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Thread ID: 72584	2006-09-18 06:38:00	Wireless Security - advice needed	Siani (7815)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
485428	2006-09-18 10:54:00	www.imagef1.net.nz It is just a simple little setup, all wireless except the printer. She just wants it reasonably secure, so her metaphorical dangly bits aren't floating around for all to see. So, she should make sure that at least WEP between each computer and the net, and the normal set up of a wireless LAN between the two computers. Would that about cover it? I was thinking of going wireless myself, but now I think I'll just hide the cables under the carpet.	Siani (7815)
485429	2006-09-18 23:17:00	Siani there are numerous FAQs and guides on the internet regarding wireless security. We've reconmeneded WPA and MAC address filtering, now its time for you do some of the work and try to figure things out for yourself. Every router/AP is different so we cant exactly spoon feed you all the answers. Stay away from WEP encryption its fairly easy to crack.	Pete O'Neil (6584)
485430	2006-09-19 05:36:00	Siani there are numerous FAQs and guides on the internet regarding wireless security. We've reconmeneded WPA and MAC address filtering, now its time for you do some of the work and try to figure things out for yourself. Every router/AP is different so we cant exactly spoon feed you all the answers. Stay away from WEP encryption its fairly easy to crack. I'll take that as No, you can't give me any advice, then? I've been 'working' on it for 8+hours since yesterday! I know a fair bit about computers in general, but I am trying to work out specifics. Until yesterday, I had never even come across the terms WEP, WPA or MAC, so you'll forgive me if I find your response a little unhelpful. Not everyone talks in acronyms. I have done a lot of reading of FAQs, guides, definitions, annd forums since yesterday, thanks very much and quite frankly I've found it confusing. As I said in my first post, I am trying to help a friend. I don't have wireless, and at this rate I'm hardly of a mind to take it up. The diagram I posted shows the simple little system my friend wants to set up, and I just wanted explained, in words, how to make sure it is basically secure. I'm sorry if you think I am asking to be spoonfed. I thought I was asking for advice. I'm going off to cry in a corner now.	Siani (7815)
485431	2006-09-19 06:10:00	I'm sorry if that sounded snotty, but as soon as we tried to use any sort of WEP, WAP, or whatever, following all the different guides and such, she lost her connection to the 'net.	Siani (7815)
485432	2006-09-19 06:18:00	WEP/WPA/WPA2/WPA PSK are forms of encryption . WEP is the weakest . WPA PSK would be one the better methods of encryption to use . Your diagram would be OK, BUT first she'll have to find out what kind of encryption the router uses, if its a wireless router . (If the router supports ALL of the above (WEP?WPA/WPA2/WPA PSK), the desktop and the laptop cards (whatever she's using), would have to as well . If it only supports WEP, I would buy something that supports better encryption (Like WPA/WPA2, WPA PSK) . The printer wouldnt be that hard to configure, even tho it isnt wireless . You would just share it as you would if it were on an ethernet based network . I was going to upload some files, (I scanned from the June 2006 Netguide), which is about networking ethernet/wireless, and gives u a bit of info) . To the ImageF1 site, but at 2-3 mb I dont think so! They wont exactly upload that fast on dialup . It may also depend on what version of Windows is on the desktop and laptop . It maybe easier to configure if XP and SP2 are installed on both . Since, SP2 supports wireless networks . Unless whatever cards you've got came with software . You would use that instead .	Speedy Gonzales (78)
485433	2006-09-19 06:51:00	Thank you Speedy! I can work with that. June 2006? I think I have that one somewhere. I'll have a look at what they say. She is using all XP, with SP2, so it should be straightforward, as they are all the same. I'll start from scratch and see how it goes.	Siani (7815)
485434	2006-09-19 10:14:00	For a home network WEP is fine. If your access point and all connecting devices support WPA then it's worth using it, but the difficulty of breaking WEP encryption is sufficient to deter the form of casual attacker you could encounter in a home setting. It takes several weeks of packet sniffing on the network to break the WEP key, although the process can be completely automated. Think about wireless security the same way you think about a lock on your door. Although basic key locks are known to be insecure and can be opened fairly easily by an expert we still use them. They are good enough for what they're designed to resist. Try to get the network working without encryption first. Once this is working, try adding WEP encryption. Good luck.	TGoddard (7263)
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