• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

newbie to wireless networking

E

Evander

Golden Member
background info:
Home user here, a newbie to wired networking also. I got a belkin wireless g router here:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductP...on_Id=201522&pcount=&Product_Id=179477

Desktop (winXP) is connected via cable, laptop (win2k) is connected by cable and wireless card. after finishing installing the router and card, today I've started with security settings.

1) to start with, i have win2k setup with 128 bit WEP. Do you think that's "good enough"? I see in my router manual that WPA-PSK is the better type and that win2k doesn't support it. Googling, it seems also that there are 3rd party apps to make it work. Is it easy and worthwhile for me to use these 3rd party apps to bump up to WPA, and if so, what would you recommend? (side note: I think wireless networking security should be a new section to the Consolidated Security Thread)

2) Am I correct in assuming that i can use a different client to wirelessly connect, besides the default app that came with my pcmcia card? If so, what is recommended and why? I want something with a small footprint as that laptop is only a duron 800mhz/128MB

3) should i disable my software firewalls now that i have a router? I don't much care about locking down outgoing stuff (system is in good shape concerning spyware/virus)

4) the firewall is configured by typing in an ip address into my browser window. just curious, is that the usual way to configure wireless routers?

5) any other advice to a newbie?
 
1. WPA is much better then WEP.

Statistically I would say that you have 99% probability that No One would crack your WEP.

However if you next door neighbor is a Class 1 hacker my statistics worth nothing.

Link to: Wireless Security for the Home User.


2. WinXP Pro has native Wireless management capacity, if you using Win2000 use the original manufacturer util. I doubt that other Util. would not give you any advantage.

Link to: Wireless - Basic Configuration.

3. The Routers NAT Firewall is very good but it is a very partial protection.

Why? See here, Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

You should use Software Firewall, as well as Antivirus, and Anti Spyware.

Link to: Freeware Security suit for Internet Connection Protection.

4. The term is Wireless Cable/DSL Router. Yes, it is accessed and configured via the Browser using it assigned IP number.

5. Read slowly the content of the links above.

:sun:
 
Thanks a bunch for taking the time to write a reply and post those links, I'll be sure to look through them this week
 
security is looking good now (turns out my default client already had wpa support for win2k). now i'm trying to set up a home network but hit a snag. i've been following the guide here:
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/net-update.asp#share

and i've reached this step:
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/net-share-xp.asp

but if i right click on a folder and go to sharing, and go to "network sharing and security" seen here:
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/images/net-share-xp2.gif
it is greyed out and i can't check anything. what should i do?
Or if there's an easier way to just share folders/files on a network, I'm open to it
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top