Securing wireless networks - Small and residential settings

Today, in 2008, the UK, broadband penetration is increasing dramatically, and some anecdotal evidence can be obtained from the fact that there is virtually no marketing of the dialup internet connection, substantially all providers of Internet services market only their broadband services. Generally, most ISPs provide the wireless router as standard for all fixed ADSL fixed line broadband. ISPs generally offer slightly different packages to connect to small businesses and these packages often include a matchmaker free wireless. The primary use of wireless routers issued by the ISP is the Internet Connection Sharing. Thus a single broadband connection in a home or office could be shared by multiple computers within the range of the router.

Setup for routers usually offer the services of an automatic setting or driven to take you through the installation process. If you get a package that includes installation by a qualified, then you should opt for the wizard and completely unless you are familiar with network configuration.

WEP key hex: These days, most routers are based on these standards and wi fi routers have WEP encryption. The installation wizard will give you the option of using WEP encryption on most wifi routers. Accept this option and then invent a hexadecimal key according to the instructions of the wizard. In the United Kingdom, most routers support 64-bit hexadecimal key. This requires to carry out a 10-digit number composed of alphabets and numbers, the numbers being from 0 to 9. This input button once you should be writing because you will need to enter this key on all computers that are willing to share their wireless Internet access. The encryption is essentially the password protection for your wireless network. Until you spread the wireless key people that should not have, your wireless network will be firmly defended against casual intruders.

Without a wep protection without any other type of wireless encryption, the wireless network would be secure as a wireless hotspot cafe street, which is open to all computers equipped to use it.

DHCP: Most networks are configured with DHCP server. The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server assigns network addresses to all computers that use a network, and automates what would otherwise be a very complex network established. Most wifi routers are pre-configured to act as a DHCP server by default. The wizard will guide you through router setup and as long as they accept the default settings, the set up should go smoothly. When setting up the computers that will be used to access the Internet through a router, client computers must be set to get their network address from the router.

DHCP greatly simplifies the set up off networks of all sizes, however, also makes it much easier for an intruder is not invited to join your wireless network, especially when the WEP encryption option is not taken. Essentially, any computer that is configured to accept wireless network connections automatically, you may be able to connect to the network. This could potentially give the attacker full access to computer files for each computer on the wireless network.

Manual IP Configuration: Most routers can be configured to use the addresses of the computer or manually assigned IP addresses. These IP addresses are fixed substantially more difficult to configure and is my preferred option for small wireless networks. This is not a viable option unless you have considerable technical knowledge of network configuration. The benefits include the fact that intruders have to work a bit 'harder to penetrate a network. However, a fully guaranteed network is probably a configuration impossible to achieve.

Shared Folders: In a home network, it is unlikely that you will need to have shared folders, so as to ensure that all shared folders are disconnected. In a work environment where shared folders are needed, an authorization system structured will be required to protect files and folders. Unprotected shared folders unwanted intruders can access the network that have the skills to do so. The use of all means of protection folder would discourage all but the most determined intruder. Failure to follow simple safety methods, as this has been known to undermine the security of many networks, both wired and wireless.

Besides I have enough problems already addressed other key things to keep in mind include the need to power cycle the router from time to time. This means turn off the router for 5 minutes. If you find that you are not able to access the Internet, while the router is operating, a power cycle your router often solve the problem, do not call the technical support team.

Wireless routers are based on the technology of radio signal, so just like with TV and radio reception may be bad in some places. Experiment with the position your wireless router to obtain the best results possible. The router will always install a signal strength indicator on the computer desktop.

In summary, the wireless router can be a great joy to use, and to the extent that it is aware of the pitfalls that can be reasonably confident too. Have fun .......