Setting up wireless network for n00bs

[InlineFour]

option #1
add basic security eg. wep, mac filter, disable ssid, etc. and troubleshoot with them on the phone if a settings resets for some odd reason.

option #2
no wireless security and have a constant wireless connection. no troubleshooing on the phone.

what would you do if you have to setup a wireless network for a customer?

 

[drum]

3. networking forum

 

[KLin]

Option #3 - Tell them to set it up themselves. :thumbsup:

 

[MrChad]

Setup basic WPA or WPA2 security and leave it at that. Don't go overboard with disabling SSIDs and enabling MAC filters.

Troubleshooting a WPA password is a lot easier than explaining 1) why they can't see their network name on the "available networks" list and 2) how they can find and add a MAC address to the filter list if a new PC needs to be added.

 

[InlineFour]

Originally posted by: MrChad
Setup basic WPA or WPA2 security and leave it at that. Don't go overboard with disabling SSIDs and enabling MAC filters.

Troubleshooting a WPA password is a lot easier than explaining 1) why they can't see their network name on the "available networks" list and 2) how they can find and add a MAC address to the filter list if a new PC needs to be added.

that seems very reasonable, unless they have a local wireless hacking neighbor. thanks for the help. just curious, does geeksquad or other computer techs who setup home wireless networks add any security for the customer?

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: InlineFour

Originally posted by: MrChad
Setup basic WPA or WPA2 security and leave it at that. Don't go overboard with disabling SSIDs and enabling MAC filters.

Troubleshooting a WPA password is a lot easier than explaining 1) why they can't see their network name on the "available networks" list and 2) how they can find and add a MAC address to the filter list if a new PC needs to be added.

that seems very reasonable, unless they have a local wireless hacking neighbor. thanks for the help. just curious, does geeksquad or other computer techs who setup home wireless networks add any security for the customer?

No idea about geek squad, but if you set up a reasonably strong WPA password, they'll be way ahead of the game in terms of wireless networking security relative to their neighbors.

 

[sygyzy]

I doubt they have a "local wireless hacking neighbor" as you say.

 

[spacejamz]

the answer to your question ultimately depends on much they pay you for your services...

post that amount and you will get a better answer 🙂

 

[InlineFour]

Originally posted by: spacejamz

the answer to your question ultimately depends on much they pay you for your services...

post that amount and you will get a better answer 🙂

$80 for wireless network setup, not bad for a teen, heh. that's actually half the price of what geeksquad charges, which i think is WAY overpriced.

 

[eplebnista]

2

 

[Kelemvor]

I'd set them up with WEP and leave it at that. That way they are at least somewhat secure but if friends want to come and use it, they just have to punch in the code.

However if they live out in the boonies and have no neighbors, then I'd just leave everything off.

 

[JackMDS]

Any one that knows how to break encryption would find the SSID and spoof the MAC in few minutes.

Thus if you use WPA or WPA2 the SSID or and MAC (both are transmittied in clear text) is not really security add-ons.

:sun: