wireless security question
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Posted on Jun 27, 2007 05:23 pm
fortymile
Member Since: Jan 18, 2003
i just got a router to free up my new laptop. i have two questions.
1. what all do i need to do to make sure the network can't be used by anyone but me? i set the router for 128 bit encyption. this is all i did. i can connect to the network. the base pc is hooked into the router with an ethernet cable.
2. when i do a search for other computers on the network (either searching for the laptop from the pc, or the pc from the laptop) neither computer shows up. why? i want to set up file sharing.
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Jun 27, 2007 05:37 pm oh man, this is too confusing. finding another computer looks impossible. too little info. 'public' is somehow safer than 'private' in network settings. no explanation as to how exactly setting vista to 'private' compromises security. and then there are four other possibilities for why it can't see the desktop. and the desktop doesn't see the laptop. damn.
Jun 27, 2007 06:03 pm ok solved the visibility problem. i'm just concerned because i dont know how to evaluate how safe my network and my stuff is. i live in an apartment building. i worry that peeps could snoop
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Jun 27, 2007 07:09 pm Setup you WAP to use WEP (f'ing acromnyms - lol) Anyways, it will create a key for you (via a wizard). Your laptop will not be connected at this time so make sure you can physically access the WAP via a cable just in case. Once you generate a key you will have to double click your wireless icon (by your clock). Browse for available networks. When you try to connect to it you will be presented with a login box. Enter the WEP details/key and away you go..... hopefully.
Only people with the key will be able to use the WAP if you set it up this way.
olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Jun 27, 2007 08:19 pm And for better security if your router supports it (most newer ones do) use WPA or WPA 2 with AES. Your laptops wireless needs to support it as well if you want to use it.
Dan
Jun 28, 2007 12:56 am yes i started using the wap 2 with aes tonight. i didnt think it would work based on what ive seen on the net about vista and wap2, but it did work. so i guess that;s that, then. how long should the code length be, though? there's no generator wizard for wap2. you input your own string.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 30, 2007 07:22 pm At work I use a key phrase of about 26 characters long. The main IT guru's recommend 20 or more character's for the string.
