Posted: 3/13/2010 5:34:28 AM EDT
|
I am new to the wireless age––––I just got my router and laptop a few weeks ago. I invited my friend over so I could show him how to sell stuff on Ebay––-using his own laptop. We tried to get it connected, but we couldn't get it to connect––-even after I adjusted all the security settings that I had concerning the router/software. This weekend, I had to undo all of the settings again so my sister in law could use her I-pod touch to get on the net. Do I always have to take down all my defenses each time I WANT someone to connect? Also, how do I test my wireless connection to see if it is secure from people in the "streets"? |
|
Quoted: Linksys router wrt120nMake/Model of wireless router? Any MAC filtering? What Encryption type? Also, make sure the devices trying to connect can support the encryption type. For example, some older machines may not be able to support WPA2. I have no idea what MAC filtering is. WPA2 –– I remember this from the set-up. |
|
MAC filtering is just as useful as putting up a "this house monitored by an alarm company" sign http://lmgtfy.com/?q=how+to+setup+wireless+network |
|
I found that I had to connect the computers or turn them on with wireless on, and then restart the router to get a new computer to connect to the Linksys. It shouldn't work this way in my opinion, but that is how I got the router to work with the computers. I also heard that you cannot have two DHCP devices on the same network, so if DHCP is enabled on your modem, you need to disable it on your router.
I connected my modem to the numbered router switch ports rather than the port labeled "modem". These things seem to have made my network stable. |
|
Couple things:
1. This is a N-router. Not all hardware works on N signals, you need to make sure that G/B/A are also turned on. 2. With WPA2 you should have it set to a passcode of your choosing, not a randomly selected TKEY. 3. Not all network devices work with WPA2 encryption. You have to make sure the wireless card is new enough and running on a driver that allows WPA2. If you have a computer that is N capable or your router is set to allow G/B/A signals and you know the proper passcode for the router then you should be good to go. WPA2 is extremely easy to setup and still represents a very good security layer, especially compared to WEP and MAC address filtering. |
|
Spend some time with the manual, or tinkering with the settings. Look up stuff to learn what it can do. Then reset it to factory specs and set in the minimum configuration you need to get the job done. (WPA2 security.) Use a wire to do the configuration, and then keep it handy. Get it working for yourself and your wireless connections. Most of the newer routers have a utility that lets you dump a config file to a computer as a backup. DO that. Then reconfigure the router without security when someone comes over and use the backup file to restore it quickly. My router keeps the settings for security if I check or uncheck the box, so it may be just one check box you have to manipulate. If you are out in the middle of nowhere, you could just leave security off. Buying stuff online will still be encrypted due to SSL anyway. |