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    Complete newbie; very breif question

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by fd9_, Jul 13, 2007.

  1. fd9_

    fd9_ Notebook Guru

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    I'm in the process of setting up a router so that I can share my internet connection with my new laptop. I do NOT own a wireless access point, so I guess that makes things much simpler.

    I just have a question before I get started: I want to encrypt my connection, as well as add a password. Is it necessary for me to run the "Wireless Network Setup Wizard" in windows, or will the software provided with my router enable me to do all of that?
     
    fd9_, Jul 13, 2007
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  2. ATP

    ATP Notebook Consultant

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    Which router do you own? I would guess that the provided software will give you that option. Mine did (Linksys WRT 300n.)
     
    ATP, Jul 13, 2007
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  3. fd9_

    fd9_ Notebook Guru

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    It's a Buffalo WHR-G125. I guess I'm just curious if there's anything else I should do to improve my secure connection besides using the bundled software.

    I have my router working with my desktop (which is NOT connected wirelessly) and I don't know how to change the security settings...The "Client Manager" software is useless for now because it only detects wireless connections, and I'm worried that my internet connection is freely exposed to my neighbors...or am I just being concerned for no reason? Can neighbors see my internet connection through the router even though I don't have my laptop set up yet?
     
    fd9_, Jul 13, 2007
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  4. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Login to the router by using the IP address of the gateway, If you did not change the default it should be "http://192.168.1.1" you will be prompted for a password. If default, change it unless you want someone hijacking your router. Then proceed to the wireless section. You want to setup WPA security. I prefer using random generated keys (from grc.com) with all printable chr except ". At the min A-Z, a-z, 0-9. Then use the max chr windows will allow min 12 with a max of 20 is more than good enough. I cut and paste the keys eliminating user error. Save the key to a notepad text file for future use. Change the SSID to, do not hide till you have you NB working wirelessly.

    All security setup should be setup only with a wired connection. On routers you get mini reboots which can drop your conection. Proceed to setup the wireless card pasting the key used for setting up the WPA. You can have wired and wireless active ant the same time.
     
    blue68f100, Jul 14, 2007
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