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General discussion

Please advice on my Wifi security tips

Jan 22, 2005 3:50PM PST

Please advice as needed.

Wireless security setting (beside standard PC security settings)

1. Use WPA instead of WEP
Pro(s): more secure, more password strenght, currently its harder to hack.
Con(s): Not every device are compatible (have not use WPA) yet.
Each device need to "ADD" manually (ssid name and password) to connect to the network.

2. Use Mac address filtering
Pro(s): Only device with assigned Mac Address will connect.
Con(s): You have to add each new device Mac Address, for them to connect.

3. Disable SSID Broadcast
Pro(s): Supposedly invisible, so you have to "ADD" manually
Con(s): You need to broadcast your SSID, in order for new device setting... (then disable broadcasting again, after the device have been setup)

4. Change your SSID and Password regularly
Pro(s): Self explained
Con(s): resetting all devices that want to connect (Add Wireless connection and typing new password)

5. TURN OFF your Access Point when not in use.
Pro(s): "The Most" Secured thing to do. Limiting the "stolen" bandwidth connection time.
Con(s): Everyone who need the connection, must have access to the Access Point device location... to turn it ON.

Note: this will be best, IF the device that need wireless are in one location, so the Wireless access point can be place nearby.

6. Prepared a Hard Wired connection (if possible) in all location as needed... as a backup.

Note: Just one Cable (from the router) + a Switch + Straight Cable (lenght as needed, from device to the switch), So anyone need a hardwired connection can plug the cable to the switch, in the location... (doesn't need to run several long cable to the router)

7. Use a monitoring software, if needed (need a little more knowledge to keep an eye on the software and to understand what was going on)

8. any additional tips?

General Tips:
1. Place your Access Point in the least obstructive location, a little high near the ceiling, if possible.

2. Microwave, Cordless phone etc. can affect your Access Point signal, Keep it in separate location... or look for different frequency range for those devices.

3. Place your Range Expander (if any) in the middle between your Access Point and your wireless devices.

4. Experiment by changing the device position or turning the Antenna, for best signal strenght.

5. any additional tips?


Thank You

Discussion is locked

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A comment on item 3
Jan 22, 2005 3:59PM PST

Many do these things and then complain a range expander doesn't work.

KNOW what you are doing?

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Thank you RP.. what is your suggestion...
Jan 22, 2005 4:31PM PST

Broadcast or not to Broadcast?

is there an easy tips on this?

Because many said Not to broadcast... how do we deal with the 'range expander' problem, if we choose to Not broadcasting SSID.

Thank You again

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Not.
Jan 22, 2005 9:59PM PST

But the issue is simple. If one does all this and it doesn't work (as in the case of the expander), then one needs a little education on "how things work".

I wonder why the no broadcast SSID is debated heavily. I will NOT enter into any debate but will share that the SSID is going to picked off if packets are flying. All it does is make the system a little more quiet and stealthy.

Bob

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(NT) (NT) Thank You RP, for clarifying the SSID tips
Jan 22, 2005 10:46PM PST
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Easy to Use Wireless Security Software
Apr 18, 2005 1:24AM PDT

LucidLink Wireless Security is based upon the most current security technologies available today, including 802.X, 802.11i, WPA, WPA2, and RADIUS.

LucidLink just announced a free offer of it's $99 wireless security software called Lucid Link. http://www.lucidlink.com/

It received Wi-Fi Planets best of show award twice!

Ryan

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Mentioned In Your 'Newbies' Post...There's One Disadvantage
Apr 18, 2005 9:21AM PDT
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I don't
Apr 18, 2005 9:50AM PDT

know about proprietary sec software particularly in this area when there are plent of good open source available rather than just buyin binary. Look how 'secure' windows is not that I would be suggesting same with this product having never used it.

I had a look at there site and I am not really sure what it does? Does it set up and manage AP for you? or just connections? I probably should download and play Happy