Wireless Home Networking - Index of

This tip really falls under the category of Internet security (rather than airlink
security), but here goes: Make sure that you turn off the Allow/Enable Remote
Management function (it may not be called this exactly) if you don’t need it.
This function is designed to allow people to connect to your access point
over the Internet (if they know your IP address) and do configuration stuff
from a distant location. If you need this turned on (perhaps you have a
home office and your IT gal wants to be able to configure your access point
remotely), you know it. Otherwise, it’s just a security hole waiting to be
opened, particularly if you haven’t changed your default password. Luckily,
most access points have this function set to Off by default, but take the time
to make sure that yours is set to Off.
Enabling encryption
Chapter 9: Securing Your Wireless Home Network
After you eliminate the security threats caused by leaving all the defaults in
place (see the preceding section), it’s time to get some encryption going. Get
your WPA (or WEP) on, as the kids say.
We’ve already warned you once, but we’ll do it again, just for kicks: Every
access point has its own system for setting up WPA or WEP, and you need
to follow those directions. We can give only generic advice because we have
no idea which access point you’re using.
To enable encryption on your wireless network, we suggest that you perform
these generic steps:
1. Open your access point’s configuration screen.
2. Go to the Wireless, Security, or Encryption tab or section.
We’re purposely being vague here; bear with us.
3. Select the option labeled Enable WPA or WPA PSK (or, if you’re using
WEP, the one that says Enable WEP or Enable Encryption or
Configure WEP).
You should see a menu similar to the one shown in Figure 9-1. (It’s for a
NETGEAR access point or router.)
4. If you’re using WEP, select the check box or pull-down menu option
for the appropriate WPA key length for your network. If you’re using
WPA, skip this step.
We recommend 128-bit keys if all the gear on your network can support
it. (See the earlier section “How about a bit more about WEP?” for the
lowdown on WEP keys.)
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