Home Wireless Networks

[jay]

I've had a wireless home network for almost two years now, ever since I got DSL service and switched from the dark side back to a Mac (but the switcher story is in a different thread, N_Jay ). I originally had an Airport (snow for you maccies) router, and very easily set up a password protected network. I recently got new macs, and got an Airport Extreme, mainly because of the increased "security" vs. the old Airport.

So what's the point of this thread. Protection. Passwords. At least three of my neighbors now have wireless networks. Rebel Walk Drive is the street behind my house, and I can see a network named "Rebel Walk Users." It's password protected.

In the last two days, I've been able to see two more networks, one named "default." Duh, but at least it's password protected. And I can see one named "linksys." Wonder what kind of router it is? And guess what, it's not password protected. I can switch from my network to that network with two mouse clicks. I did it today, no problem. Pretty fast downloads from that network, too.

Take a little bit of time and figure out how to set up a network where someone has to enter a password to "join" it. It's not that hard to do, and it's the least you can do. Otherwise, who know's who's accessing your network, service provider, and who knows what else.

[LChisum]

Originally posted by jay
Take a little bit of time and figure out how to set up a network where someone has to enter a password to "join" it. It's not that hard to do, and it's the least you can do. Otherwise, who know's who's accessing your network, service provider, and who knows what else.

You should also use WEP encryption, preferably "strong", 128 bit. It will take the most dedicated hacker quite a while to decipher this level of encryption.

Larry

[jay]

Originally posted by LChisum
You should also use WEP encryption, preferably "strong", 128 bit. It will take the most dedicated hacker quite a while to decipher this level of encryption.

Larry

That's why I went from an Airport (40-bit encryption) to an Airport Extreme (128-bit encryption).

[tim.s]

Two things I did with my wireless router:

1) turn on the 128 bit encryption key
2) disabled the network name broadcast

The first is obvious, but the second is even better. If you are not broadcasting the network name, none of your neighbors will even see your network.

When you set up the connection on the individual computers, you need the encryption key and the network name to connect the first time - adds a extra level of security.

[CincyDiver]

With my neighbors when I changed wireless routers. I'm not sure where they were located but I can narrow it down to six or seven houses.

I have the 128 bit encryption enabled on mine. I'll have to see if I can turn off the network broadcast.

[guitarman]

Well, you guys scared me, so I just enabled the WEP encryption for my home network. Now, how do I turn off the network broadcast? Also, should I change my SSID and channel?

[sfhondapilot]

Originally posted by guitarman
Well, you guys scared me, so I just enabled the WEP encryption for my home network. Now, how do I turn off the network broadcast? Also, should I change my SSID and channel?

Here's a screen capture of my Linksys router.

You can see how Broadcast SSID is disabled by selecting "NO" on the Broadcast SSID to associate option.

[sfhondapilot]

Originally posted by jay



In the last two days, I've been able to see two more networks, one named "default." Duh, but at least it's password protected. And I can see one named "linksys." Wonder what kind of router it is? And guess what, it's not password protected. I can switch from my network to that network with two mouse clicks. I did it today, no problem. Pretty fast downloads from that network, too.

Linksys is the default SSID for the Linksys wireless access point / wireless router.

If it's the wireless router, the url to access the router is 192.168.1.1 and the default password is "admin".

If it's is the wireless access point, the url to access the WAP is 192.168.1.251 and the default password is "admin".

In both cases, leave the user name field blank.

Do your neighbor a favor and disable the SSID broadcast for your neighbor

[jay]

Originally posted by sfhondapilot
...snip
Do your neighbor a favor and disable the SSID broadcast for your neighbor

Don't you have to have the machine that makes changes "wired" to the WAP or router?

EDIT- answered my own question. No. But the username or password or both to 192.168.1.1 were changed. But I can still see and access that network.

[FLPilot]

Speaking of home networks, can anyone recommend a usb access point (I think that is what I need). JAY?

I need it to hookup my new Tivo so that I don't have to keep the phone line tied into the system. Basically I am looking for a good one, but cheap as I have already been spending too much money.


EDIT: What do you think of this one? CLICK HERE

[jay]

Originally posted by FLPilot
Speaking of home networks, can anyone recommend a usb access point (I think that is what I need). JAY?

I need it to hookup my new Tivo so that I don't have to keep the phone line tied into the system. Basically I am looking for a good one, but cheap as I have already been spending too much money.


EDIT: What do you think of this one? CLICK HERE

That one would work. It's a wireless access point, which you would connect to your DSL or cable modem. You also need a USB wireless adapter to plug into the TiVo. The TiVo or Tivo Community Forum will list which brands and versions work with the TiVo. I have the Linksys WUSB11 adapter version 2.6.

If you already have a "wired" router, and the TiVo is near the router, you could connect the TiVo to the router with an ethernet cable.

[FLPilot]

Originally posted by jay
That one would work. It's a wireless access point, which you would connect to your DSL or cable modem. You also need a USB wireless adapter to plug into the TiVo. The TiVo or Tivo Community Forum will list which brands and versions work with the TiVo. I have the Linksys WUSB11 adapter version 2.6.

If you already have a "wired" router, and the TiVo is near the router, you could connect the TiVo to the router with an ethernet cable.

Thanks Jay, that is the one I will go with. I already have a wireless router that i use. I guess I was getting the names mixed up.

[jay]

Originally posted by FLPilot
Thanks Jay, that is the one I will go with. I already have a wireless router that i use. I guess I was getting the names mixed up.

Just be aware that you won't be able to tell if it's version 2.6 until you open the box and look at the bottom of the Linksys WUSB11 USB wireless adapter. It appears that version 2.8 may work, but you have to download some beta software to the TiVo. I don't know any details, but I'm sure they do on the TiVo forum.

[FLPilot]

Originally posted by jay
Just be aware that you won't be able to tell if it's version 2.6 until you open the box and look at the bottom of the Linksys WUSB11 USB wireless adapter. It appears that version 2.8 may work, but you have to download some beta software to the TiVo. I don't know any details, but I'm sure they do on the TiVo forum.

Yeah, I saw something on that forum about the version. I hope I am lucky enough not to get the 2.8 as I would hate having to try to change something in the Tivo. It is amazing what some of those guys on that forum do to their units. Sometimes I don't even understand what they are talking about. I will keep you updated once I buy it.

[ChiefPilot]

Has anyone had any experience with wireless networks and their effect on 2.4 GHz wireless telephones (or vice versa).

I have several 2.4 GHz wireless phones (recently purchased) and I have been reluctant to set up a wireless network due to the reported conflicts between the two devices. Is this really a problem or can one live with the interference?

Thanks for any advice you can provide. Happy New Year!