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Broadband Wireless Router

Satch

MB Enthusiast
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Surrey
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I need one and cards for a couple of old but still useful laptops. Nothing fancy just for use with email, browsing etc at home in addition to the hardwired 'puters that are usually camped upon by the kids

But somewhat confused because of the current noise concerning security issues.

Suggestions welcome!
 
So long as you don't use the default settings on the router (no encryption, no admin password, etc.) it's safe enough IMO. You can use MAC address filtering to define which PCs are allowed to connect, and set it not to broadcast your SSID (network name) ... so you have to know what that is, and type it in before you can try to connect. That's on top of the standard WPA key-based encryption.

Yes it's all probably crackable if you throw enough time/money/expertise at it, but unless you're MI5 or the Bank of England it's plenty secure enough IMO.

Router manuals are pretty good nowadays and guide you through all this. The people who have problems are the ones who just plug it in and switch it on. Where I used to live I could pick up three totally unsecured wireless LANs, but there are none where I am now (they are all encrypted).
 
I can vouch for WEP key.

I recently moved house and changed broadband supplier twice. During all this I forgot how to set up WEP key ( I know, I know!).

I've noticed that both laptops were very slow so, today, decided to reset router and security enable it - wayhey! - laptops much much faster.

We live on a new development and I'm one of the few to have had a phone line fitted - not enough cablin or something but mine was a business line and I got priority - I wonder if my neighbours are gutted that their free wireless broadband has ceased to work?
 
be aware that with a 'free tool' you can crack any wep password in 2mins flat. If you have option use passphrase and WPA.
 

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