Posted on 01/06/2004 10:09:22 PM PST by maui_hawaii
I have a wireless network connection in my home.
I bought a Linksys wireless router and it works fine (the wireless part) (except my cable provider stinks). My questions are about configuring the network, security features, etc. Right now I am running right out of the box.
I am interested in learning what all the bells and whistles are.
Most importantly I want to know about the security features and all that.
Here are some of the words or lingo I have no idea about:
Network Authentication
Data Encryption
WEP
WPA
WPA-PSK
AES
TKIP
Shared
Open
ad-hoc network
IEEE authentication
protected EAP
This is just a start. I have no idea about what any of those terms mean.
How should I configure my wireless network?
What is an IP adress and a subnet mask?
Anyone willing to have a discussion on this topic?
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I just enabled mine and its working (I guess) but the connection seems the same to me.
Someone told me once that an IP address is kind of like a street address but on the internet. Yes?
My connection works but I don't understand the details, which is what I want to learn.I especially want to learn about my wireless connection.
I had to tell my computer to use a firewall. I also put the wireless router in my house myself.
As far as I know the provider only supports up to the wall, but not any wireless networks such as my linksys....
2.4 GHz or 5 GHz? I prefer 5 GHz for wireless as the bandwidth is appreciably higher (~72Mbps), and there's less chance of interference from things like cordless phones and microwaves (both of which operate at 2.4 GHz). 5 GHz also has a more limited range, which is actually a benefit since 2.4 GHz has a large spillover which can allow an attacker to intercept and analyze your network traffic while parked out on the street (do a Google Search on "wardriving" for more information on that).
I bought a Linksys wireless router and it works fine (the wireless part) (except my cable provider stinks).
I like Linksys. I own a couple of switches made by them. I'm also a fan of NetGear.
My questions are about configuring the network, security features, etc. Right now I am running right out of the box.
Linksys LAN routers (wired and wireless) are actually pretty straightforward to set up using their GUI interface. Is there a particular place where you're stuck?
I am interested in learning what all the bells and whistles are.
Well then, you've got some reading ahead of you. Here's a short list that should get you familiar with the key concepts. This list, naturally, has a strong emphasis on security.
I have no idea about what any of those terms mean.
There are volumes upon volumes written on those subjects. Fortunately, I think the links listed above will help answer your questions.
How should I configure my wireless network?
That really depends on your needs. If you're going to use it for streaming audio, then your network needs are different than if you're just going to use it to surf the web from your patio. If you're going to use it to connect to your work's VPN, then your security needs are different than if you're just using it to connect to Free Republic.
What is an IP adress and a subnet mask?
That too is a subject about which much is written. In a nutshell, IP addresses are numbers used as an address to direct certain traffic to a given machine on the network. IP addresses come in the form of a "dotted quad" (four sets of numbers delineated by a period, each set with a value of 0-255).
Netmasks are used to define network boundaries for these IP addresses. It helps define the size of the network and makes networking much more efficient. Again, this is just a nutshell explanation. The whole topic is much more involved.
Here's a couple of links that should give you the basics on the subjects:
IP Address info http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/IP_address.html
Understanding IP Addressing
http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/2002/IPaddressing.asp Here's a fine tutorial on the subject.
Anyone willing to have a discussion on this topic?
Got an eye-popping headache tonight, otherwise I'd be much more verbose. Hope these links help. Have fun! : )
Hopefully, when I run across some questions you can give me a hint or two....
Service Set Identifier---- The Service Set Identifier (SSID) is meant to differentiate networks from one another. Initially, AP's come set to a default depending on the manufacturer. For example, all Linksys AP's are set to the network name of 'linksys', while Cisco AP's are initially set to 'tsunami'. Because these default SSID's are so well known, not changing it makes your network much easier to detect.
How do I change the default name on the connection?
We installed and set up the system using another computer. Would I need to install the disk from linksys onto my computer to do this?
Right now it is running at default settings on the access point.
If you have time on your hands and like to learn new things, go for it. As for me, my son-in-law is a computer networking and security expert, so there is no reason at all for my learning anything about it.
It might be a healthy project. Who knows.
Thats why I am asking to see if I should invest in it... :o)
You can change it using the web-interface of the Linksys wireless connection. By default the address of the Linksys router will be 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1 (I think it is 1.1, but I don't remember for sure.
Simply put the address of the access point/router into the address bar of your web browser. The default password is usually "admin" and the default userID is blank. (You should change this...)
You can change the SSID using this interface. Also, you will need to change the SSID on your wireless card(s) that you use with attached PC's to talk to that wireless AP/Router.
You should also turn off allowing broadcast SSID's to associate, as that will help obscure your wireless connection from casual observance.
Before I change things if I make WEP mandatory, will my computer decode it?
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