Re: Computer Networking question
Well, There's No Free Lunch........it's a trade off...<br /><br />Around the holidays, I see a lot of folks jump into the wireless networking thing. Usually they connect the parts, per the destructions, and say "Hey, It works, I'm on the web!!" This is where things go sideways. They stop reading and don't learn the in's and out's of securing their installations (it's really easy). The percentage of protected wifi setups is about 30%, leaving 70% unprotected, totally wide open. This allows others within 'radio range' to associate with your router and use your Internet connection without your knowledge or permission. <br /><br />I don't want to throw a wet blanket on your plans for a nice networked setup, but know what you'll need to do before you hook things up. <br /><br />Here's some options.<br /><br />Buy a wireless router, and turn off the 'wireless' part (for the time being) and run Cat5 network cable from each computer to the router. This addresses the security part (the wireless part , that is). Most newer computers have built-in NIC (Network Interface Cards) so you just connect the computers with the Cat5 cables to the router. The bandwidth on a hard wired setup is faster than a wireless solution too. <br /><br />That's the No Free Lunch part:<br /><br />Cat5 cable= a bit more work= more secure<br />Wireless= no cables= less secure if you don't configure it for security<br /><br />Later , if you want to add a wireless laptop, or a computer in another part of the house (and don't want to bother running network cable) turn on the wireless feature. Add a wireless card (or USB type) to the new remote desktop machine, and it too can be networked.<br /><br />You could buy just a hardwire only router (not cost effective these days) too. It's easier to buy the wireless version and have the option of going both ways (networking that it).<br /><br />The older equipment is 802.11b (11 megabits a sec) . The newer stuff is 54 megabits a second data transfer rate (some even faster). The faster router will allow you to transfer data between the computers faster, plus it has a more important feature. The security of the newer hardware is better. The older 802.11b uses WEP encryption, the newer stuff uses both the older WEP (for backwards compatibility) and the newer WPA encryption (WPA is better). Older WEP encryption can be 'cracked' by monitoring enough data packets and is considered slightly better than nothing. The truly sad thing is, most folks don't even turn on the WEP encryption at all !. <br /><br />As for brands, your call, some folks like Netgear other Linksys. You can mix brands and most of the time there's no interoperability issues, then again sometimes there are. Try to buy popular name brands. The manufacturers will update firm wares to address glitches and connectivity issues more often than 3rd party companies. If you have a DSL or broadband cable internet hookup, the router will help protect your networked machines behind it's built in NAT fire wall. Don't be concerned about the router speed, broadband cable usually reaches a top speed of 1.5 => 3.0 megabits a second, well below the 802.11b rated figures (11 mbs).<br /><br />Lastly, turn on the security options that are built into the router:<br /><br />Change the default SSID (name of your networked router) from Default or Linksys to something else. Obvious names NOT to use are Accounting Department or FreeMoviesFor All.... Don't use your address or phone number either. I guess you could use the phone number of your neighbor that shot your dog....no, bad idea, never mind. I saw one router with a SSID of 562-45-7853 (it was the guys Social Security Identification Number.....duuh.... it was definitely time to RTFM. <br /><br />Change the default password for your router from 'admin' . Again, use a combination of letters (upper and lowercase),numbers and symbols.A default SSID is a clear invite that the guy probably didn't change the default router password either !<br /><br />Install WEP or WPA, use a STRONG pass phrase, use a combination of numbers and letters and symbols. Not words that you can find in a dictionary. Use the highest encryption level your hardware permits.<br /><br />Turn on MAC address filtering so that your router will only 'talk' to your computers wireless equipment.<br /><br />Turn OFF the DHCP function of your router and assign static IP address to your computers. If you have to use DHCP in the router, limit the number of available IP's it will hand out. If you have 2 computers, have only 2 available IP addresses available.<br /><br />If you use file and print sharing, turn on the passwords function for those shares.<br /><br />Turn off TCP/IP for file sharing, install and use Netbeui instead.<br /><br />Try NOT to install the router near an outside window, try to prevent the signal from going too far outside the envelope of your home.<br /><br />WRITE DOWN ALL OF YOUR CODES AND INFORMATION , keep in a safe place.<br /><br />The idea here is to be one of the folks in the 30% category, not the 70% category. Bad guys that are looking for an open system won't spend the time to hack and crack into your system with so many other easy targets. Just don't be one of them.
