Securing my wireless internet

[binge]

Ive just set up Wireless in my new house. But my Laptop connected to it automatically. Didn't have to put in any passwords or anything.

So does this mean the neighbors can get on too?

I went through the set up wizard supplied with the Virgin media package. I put a password in too. But I believe this is just an admin password to stop anybody changing the internet settings.

How do I make my wireless connection completely un-accessible without a password?



Ben

[stinkwheel]

Go into your router and set it up to use a WPA-PSK encryption phrase. Make it long and nonsensical but memorable to you. You can have up to 63 characters.

Now find out the MAC addresses of the wireless cards of the computers that are allowed to access the router and set it to only allow those devices access. It'll probably list the ones that are currently connected for you to select them (depending on the router) if you have all the relevant devices on and connected.

You'll need to configure each computer to use the WPA protocal and you'll need to configure the router to accept each MAC address.

Password your router so noone can dial in to it and change your settings.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[binge]

Okay.

So how do I go into my Router?

Sorry, Complete n00b at this!

[stinkwheel]

Check your instructions but you usually need to have a computer that is plugged into the router.

Open a browser window and type in the routers IP address. Usually either: 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 although this can vary depending on manufacturer.

It will usually then ask you for a user name and password. It is often either blank or set to "admin" for both the first time you go in to it. Try leaving it blank first although it might be set to the password you mentioned in your first post.

You'll should come up with a screen which displays the settings for the router. Again, this varies immensely depending on the router. Don't forget to save the settings once you are happy with them.

If you don't have an instruction manual for your router, you can probably download one because they all have a different user interface although they are usually pretty self-explanatory.

What I described earlier makes your wireless network pretty much totally unhackable with current technology.

EDIT: Remember, if you screw it up, you can always press the 'reset' button on the router that puts it back to 'out of the box' settings so don't be afraid. You ought to be able to save a backup file of the current settings onto your hard drive too.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[panrider_uk]

[Itchy]

Also turn it off when you aren't using it , my router fires up in about 15 seconds , AND I use an ethernet cable as wireless isn't very good.

If you are really serious about it , you can faraday cage your house.
____________________
Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

[binge]

Not too serious about it. I just dont want people milking off my internet connection, And potentially gaining access to my PC's.

My Main computer (This one I am on now) is wired via Ethernet cable. Mainly because I like a fast connection, for things like Battlefield 2 etc.

Roxanne's Laptop is on the wireless.