Few Noob Questions About Networking

Larnica · 23 Jan 2008 at 20:11

Hiya.

Hope you dont mind me asking a few basic questions

1) I have a Wireless Router which uses a "WPA-PSK Secruity". I'm just wondering how often I should change this?

2) How do I connect my computers to my Wireless Network with the SSID Broadcasting Turnt Off? I have to put in MAC codes and SSID and WPA-PSK manually I assume, no idea how to do so.

3) I have Firewall/Anti Virus but I dont think they protect Wireless, does this matter as im using a WPA-PSK Key.

Many Thanks!!

Laser402 · 23 Jan 2008 at 20:32

A good length WPA key would take years to break < that’s probably an understatement tbh.

So a 10 character key doesn’t need to be changed, unless your telling people your key constantly!

SSID broadcast off you just have to specify the SSID in the wireless config's on the computers rather than find automatically. I have my SSID broadcasting as I find it less hastle to connect. With a good WPA key it isn’t a security flaw.

Every PC on the network should have Antivirus and a Firewall. The WPA key just stops people (neighbours) viewing what you’re sending across the WiFi, will still get viruses from websites etc.

Laser402.

Larnica · 23 Jan 2008 at 20:36

Great!

Thanks for your information!

Should I invest in Wireless Secruity? or will normal Firewall/AV be okay, as I think advertised wireless secruity products just help protect the router and the WPA-PSK key, as it says on the box only compatiable with certain routers.

Laser402 · 23 Jan 2008 at 20:45

If you are using wireless you should ALWAYS use security.

WPA is the standard secure way to transmit data between your pc and your router, otherwise anyone can sit outside with a laptop and look at what your doing.

If your talking about some software security like a firewall any will do, doesnt matter which router you have.

Stay safe now ;]