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General discussion

internet sharing and security questions

by Becca333 Aug 15, 2005 9:31AM PDT

I just set up a network using a NetGear WGT624 router.(At least I think it is set up correctly.) I have two questions. Is there a way to tell whether I have correctly set up the security? I configured it on the router, on the USB adapter attached to my PC, and on the wireless card of the notebook on the network. I am barely literate regarding computers, and I would feel better if there was some way that I could check that the security is working.

My second question relates to sharing an internet connection. I tried to permit that on my PC (uses Windows XP) and got an error message that it could not be enabled because there is an IP address conflict. As I said, I am a novice who would appreciate any help. Thanks!

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Question 2 first .....

by Michael Geist Aug 15, 2005 9:53AM PDT

Your router is already issuing IPs to whomever wishes to connect. To configure your PC to also perform this function, causes the conflict you see. Answer, let the router do it's job.

As to security, most are safe with:

1) MAC addressing enabled and set to only allow those PCs you choose to connect.
2) SSID broadcasting turned off.
3) WEP or WPA security keys used (only used when the first two are not, or you are especially paranoid).

Use a firewall, I find XP's to be sufficient but some will use Zone Alarms freebee. Network sharing can become an issue if the firewalls are not configured to allow LAN traffic.

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