Wireless Networking: Setup and Security

**Doctor Feelgood**

Although this Tech Tip is by no means an exhaustive resource on configuring a wireless network, it will provide information and pointers that can be applied to most typical installations. Many of these tips are general enough that they may provide some good advice for those utilizing wired networks as well. - The Article

Kilamon · Rated XXX Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 811

Great article. I just finished setting up my own wireless networking at home and your article definitely covers the basics. One thing that wasn't discussed was authentication by MAC address. If you set your router or access point to only allow those devices with a mac address that you specify (usually they're listed so you can just check off the ones you want). This method allows you to be a little lazier than normal since, even if you leave the broadcast on, a hacker won't be able to obtain an IP or any other information. The mac addresses are lower on the OSI model than the IP address so it's almost akin to cutting the wires. The only caveat would be that your PCs may be broadcasting and a hacker could, conceivably, spoof the mac address that way.

BeerCheeze · Posted: Tue, 29 Mar 2005 12:34:22 Post Subject:

Kilamon · Rated XXX Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 811

oh nos, hackers are out to get my 32gigs of mp3s!!

hehe

In my neighborhood, I'm more worried about the people with guns than the people with laptops but EC is right. If you spoof the MAC and have a more powerful signal, you could overpower the machine and gain entry. If you set up a wireless home network with WEP/WPA, MAC filtering, SSID Broadcasts off (and turn off the PC broadcasts), change the SSID and change the router/AP login credentials then I'd say your home network would be about as ironclad as your house. It'll stop the script kiddies and the losers with a playstation, but anyone who is dedicated to breaking in will do so.

One article I read a while back had a guy who only used WEP and changed his SSID to his email address. Anyone who emailed him from his suburb and requested access, he'd meet with and allow. This gave him the opportunity to do MAC filtering so he could turn off access if someone used too much bandwidth, but he could also do multiplayer gaming and even charge access to his neighbors for Internet access. It's not a bad idea, and if you had a firewall attached, you could monitor their traffic and even supply kid friendly access (if you live in Utah or some place that values that crap).

SAMSAMHA · Rated NC-17 Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Posts: 112

very nice read. Gives pretty good overview on the whole wireless networking. i have been thinking of setting one, but never got the chance to do so.