Posted: 9/21/2005 10:36:35 AM EDT
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Currently I have a high speed cable modem hooked into my computer via USB. The goal is to have wireless internet in the entire condo. I want to also have multiple computers to be in the internet (wireless) at the same time without having to pay my internet provider any more than I am right now. I do have a backgorund in building computers etc., but I have not done it in about 5 years so I am totally unfamiliar with current hardware. Tell me what to get and I can get it to work though. |
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You can hook your high-speed modem into a Wireless Router and then use either an Ethernet cord to your desktop or a wireless card in a laptop to access the Web. Setup is quick on the two I've done and you're up and running in no time. The signal rarely gets whacked out- though I've noticed a severe reduction in speed when the microwave is on! I love my wireless hookup at home! |
+1 and Linksys is the ONLY way to go. The range is unmatched, first hand knowledge. You don't need a wireless card, you can buy a USB peripheral and PCMCIA that are much easier to deal with, depending on your equipment. |
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Every one here has about hit it on the head . . . How big of an area are you covering (ive been studying for wireless networking certification right now) Make sure you get decent WiFi router - Netgear is decent and Linksys . . . . Changing your channel is good WEP (i would use WPA) both will keep the "Basic" sniffer away - If your router supports it, Decrease the transmitting power to just within the walls of your coverage area |
No. But I recommend you get a Linksys wireless router. Super easy to setup (I've easily setup over 30 for customers) and decent range. Edited to add: I do not recommend changing the power settings of whatever you buy. You do not want to lose your signal when you are trying to download something. Changing the channel, using encryption (something stronger than WEP), and not broadcasting your SSID should be enough for your needs (home use). If you were a business I'd say get something better, like a Cisco Aironet Access Point and doing a full-on wireless survey, using 802.1x, etc. |
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+1 on Linksys on the router and receivers if possible, I am first time wireless also, and I got my network (3 desktop, 1 all in one, two laptops, and 4 printers) up in less than half a day, which includes SSID broadcast disable and encryption. Another tool to get, not required but very useful if you have different brand WIFI components, is a USB disk, to transfer the encryption key. |
WEP is dead. WPA TKIP is the way to go. FAR more secure than WEP. |
Oh Please... For the average home user this is not a problem. Security that will stop 99.99% of threats in the average neighborhood takes a one handed monkey maybe 5 min. to setup. |
how are they going to find their mac address a super sniper scope, or perhaps a telescope |
doesn't matter, it is still bypassed by MAC address cloning. A WiFi device is modified to boost the RFoutput (this knocks you off the network for a min.) while your off the network your MAC adress is cloned. Hacker gains access to your network by using your MAC address without having to crack any encryption. basicly how it's done. |
Again, for the average home user not a significant security risk. ANY technology needs to be evaluated for security risks, and a comparison made versus the benefits. Wired networks are frequently hacked, and for some wireless is the only option. Encryption, MAC address filtering, and disabling SSID broadcasting are only part of a comprehensive security plan. Personally, I don't want anyone getting access to the porn on my computer..... EDITED FER SPELLIN |
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A hacker is going to get in, regardless of the security used. However, employing some security (like WPA TKIP) makes the casual hacker/script kiddie more likely to try hacking into a less secure/unsecured network. And seeing as how you live in an urban area, there are going to be numerous other unsecured wireless networks out there for the "hackers" to get into. |
Yes Which is the bigger threat… The local neighborhood script kitty hacking your home wireless network. Or A hacker getting it to your wired home network through the Internet. ANYBODY that uses the Internet can be hacked… take precautions wired or not. But don’t be sacred off from wireless. |