#105 Setting up and Securing your wireless network

Our last blog talked about setting up your home/small office network. If you have that straight and have purchased a wireless router, you need to set that up to protect your files and the speed of your Internet connection. Don't protect your wireless network and don't be surprised if someone starts to "borrow" your Internet and makes an attempt to see your files.

Most wireless routers come with a setup CD that they ask for you to run before turning it on. Some work OK, others leave a lot to be desired as far as security is concerned. If asked in the setup routine, always change the password for the router (password or admin is the default and everyone knows that). If they offer you to set up security take the WPA (WiFi Protected Access) encryption. This option makes anyone trying to get on your network have to know the special Code you set up.

If you don't get those security options then you'll have to tough it out and do it manually (or call Nick!). The setup program for your router is located in the routers memory and can be accessed by typing the IP address of the router into Internet Explorer or Firefox address bar. Most routers default to 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. How do you know which one? For Windows XP Click on Control Panel, Network Connections and then double click on Local Area Connection or Wireless Connection - Which ever you are using. Then click on the Support Tab. Viola! You will see your PCs IP address and the Gateway (ROUTER!) IP Address. Type the Gateway address into your browser address line.

You will be prompted for a User Name and Password. This information should be in your Routers documentation. Its usually generic admin or password. When you get in the Router Setup program you need to change the wireless security to WPA and change the password to something you will remember unique. Be careful when you are changing items in the Router setup program. You can completely disable the Router. Good news is that most routers have a hard reset button. Questions? Email or Call Nick!