08 May 05
Originally posted by Officer DibbleMy initial joy has been slightly tempered by the discovery that the wirelss box requiresd a wire to connect my PS2 for live gaming. I guess breaking even on wires isn't all that bad 😉
Good work. I've had it running for a month or so (think I might have started a similar thread, even) and am still amazed at the voodoo magic
Seriously though it is good (and rather magical).
Question to the forum... does it present a similar radiation risk to that (reportedly) posed by mobile phones?
Ta.
08 May 05
Originally posted by RussUh-oh. A) you said that in my forum too, and B) all signs point to your being some kind of genius. Still, I'm sticking by my current approach... *abandons demented Scottish voice and sticks fingers in ears* ... la la la la I can't hear you la la la la la
Don't worry about the radiation, worry about who is looking at your files.
Do take the time to secure your connection, otherwise you could live to regret it. I never feel comfortable when my wireless connection is enabled, despite doing what I can to protect it.
-Russ
08 May 05
Originally posted by RussRuss - I know you're busy and everything running this place, but can you please elaborate on the security side? Or at least post a link?
Don't worry about the radiation, worry about who is looking at your files.
Do take the time to secure your connection, otherwise you could live to regret it. I never feel comfortable when my wireless connection is enabled, despite doing what I can to protect it.
-Russ
My connections properties window assures me my security status is 'excellent'. How can I check this for certain? What other measures can I take.
Much appreciated
'Concerned of Droitwich'
08 May 05
Just make sure you are using some of your gateway's security features and not leaving it open to the world.
I am not a networking expert, so I can't offer much advice, but one quick goggle search throws up articles like this :
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/2106281
Hence my paranoia about wi-fi.
-Russ
10 May 05
Originally posted by RussOk - A couple of questions from me, aka someone who is trying to use technology they don't fully understand. <alarm bells>
BTW : All I use is WEP, but I leave wireless connectivity disabled apart from when I have a special requirement.
-Russ
The article you pointed me to suggests I should consider changing my WEP key frequently - I don't think I can do this, as the WEP I was given is printed on my wireless box thing, and that is how my computer knows it is connected or something perhaps?
My IP is (or at least appears to be) fixed - the connection manager software tells me it is always the same. I'm not sure if this is a bad?
I am only turning the box on while my PC is on so I can surf, but even with the box on I disconnect when away from PC. Is the connection to the wireless box (not my PC) vulnerable during this time?
Does the fact I use Norton Internet Security and Firefox as my browser offer me any sort of additional protection?
Would I be better to go back to using my wired ADSL modem connection, then just use the wireless box to run a wire out (ironic huh?) to the PS2 for online play which was my main reason for getting the wireless box thingy?
In the past I mocked people asking questions like this - but sat here without a clue I suddenly feel a bit stupid. 😳😞
Please can anyone who is a bit clued up, and not too busy, offer some tips?
Ta
Andy
</alarm bells>
11 May 05
5 edits
Originally posted by rhbOriginally posted by rhb
Ok - A couple of questions from me, aka someone who is trying to use technology they don't fully understand. <alarm bells>
The article you pointed me to suggests I should consider changing my WEP key frequently - I don't think I can do thi ...[text shortened]... and not too busy, offer some tips?
Ta
Andy
</alarm bells>
the WEP I was given is printed on my wireless box thing
I can only speak from experience with my own router, but you should generate a WEP key for each machine connected to your wireless router. You enter a passphrase from which the keys are generated.
My IP is (or at least appears to be) fixed - the connection manager software tells me it is always the same.
A static IP can be very desirable, but I suspect in your case the wireless box is taking the IP from your ISP (probably dynamic) and allocating you an internal IP which appears to be static. Does it begin 192.168.?
I am only turning the box on while my PC is on so I can surf, but even with the box on I disconnect when away from PC. Is the connection to the wireless box (not my PC) vulnerable during this time?
I would not get too concerned about this. 🙂
Does the fact I use Norton Internet Security and Firefox as my browser offer me any sort of additional protection?
Yes, Norton Internet Security will help protect YOUR PC (if used correctly), but it will not stop people stealing your bandwidth should they chose to browse the net in the range of your wireless network
Would I be better to go back to using my wired ADSL modem connection, then just use the wireless box to run a wire out (ironic huh?) to the PS2 for online play which was my main reason for getting the wireless box thingy?
Possibly. I plan to get a wireless adapter for the Xbox - and turn on wireless whenever I need it. Again, it is how comfortable you are with the precautions you have taken.
As I said before, I am no expert on these matters, but a wireless network is, by its very nature, vulnerable.
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11 May 05
3 edits
802.11i is now a current standard, in normal language it is called WPA2 on most products. Rather than WEP or WPA, 802.11i is built around AES as a encyrption standard. To use 802.11i you need to have relevant drivers on both the AP and the client node.
As a simple rule I would recommend that:
1) You change your SSID from its default setting
2) Once you have done that you disable the SSID broadcast
3) Use some form of encyption be it WEP, WPA or AES, if you can use a dynamic key (WPA or AES) do so
4) Use a firewall of some form, hardware or software, I use zone alarms which is free.
5) If you know how to lock down by MAC address
Wireless is pretty much accepted as secure these days, the fuss in the past related to static WEP keys. The MOD and police use wireless networks these days.
Andrew
With regard to the IP addresses, use DHCP and DNS, it will save you a lot of potential problems in the long run if you do not know about IP ranges and all that.