Wireless Security (how do I secure my network?)

kingkula · 15 Mar 2006 at 18:43

hi all. ok first of all let me say i am very new to wireless networking. I have just bought a D-Link DI-624 wireless router. basically my setup is like this;

1 x PC connected through network cable to D-Link DI-624 wireless router.
1 x laptop connected by d-link USB dongle.
1 x PC connected by d-link USB dongle.

Ok so i've got it all setup and every system can get online fine (It was easy....in fact a little tooo easy...read on please...). But the problem i have is I obviously don't want others to be able to connect to my network and use my internet connection or worse! It seems to me, all it needs is someone outside my flat with a laptop and they could be surfing using my broadband connection.

OK now my question is, HOW do I secure this? I've looked at the manual that came with the router, but there is Nothing at all that helps me. Basically what I'd like it to do is perhaps allow me to add what IP's I want to use the network...does that make sense? Is there any advise that you can give me on this router to keep things secure or at least stop others using my internet connection/network?

denz1968 · 15 Mar 2006 at 19:07

Hi mate

I have Dlink DSLG604T. Started the same way as you. I am currently using WEP security. Not the strongest i know but hey.

Got o Dlink set by typing http://192.168.1.1 enter password etc

Click Setup tab then wireless button on left.

Check WEP. and enter a key in the first box. I use 10 digits on mine.

Then you have to check tools save. Restart AP.

When you log on to your network it will then ask you for the key on each machine. You can also enter the key on each machine so that you do not enter it every time you log on.

Also consider renaming the router to something neutral I.R. FREDNET. DO not use house number, name ETc

Mikey1280 · 15 Mar 2006 at 20:15

If your router and card support WPA then use that instead, its much more secure.

kingkula · 16 Mar 2006 at 15:23

denz1968 said:
Hi mate

I have Dlink DSLG604T. Started the same way as you. I am currently using WEP security. Not the strongest i know but hey.

Got o Dlink set by typing http://192.168.1.1 enter password etc

Click Setup tab then wireless button on left.

Check WEP. and enter a key in the first box. I use 10 digits on mine.

Then you have to check tools save. Restart AP.

When you log on to your network it will then ask you for the key on each machine. You can also enter the key on each machine so that you do not enter it every time you log on.

Also consider renaming the router to something neutral I.R. FREDNET. DO not use house number, name ETc

Hi, thanks for the info.

I have done exactly what you said, and have set it up on the router fine, saved it, rebooted it etc. However the other computers are still on asking for a WEP key or anything...they are still able to login as before. Any suggestions?

Lummux · 16 Mar 2006 at 15:54

Have you got SP2 on all those machines, XP needs it for WPA?

vanandjuanunited · 16 Mar 2006 at 15:58

Filter access by mac address and also disable SID broadcasting.

kingkula · 16 Mar 2006 at 16:09

Lummux said:
Have you got SP2 on all those machines, XP needs it for WPA?

Hi, yes they do have sp2...but surely it should be a setting on the router as basically any PC with a USB wireless dongle can connect. Basically i thought by setting it as WEP then the router would be saying "you cant connect to the network unless you know the WEP key". The other PC's are just connecting to the router without me inserting any key or anything...

errata · 16 Mar 2006 at 17:26

kingkula said:
Hi, thanks for the info.

I have done exactly what you said, and have set it up on the router fine, saved it, rebooted it etc. However the other computers are still on asking for a WEP key or anything...they are still able to login as before. Any suggestions?

I suspect you missed a step in turning on and saving WEP on the router
OR as happened to me, maybe something (Norton Internet Security) messed up key commands sent to the router.

Reccomend you double check router wireless setup using a wired connection so you have constant access to the router settings (wireless will work at the same time). Maybe try unplugging phone line and reducing AV/firewall protection and browser security.