniff local wireless network packets for SSIDs they likely know how to break encryption as well.

I shouldn't have used the word "smart" earlier either as a person doesn't have to be particularly smart to learn those things.

I'd like to add, if someone is THAT desperate for a wireless network they will just move on to an easier one. Unless they are specifically after data on your network they won't stick around too long to keep trying, there is, unfortunately, no shortage of unsecured wireless networks to hook up to.

Patricio Elicer · 16th August 2006, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by Apollyon

Unless the interface has changed, there should be a Performance button on the left of the application window, the lowest one on the left side. Clicking on that button should bring up an Advanced tab, though you may have to click on the Advanced tab to make it the active tab.

Ah, you are right. But the sequence for me is Advanced ---> Performance, then I get "enable-disable" option for SSID. Maybe I misunderstood your original message.

Quote:

On that tab is the setting used to adjust the output strength of your antenna. You can limit the signal propagation so it doesn't leak too far past you flat walls.

I have the following adjustable parameters: Beacon Interval, RTS Threshold, Fragmentation, DTIM Interval, TX Rates. Which one is for adjusting the antenna output strength?

Quote:

If you're good enough friends with your neighbors, maybe they'll allow you to test out the best setting so you get a decent signal in your flat but your neighbors don't get a signal in theirs?

Good idea, I'll try to do such test.

Apollyon · 17th August 2006, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Patricio Elicer

Ah, you are right. But the sequence for me is Advanced ---> Performance, then I get "enable-disable" option for SSID. Maybe I misunderstood your original message.I have the following adjustable parameters: Beacon Interval, RTS Threshold, Fragmentation, DTIM Interval, TX Rates. Which one is for adjusting the antenna output strength?Good idea, I'll try to do such test.

Sorry about that. I recalled the sequence incorrectly. It is the Advanced tab then the Performance button.

They might have changed some of the interface around. From what I remember Advanced-->Performance had a drop-down list box at the very bottom named "Antenna transmit power" and the default is 100%. Maybe they don't have that setting on yours or it's under Tools instead?

I did a search and found an online guide that talks about that setting:

http://www.speedguide.net/read_reviews.php?id=1628

http://www.speedguide.net/showpic.ph...erformance.jpg

Your hardware revision might not permit you to adjust the signal strength. What router revision do you have? There are about 5 hardware revisions of this model. The revision designation is listed on a label on the bottom of the router. It will be something like "H/W Ver.: C1" if you have a C1 revision router.

The SSID Broadcast setting used to be under Home-->Wireless. Is it somewhere else on yours? For now you should leave it enabled until everything else is properly configured to your liking. Once you've got the rest configured, change the SSID on the router (and disable the broadcast) and change network name accordingly the wireless configuration in Windows, just in case anyone picked up your SSID before you disabled it.

Apollyon · 17th August 2006, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by Starthinker

I'd like to add, if someone is THAT desperate for a wireless network they will just move on to an easier one. Unless they are specifically after data on your network they won't stick around too long to keep trying, there is, unfortunately, no shortage of unsecured wireless networks to hook up to.

Good point.

Patricio Elicer · 17th August 2006, 07:35 AM

Originally Posted by Apollyon

They might have changed some of the interface around. From what I remember Advanced-->Performance had a drop-down list box at the very bottom named "Antenna transmit power" and the default is 100%. Maybe they don't have that setting on yours or it's under Tools instead?

I did a search and found an online guide that talks about that setting:

http://www.speedguide.net/read_reviews.php?id=1628

http://www.speedguide.net/showpic.ph...erformance.jpg

I did a comprehensive search on the configuration site, and there's no "Antenna Transmit Power" option. Odd, because I get exactly the same screen (well, almost) as in your second link, but with the exception of the said option.

Quote:

Your hardware revision might not permit you to adjust the signal strength. What router revision do you have? There are about 5 hardware revisions of this model. The revision designation is listed on a label on the bottom of the router. It will be something like "H/W Ver.: C1" if you have a C1 revision router.

It is "H/W Ver.: B4". It also says "F/W Ver.: 2.03". Yes, seems my revision does not permit adjusting signal strenght. No big deal anyway.

Quote:

The SSID Broadcast setting used to be under Home-->Wireless. Is it somewhere else on yours? For now you should leave it enabled until everything else is properly configured to your liking. Once you've got the rest configured, change the SSID on the router (and disable the broadcast) and change network name accordingly the wireless configuration in Windows, just in case anyone picked up your SSID before you disabled it.

The SSID broadcast setting is under Advanced --- Performance.

Many thanks for your tips

Apollyon · 17th August 2006, 08:24 AM

Bummer that yours doesn't permit adjustment of signal strength. That's a handy little tool to have.

The F/W Ver.: 2.03 is the firmware version that shipped with the device. Under Tools there should be an option that checks for firmware updates. You might want to see if there's a firmware update available for your hardware version and do the update. A firmware update may enable the signal strength setting, but there are no guarantees. Regardless, it doesn't hurt to update the firmware to the latest available.

richardm · 17th August 2006, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by Patricio Elicer

What's the purpose of this password?, I guess it is just for internal network management?.

Yes.
It means that the only people who can change your router settings are the ones who know the password. It also means that no external person can nip onto your router and set the password "on your behalf"

Piscivore · 9th November 2006, 01:46 PM

I don't have a wireless router yet, but I'm looking into getting one soon. Opinions?

Soapy Sam · 10th November 2006, 08:36 AM

I have a Linksys54G no problems. It has a web configuration set up similar to that described here.

asthmatic camel · 11th November 2006, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by Piscivore

I don't have a wireless router yet, but I'm looking into getting one soon. Opinions?

Avoid Belkin kit; I've had three wireless routers fail.

Gilmar · 11th November 2006, 10:11 PM

My Linksys WRT54G has also given me no problems for the several years I've had it.

D2011 · 12th November 2006, 03:14 AM

Quote:

I have a Linksys54G no problems. It has a web configuration set up similar to that described here.

Quote:

My Linksys WRT54G has also given me no problems for the several years I've had it.

I have done this for a living for the past 8 years Server/Network/Home Office/WAN & LAN support & wont use anything less than the above products. Plus they are Cisco approved which is pretty sweet.

Dlink,Netgear,Belkin seem to work for some people ok, but their processing power & throughput is not as good as Linksys products. We never get callbacks or callouts for Linksys. They are set & forget products.

Regarding wireless security. If you are going to choose SSID or WEP & no MAC filtering. Turn off "File & Printer Sharing" & have a software FW as well.

D2011

16th August 2006, 11:50 AM	#1
Patricio Elicer Obsessed with Reality Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 4,350	Questions on Wireless Networking First of all, my apologies if the subject has been already addressed, I don't visit this forum often. I purchased this wireless router with the purpose of setting up a home wireless network. The whole thing is simple: I have a wired desktop computer and a wireless laptop one. Questions are (answers for a dummy, please!): 1) How can I set up a password to the network to prevent bandwidth theft?. Does it have to do with Windows OS or with the router set up program?. 2) If I leave my network password-unprotected, is it possible that others (neighbours) see what I'm typing on a given moment and/or steal info from my hard drives?. Thanks in advance! PS I know the answers are somewhere on manuals and on the internet, but I don't have the time/patience to go through convoluted explanations.
	__________________ "Well, I've never discussed it before on the forum, but, Patricio, you're the real reason I didn't show up at TAM I. Once I found out you were going, I cancelled all my plans, knowing that you would likely hunt me down and ask me questions about English language usage. I finally decided that I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of your questions ..." - Mr. Skinny on 5th April 2007. Last edited by Patricio Elicer; 16th August 2006 at 11:55 AM.

16th August 2006, 12:12 PM	#2
jmercer Question Everything Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Facing the unfaceable Posts: 12,259	Difficult to answer as worded - all wireless adapters and routers support encryption (WEP), but that's so weak it's not really worth the effort. Can you give explicit information about the PC and router?
	__________________ "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke, British Statesman and Philosopher, 1729-1797 "Cheeky Monkey!" - Chillzero "Daft Sausage!" - Tkingdoll "Context is everything, and sophistry will not protect you." - chillzero

16th August 2006, 12:39 PM	#3
Smike Innocent bystander Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: UK Posts: 2,111	I think I have the same router as you. How far have you got? Is it wired up yet? Is is connected to teh internet? Is it supposed to be? The instructions aren't too complicated, IIRC. Originally Posted by Patricio Elicer 1) How can I set up a password to the network to prevent bandwidth theft?. Does it have to do with Windows OS or with the router set up program?. Both... It is well worth encrypting your network, especially if it is to be connected to the 'net. I personally use WEP.
	__________________ 'As notable chicken superior court judge Sir Peckpeck Eatsbugs-Smythe once said, "the only thing we have to fear is space lizards with atom ray guns from beyond the moon." As true today as when it was said.' - TragicMonkey

16th August 2006, 12:45 PM	#4
Patricio Elicer Obsessed with Reality Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 4,350	Originally Posted by jmercer Difficult to answer as worded - ... Yeah, it's quite possible that it is not worded properly, but I think it has nothing to do with encryption. Let me give you an example: my laptop computer, equipped with a wireless internet card, tells me that there is a wireless network available nearby (my neighbour's), but when attempting to connect it will ask me for a password. So my basic question is: how can I set up a password-protected network, same as my neighbour's? Thanks for your reply, BTW .
	__________________ "Well, I've never discussed it before on the forum, but, Patricio, you're the real reason I didn't show up at TAM I. Once I found out you were going, I cancelled all my plans, knowing that you would likely hunt me down and ask me questions about English language usage. I finally decided that I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of your questions ..." - Mr. Skinny on 5th April 2007.

16th August 2006, 12:54 PM	#6
Patricio Elicer Obsessed with Reality Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 4,350	Originally Posted by Smike How far have you got? It's inside my flat, no more than 10 meters away from every spot within. Quote: Is it wired up yet? Is is connected to teh internet? Is it supposed to be? Yes to all. Quote: It is well worth encrypting your network, especially if it is to be connected to the 'net. I personally use WEP. All I'm interested in for the moment is to prevent bandwidth theft, but I can't seem to understand how to set up a password for my network. Thanks for your help!
	__________________ "Well, I've never discussed it before on the forum, but, Patricio, you're the real reason I didn't show up at TAM I. Once I found out you were going, I cancelled all my plans, knowing that you would likely hunt me down and ask me questions about English language usage. I finally decided that I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of your questions ..." - Mr. Skinny on 5th April 2007.

16th August 2006, 12:46 PM	#5
Apollyon Muse Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 942	I've set up this same router for my next-door neighbor. btw, I hate D-Link's router configuration interface. I find it most un-user friendly. Anyway, to help prevent bandwidth theft, set up WPA and make sure you disable SSID broadcasting. Also limit wireless access to specific computers by MAC ID. That will stop everyone except the most determined from jumping on your network. You will have to configure both the router and your computer for WPA and you'll need to obtain the MAC ID from the laptop so you can enter that information into the router. Knowing the quirks of this particular router, you'll also want to ensure that you have the latest firmware update prior to configuring it. Previous firmware had a penchant for screwing up DHCP. If you want your network to be secure, there is no fast and easy setup method. You should read the manual and do some research on configuring a wireless network. If you don't have that patience, PM me with any questions you might have and I'll help out where I can.

16th August 2006, 01:11 PM	#7
Patricio Elicer Obsessed with Reality Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 4,350	Originally Posted by Apollyon I've set up this same router for my next-door neighbor. btw, I hate D-Link's router configuration interface. I find it most un-user friendly. Anyway, to help prevent bandwidth theft, set up WPA and make sure you disable SSID broadcasting. Also limit wireless access to specific computers by MAC ID. That will stop everyone except the most determined from jumping on your network. You will have to configure both the router and your computer for WPA and you'll need to obtain the MAC ID from the laptop so you can enter that information into the router. Knowing the quirks of this particular router, you'll also want to ensure that you have the latest firmware update prior to configuring it. Previous firmware had a penchant for screwing up DHCP. If you want your network to be secure, there is no fast and easy setup method. You should read the manual and do some research on configuring a wireless network. If you don't have that patience, PM me with any questions you might have and I'll help out where I can. Thanks for your help. I'll need to give it a thought.
	__________________ "Well, I've never discussed it before on the forum, but, Patricio, you're the real reason I didn't show up at TAM I. Once I found out you were going, I cancelled all my plans, knowing that you would likely hunt me down and ask me questions about English language usage. I finally decided that I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of your questions ..." - Mr. Skinny on 5th April 2007.

16th August 2006, 01:21 PM	#8
Apollyon Muse Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 942	Originally Posted by Patricio Elicer Thanks for your help. I'll need to give it a thought. If you want to do it the easy way and keep the vast majority of people from stealing bandwidth, simply disable SSID broadcasting. That will prevent the router from making your network visible to anyone within the reception area. Also, with that particular D-Link model, you can reduce the signal output. On the router configuration page, click on the Performance button/Advanced tab. At the very bottom there's a drop-down list for "Antenna transmit power." The default is 100% but you can reduce to a significantly lower power so the broadcast range doesn't go much beyond the walls of your flat.
	Last edited by Apollyon; 16th August 2006 at 01:31 PM. Reason: added "Advanced Tab" for clarification

16th August 2006, 01:44 PM	#9
Starthinker Philosopher Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 5,014	Not sure about D-Links, but most routers have an access list. Just add your two computers to the access list and no other devices can connect to it.
	__________________ \|¦¦\|¦ \|¦\|\|\|\|¦\|\|\|¦\|\|¦¦\|¦\|\|\|\|\|\|\|¦\|¦¦¦¦\|¦¦¦¦\|\|¦\|¦\|¦¦\|¦ \|¦¦\|¦ He who doubts victory has already lost the battle. Below the navel there is neither religion nor truth.

16th August 2006, 01:47 PM	#10
Smike Innocent bystander Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: UK Posts: 2,111	I will assume your router is exactly the same as mine. Do you know your router's IP address? If not, it's porbably 192.168.1.1 (as mine is). Go there. You should get a login. Do so (password & username is probably "admin" unless you've changed it). Click "setup" tab. Click "wireless". Under "security" select either WEP or WPA. Enter an encryption key (in Hex) and remember it/record in a safe place. Think of a nice name for your network, and enter it under "SSID". Boot up laptop. When you try to connect to your network, it should ask for your key. You can also play around with various other settings on the router from this. Hope this helps. If the passwords/IP don't work, read your manual... ETA: while you're in there, change the password for the router, by clicking on tools>user management.
	__________________ 'As notable chicken superior court judge Sir Peckpeck Eatsbugs-Smythe once said, "the only thing we have to fear is space lizards with atom ray guns from beyond the moon." As true today as when it was said.' - TragicMonkey Last edited by Smike; 16th August 2006 at 01:51 PM.

16th August 2006, 03:37 PM	#11
gnome Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,869	I have been told that it is a relatively simple matter to determine an SSID even if it is "blocked". I wonder if it is worth the loss of convenience of automatically detecting the network as you set it up; since it adds little marginal security. Remember that MAC addresses can be spoofed, and so if you use that method you'll want to (as Smike said) make sure your configuration is password protected also. (or, conveniently, most will let you simply require that a computer be wired into the router to change or view the configuration--useful if you have no intention of remotely controlling your router.) WPA/TKIP is decent security and will be the major thing keeping people off your network. Choose a password that nobody is likely to guess, mix it up with capital & small letters, and throw in a number or two...
gnome Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,869	__________________

16th August 2006, 03:53 PM	#12
Apollyon Muse Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 942	If someone is smart enough to sniff your wireless packets and determine your SSID after its disabled, it's unlikely any defense is going to protect your wireless network, even WPA and MAC address access lists.
	Last edited by Apollyon; 16th August 2006 at 03:57 PM.

16th August 2006, 04:50 PM	#13
gnome Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,869	Originally Posted by Apollyon If someone is smart enough to sniff your wireless packets and determine your SSID after its disabled, it's unlikely any defense is going to protect your wireless network, even WPA and MAC address access lists. The article I read indicated that it was far simpler to determine an un-broadcast SSID than to break WPA. I wish I could find it again.
gnome Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,869	__________________

16th August 2006, 05:16 PM	#14
Apollyon Muse Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 942	Originally Posted by gnome The article I read indicated that it was far simpler to determine an un-broadcast SSID than to break WPA. I wish I could find it again. It is easier. My point, which I should have stated more clearly, was that if someone has bothered to learn how to sniff local wireless network packets for SSIDs they likely know how to break encryption as well. I shouldn't have used the word "smart" earlier either as a person doesn't have to be particularly smart to learn those things.

16th August 2006, 07:29 PM	#15
Patricio Elicer Obsessed with Reality Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 4,350	After a few set-backs I got the thing to work. I appreciate your help, folks. It was very useful. Apollyon, There's no "Performance" tab on the router configuration page. There's the "Advanced" tab, but no mention of the SSID in there. Smike, Your directions were spot-on. Now my laptop shows a padlock icon on the "View Wireless Networks" section, and it says "security-enabled wireless network". I was asked to enter the password (and retype it) only on the first reboot. I figure the password is "remembered" by the laptop so I don't have to type it everytime I turn it on. Quote: ETA: while you're in there, change the password for the router, by clicking on tools>user management. What's the purpose of this password?, I guess it is just for internal network management?.
	__________________ "Well, I've never discussed it before on the forum, but, Patricio, you're the real reason I didn't show up at TAM I. Once I found out you were going, I cancelled all my plans, knowing that you would likely hunt me down and ask me questions about English language usage. I finally decided that I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of your questions ..." - Mr. Skinny on 5th April 2007.

16th August 2006, 07:49 PM	#16
Apollyon Muse Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 942	Originally Posted by Patricio Elicer After a few set-backs I got the thing to work. I appreciate your help, folks. It was very useful. Apollyon, There's no "Performance" tab on the router configuration page. There's the "Advanced" tab, but no mention of the SSID in there. Unless the interface has changed, there should be a Performance button on the left of the application window, the lowest one on the left side. Clicking on that button should bring up an Advanced tab, though you may have to click on the Advanced tab to make it the active tab. On that tab is the setting used to adjust the output strength of your antenna. You can limit the signal propagation so it doesn't leak too far past you flat walls. If you're good enough friends with your neighbors, maybe they'll allow you to test out the best setting so you get a decent signal in your flat but your neighbors don't get a signal in theirs? The best wireless security is preventing others from intercepting your signal in the first place.

16th August 2006, 08:41 PM	#17
Starthinker Philosopher Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 5,014	Originally Posted by Apollyon It is easier. My point, which I should have stated more clearly, was that if someone has bothered to learn how to sniff local wireless network packets for SSIDs they likely know how to break encryption as well. I shouldn't have used the word "smart" earlier either as a person doesn't have to be particularly smart to learn those things. I'd like to add, if someone is THAT desperate for a wireless network they will just move on to an easier one. Unless they are specifically after data on your network they won't stick around too long to keep trying, there is, unfortunately, no shortage of unsecured wireless networks to hook up to.
	__________________ \|¦¦\|¦ \|¦\|\|\|\|¦\|\|\|¦\|\|¦¦\|¦\|\|\|\|\|\|\|¦\|¦¦¦¦\|¦¦¦¦\|\|¦\|¦\|¦¦\|¦ \|¦¦\|¦ He who doubts victory has already lost the battle. Below the navel there is neither religion nor truth.

16th August 2006, 09:55 PM	#18
Patricio Elicer Obsessed with Reality Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 4,350	Originally Posted by Apollyon Unless the interface has changed, there should be a Performance button on the left of the application window, the lowest one on the left side. Clicking on that button should bring up an Advanced tab, though you may have to click on the Advanced tab to make it the active tab. Ah, you are right. But the sequence for me is Advanced ---> Performance, then I get "enable-disable" option for SSID. Maybe I misunderstood your original message. Quote: On that tab is the setting used to adjust the output strength of your antenna. You can limit the signal propagation so it doesn't leak too far past you flat walls. I have the following adjustable parameters: Beacon Interval, RTS Threshold, Fragmentation, DTIM Interval, TX Rates. Which one is for adjusting the antenna output strength? Quote: If you're good enough friends with your neighbors, maybe they'll allow you to test out the best setting so you get a decent signal in your flat but your neighbors don't get a signal in theirs? Good idea, I'll try to do such test.
	__________________ "Well, I've never discussed it before on the forum, but, Patricio, you're the real reason I didn't show up at TAM I. Once I found out you were going, I cancelled all my plans, knowing that you would likely hunt me down and ask me questions about English language usage. I finally decided that I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of your questions ..." - Mr. Skinny on 5th April 2007.

17th August 2006, 06:42 AM	#19
Apollyon Muse Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 942	Originally Posted by Patricio Elicer Ah, you are right. But the sequence for me is Advanced ---> Performance, then I get "enable-disable" option for SSID. Maybe I misunderstood your original message.I have the following adjustable parameters: Beacon Interval, RTS Threshold, Fragmentation, DTIM Interval, TX Rates. Which one is for adjusting the antenna output strength?Good idea, I'll try to do such test. Sorry about that. I recalled the sequence incorrectly. It is the Advanced tab then the Performance button. They might have changed some of the interface around. From what I remember Advanced-->Performance had a drop-down list box at the very bottom named "Antenna transmit power" and the default is 100%. Maybe they don't have that setting on yours or it's under Tools instead? I did a search and found an online guide that talks about that setting: http://www.speedguide.net/read_reviews.php?id=1628 http://www.speedguide.net/showpic.ph...erformance.jpg Your hardware revision might not permit you to adjust the signal strength. What router revision do you have? There are about 5 hardware revisions of this model. The revision designation is listed on a label on the bottom of the router. It will be something like "H/W Ver.: C1" if you have a C1 revision router. The SSID Broadcast setting used to be under Home-->Wireless. Is it somewhere else on yours? For now you should leave it enabled until everything else is properly configured to your liking. Once you've got the rest configured, change the SSID on the router (and disable the broadcast) and change network name accordingly the wireless configuration in Windows, just in case anyone picked up your SSID before you disabled it.

17th August 2006, 06:45 AM	#20
Apollyon Muse Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 942	Originally Posted by Starthinker I'd like to add, if someone is THAT desperate for a wireless network they will just move on to an easier one. Unless they are specifically after data on your network they won't stick around too long to keep trying, there is, unfortunately, no shortage of unsecured wireless networks to hook up to. Good point.

17th August 2006, 07:35 AM	#21
Patricio Elicer Obsessed with Reality Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 4,350	Originally Posted by Apollyon They might have changed some of the interface around. From what I remember Advanced-->Performance had a drop-down list box at the very bottom named "Antenna transmit power" and the default is 100%. Maybe they don't have that setting on yours or it's under Tools instead? I did a search and found an online guide that talks about that setting: http://www.speedguide.net/read_reviews.php?id=1628 http://www.speedguide.net/showpic.ph...erformance.jpg I did a comprehensive search on the configuration site, and there's no "Antenna Transmit Power" option. Odd, because I get exactly the same screen (well, almost) as in your second link, but with the exception of the said option. Quote: Your hardware revision might not permit you to adjust the signal strength. What router revision do you have? There are about 5 hardware revisions of this model. The revision designation is listed on a label on the bottom of the router. It will be something like "H/W Ver.: C1" if you have a C1 revision router. It is "H/W Ver.: B4". It also says "F/W Ver.: 2.03". Yes, seems my revision does not permit adjusting signal strenght. No big deal anyway. Quote: The SSID Broadcast setting used to be under Home-->Wireless. Is it somewhere else on yours? For now you should leave it enabled until everything else is properly configured to your liking. Once you've got the rest configured, change the SSID on the router (and disable the broadcast) and change network name accordingly the wireless configuration in Windows, just in case anyone picked up your SSID before you disabled it. The SSID broadcast setting is under Advanced --- Performance. Many thanks for your tips
	__________________ "Well, I've never discussed it before on the forum, but, Patricio, you're the real reason I didn't show up at TAM I. Once I found out you were going, I cancelled all my plans, knowing that you would likely hunt me down and ask me questions about English language usage. I finally decided that I wouldn't be able to handle the pressure of your questions ..." - Mr. Skinny on 5th April 2007. Last edited by Patricio Elicer; 17th August 2006 at 07:41 AM.

17th August 2006, 08:24 AM	#22
Apollyon Muse Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orlando Posts: 942	Bummer that yours doesn't permit adjustment of signal strength. That's a handy little tool to have. The F/W Ver.: 2.03 is the firmware version that shipped with the device. Under Tools there should be an option that checks for firmware updates. You might want to see if there's a firmware update available for your hardware version and do the update. A firmware update may enable the signal strength setting, but there are no guarantees. Regardless, it doesn't hurt to update the firmware to the latest available.

17th August 2006, 08:42 AM	#23
richardm Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,270	Originally Posted by Patricio Elicer What's the purpose of this password?, I guess it is just for internal network management?. Yes. It means that the only people who can change your router settings are the ones who know the password. It also means that no external person can nip onto your router and set the password "on your behalf"
richardm Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 9,270	__________________ Rimmer: Look at her! Magnificent woman! Very prim, very proper, almost austere. Some people took her for cold, thought she was aloof. Not a bit of it. She just despised fools. Quite tragic, really, because otherwise I think we'd have got on famously.

9th November 2006, 01:46 PM	#24
Piscivore Smelling fishy Join Date: May 2004 Location: Home is wherever I'm with you Posts: 26,461	I don't have a wireless router yet, but I'm looking into getting one soon. Opinions?
	__________________ It's always been Wankershim. "...untrustworthy obnoxious twerp." - CFLarsen

10th November 2006, 08:36 AM	#25
Soapy Sam NLH Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 25,885	I have a Linksys54G no problems. It has a web configuration set up similar to that described here.
Soapy Sam NLH Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 25,885

11th November 2006, 09:57 AM	#26
asthmatic camel ignoramus Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 4,540	Originally Posted by Piscivore I don't have a wireless router yet, but I'm looking into getting one soon. Opinions? Avoid Belkin kit; I've had three wireless routers fail.
	__________________ www.stopsylvia.com

11th November 2006, 10:11 PM	#27
Gilmar Muse Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: From the desert to the sea. Posts: 564	My Linksys WRT54G has also given me no problems for the several years I've had it.

12th November 2006, 03:14 AM	#28
D2011 Scholar Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 105	Quote: I have a Linksys54G no problems. It has a web configuration set up similar to that described here. Quote: My Linksys WRT54G has also given me no problems for the several years I've had it. I have done this for a living for the past 8 years Server/Network/Home Office/WAN & LAN support & wont use anything less than the above products. Plus they are Cisco approved which is pretty sweet. Dlink,Netgear,Belkin seem to work for some people ok, but their processing power & throughput is not as good as Linksys products. We never get callbacks or callouts for Linksys. They are set & forget products. Regarding wireless security. If you are going to choose SSID or WEP & no MAC filtering. Turn off "File & Printer Sharing" & have a software FW as well. D2011
D2011 Scholar Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 105