A router is a device that can be employed to allow a specific number of users to share a single Internet connection. Routers are incredibly useful at number of locations such as homes, offices and universities. These past five years have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of portable devices for browsing the Web. Consequently, public places such as coffee shops have also started to provide wireless hotspot services.
Wireless routers share an Internet connection by sending out radio waves whereas Ethernet port based routers require devices to be connected to it through LAN cables. The biggest advantage of wireless routing is ?zero? cabling. One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a wireless router is that of security features.
Wireless Internet Security Methods
When setting up a wireless network at home, it is important to understand the need for security. A wireless network spans across a certain range allowing any number of devices to connect to it. Therefore, a user can easily connect to a router being used in a neighbouring house. There are a number of ways to prevent this from happening.
WEP/ WPA/WPA-2 Wireless Internet Security Key
Setting up a security key on a wireless network prevents unauthorized access. Only those individuals who have the key can connect to the network.
There are three types of security keys that can be implemented. WEP is the weakest form of encryption available. WEP (Wired Equivalency Protocol) does not support long passkeys.
A router generally encrypts the security key. Common encryption forms available in most routers include WEP (Wired Equivalency Protocol) as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA-2 out of which WEP falls under the weakest category.
Broadcasting your SSID
SSID (Service Set Identifier) Broadcasting is present in every router. When a network is setup, the name is set to default by the router itself unless it is changed. The default network name is based on the manufacturer and model of the router. Most users do not bother to modify the SSID. A default SSID name can be used to breach the wireless network by experienced hackers. Most routers also provide the option of turning off SSID broadcasting completely. This prevents public visibility of the wireless network.
Enabling MAC Filtering on your device
Every computer device has a specific MAC address that can be used to identify it. Wireless routers are designed with the capability to detect MAC addresses and then perform certain functions. One of these functions is known as MAC filtering.
MAC filtering provides the added security benefit of preventing unauthorized users from accessing the network even when they have the password security key. Mac Filtering is offered by both advanced and low cost wireless routers. It is a very efficient way of implementing Wireless Internet Security.
Access to the router interface
Every router device has a user based setup interface. This interface is needed when a user wants to setup the network or change configurations. One of the best ways to ensure wireless Internet security is to block users from having access to the setup interface wirelessly.
Therefore, using the tips mentioned previously, a user can successfully make his or her home or office network quite secure.
Wireless routers share an Internet connection by sending out radio waves whereas Ethernet port based routers require devices to be connected to it through LAN cables. The biggest advantage of wireless routing is ?zero? cabling. One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a wireless router is that of security features.
Wireless Internet Security Methods
When setting up a wireless network at home, it is important to understand the need for security. A wireless network spans across a certain range allowing any number of devices to connect to it. Therefore, a user can easily connect to a router being used in a neighbouring house. There are a number of ways to prevent this from happening.
WEP/ WPA/WPA-2 Wireless Internet Security Key
Setting up a security key on a wireless network prevents unauthorized access. Only those individuals who have the key can connect to the network.
There are three types of security keys that can be implemented. WEP is the weakest form of encryption available. WEP (Wired Equivalency Protocol) does not support long passkeys.
A router generally encrypts the security key. Common encryption forms available in most routers include WEP (Wired Equivalency Protocol) as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA-2 out of which WEP falls under the weakest category.
Broadcasting your SSID
SSID (Service Set Identifier) Broadcasting is present in every router. When a network is setup, the name is set to default by the router itself unless it is changed. The default network name is based on the manufacturer and model of the router. Most users do not bother to modify the SSID. A default SSID name can be used to breach the wireless network by experienced hackers. Most routers also provide the option of turning off SSID broadcasting completely. This prevents public visibility of the wireless network.
Enabling MAC Filtering on your device
Every computer device has a specific MAC address that can be used to identify it. Wireless routers are designed with the capability to detect MAC addresses and then perform certain functions. One of these functions is known as MAC filtering.
MAC filtering provides the added security benefit of preventing unauthorized users from accessing the network even when they have the password security key. Mac Filtering is offered by both advanced and low cost wireless routers. It is a very efficient way of implementing Wireless Internet Security.
Access to the router interface
Every router device has a user based setup interface. This interface is needed when a user wants to setup the network or change configurations. One of the best ways to ensure wireless Internet security is to block users from having access to the setup interface wirelessly.
Therefore, using the tips mentioned previously, a user can successfully make his or her home or office network quite secure.
About the Author:
With all the pitfalls of surfing the net today, you need to have internet security tools that help maintain your safety. An example of these tools is learning to store files securely. Make sure to visit us to get reviews and tips that help you navigate the internet minefield.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.