Setting up a new network - how do I close it to just the computers around the house?

[GatorDeb2000]

I want it to be accessible only by two PCs and a laptop.

Thanks!

 

[nweaver]

only plug in the 2 pc's and the laptop?

 

[networkman]

Based on the OPs question, I'd wager it's safe to say she's got wireless enabled and wants to keep people outside out.

 

[fliguy84]

Originally posted by: GatorDeb2000
I want it to be accessible only by two PCs and a laptop.

Thanks!

use a router. then just plug in the PCs' and laptop's network cable in the router. if you want to set up wireless network, set up a password. it's for not letting anyone else to 'steal' your wireless internet connection

 

[GatorDeb2000]

It's wireless. How to make it so that others can't sniff out what data I'm trasferring though? (i.e. passwords). What can happen with an "open" network and how to make it closed? Is a firewall all I need?

Thanks!

 

[JackMDS]

Firewall is needed on each computer because of the Internet, it as nothing to do with Wireless. (More here: http://www.ezlan.net/faq#secure ).

You should configure your Wireless Security to the Max.

Link to: Wireless Security Settings.

If you feel that this is not secure with all the common filters, you can try this: Network Segregation - Adding security to Wireless Network (or to any peer to peer Network).

:sun:

 

[nweaver]

Basiclly, if it's SOHO hardware, and you are using anything less then WPA, then all your base are belong to us...AKA I can sniff it all very quickly. There is another option, there is wallpaper the has copper wires threaded to keep wireless signals of certian wavelengths from leaving the building....