wireless networking

[R2D2]

...just got round to enabling wep on our home network. With wep enabled can the neighbours still find my network but not access it or can they not even find it. Before I was wep enabled I presume they could use my broadband could they also access my computer. Sorry if this obvious to some of you!

 

[Kinky]

Yes - they can see your network but won't be able to access without the WEP key.

Previously, when it was unsecured they could have used your BB connection no probs at all.

As for accessing your PC - depends on if it was shared or unsecured.

They could use your printer, etc (assuming it's shared).

K

 

[sym]

If you select not to broadcast the SSID, then they can't see it either ! (should be an option on your router).

S.

 

[R2D2]

If you select not to broadcast the SSID, then they can't see it either ! (should be an option on your router).

S.

cheers guys. I've just found the dont broadcast the SSID button. So I am now invisible and encrypted! Thankyou.

.............anything else I dont know??

 

[sym]

Change the SSID to something other than the default - just in case anybody is a really persistent hacker and tries the obvious ones ! (depends how paranoid you are !)

S.

 

[R2D2]

Its the routers full description??

 

[sym]

Its the routers full description??

Yeah - its normally 'linksys', or whatever make the router is ... change it to something obscure !

 

[WLeg]

I changed mine once, and went the obscure route... decided to use the postcode as I always forget these things......then found out that next door had done the same thing !!!!

Sym's advice is good advice though !

 

[Steve_Perry]

...just got round to enabling wep on our home network. With wep enabled can the neighbours still find my network but not access it or can they not even find it. Before I was wep enabled I presume they could use my broadband could they also access my computer. Sorry if this obvious to some of you!

I just sorted my neighbour out yesterday, see my previous post here. Personally I would use WPA security over WEP if possible. You've done the right thing in making your SSID invisible and also changing it's default name (e.g. from linksys) but I would also change your router's default IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.1) and its default password, just to be really safe.

S.

 

[R2D2]

Cheers Steve!

 

[MikeL]

Slightly off topic:

About 8 months ago I tried 802.11g wireless, it wasn't up to beaming around the house - had to revert to wired. Anyway I've just tried this latest Belkin

http://www.belkin.com/uk/networking/prenindex.html

and bingo great coverage - technically it is still g, Belkin call it pre-N - whatever, it works.


Mike

 

[glojo]

and bingo great coverage - technically it is still g, Belkin call it pre-N - whatever, it works.

Now you tell me We spent a fortune with different aerial, antenna thingie's. Still it's off topic, so I'll pretend I haven't read your message.

John

 

[Steve_Perry]

Slightly off topic:

About 8 months ago I tried 802.11g wireless, it wasn't up to beaming around the house - had to revert to wired. Anyway I've just tried this latest Belkin

http://www.belkin.com/uk/networking/prenindex.html

and bingo great coverage - technically it is still g, Belkin call it pre-N - whatever, it works.


Mike

Now you tell me We spent a fortune with different aerial, antenna thingie's. Still it's off topic, so I'll pretend I haven't read your message.

John

I think location of your wireless router can have a big impact. If possible, the higher the better, if you can locate your router on the top floor of your house it helps spread/distribute the signal. Also one of my mates had dreadful trouble with his wireless router dropping signal with alarming regularity. Since he located his wi-fi router upstairs and away from his DECT phone base station and other electronic gizmos he's been trouble free.

S.

 

[MikeL]

Now you tell me We spent a fortune with different aerial, antenna thingie's. Still it's off topic, so I'll pretend I haven't read your message.

John

Oops

 

[MikeL]

I think location of your wireless router can have a big impact. If possible, the higher the better, if you can locate your router on the top floor of your house it helps spread/distribute the signal. Also one of my mates had dreadful trouble with his wireless router dropping signal with alarming regularity. Since he located his wi-fi router upstairs and away from his DECT phone base station and other electronic gizmos he's been trouble free.

S.

Also a matter of inches can make a difference to the receiving unit - not always nearer to the transmitter either.

Mike

 

[clegsr]

Slightly off topic:

About 8 months ago I tried 802.11g wireless, it wasn't up to beaming around the house - had to revert to wired. Anyway I've just tried this latest Belkin

http://www.belkin.com/uk/networking/prenindex.html

and bingo great coverage - technically it is still g, Belkin call it pre-N - whatever, it works.


Mike

I had a similar transmission problem with wifi together with configuration/driver issues with XP service pack 2 which made the whole wireless thing a right pain in the a**

So I bought two of These
which are awesome and highly recommended, no configuration, no drivers, literally plug and play and my network picked them up automatically, and much faster than my previous wifi network (and more secure).

 

[esox]

Also a matter of inches can make a difference to the receiving unit - not always nearer to the transmitter either.

Mike

We have our wireless router in the attic (loft room,where the desk-top is) and the reception in my favourite easy-chair on the ground floor is "very good".

We have a weak spot in the kitchen - on the hob.Probably not the best spot to leave a lappy anyway............