Kinda Confused-Routers

Okay so I just bought an Asus W5F, which I love. I am planning on buying the WRT54G today. Just a little confused on something. How do I make it so my laptop is the ONLY laptop that connects with the router. Like I don't want it so anyone driving by can use my internet. But see this I really don't understand. How is the router going to recognize my laptop and not mistake it for a laptop off the street? I know you can protect it??right?? with a password? will I have to enter that in every time. Sorry I just want to clarify before I try to start to hook all of this up later today! Thanks so much!

 

The instructions on how to secure a wireless connection can be found at Linksys' website under the support > technical support tab. Click on the "Ask Linksys" tab on the left hand side and it'll ask you what you need. Click on what applies to you and it'll guide you through it. That's how I was able to set up mine.

 

--> as long as you secure your network, this will deter the majority 95% of the population from using your network.

1) Ideally use WPA2
2)block all other MAC address besides your own
3)lock down the number of IP addresses DHCP hands out.

i would also recommend DD-WRT firmware if you are feel up to it. Fantastic Firmware, very flexible.

Good Luck

 

okay i'm talking with the linksys people right now so hopefully i'll get it secure!

 

Hidding the SSID after you have set a random generated all printable chr MAX length allowed. I recommend using www.grc.com random key generator. Some routers have problem with Quote chr, so you may have to remover them from the string.

MAC Filtering can help, but in reality is not a good practice. All broadcast uses MAC address and any scanner can pick it up.

What you do not want is a key made from words found in a dictionary along with the weaker WEP.

 

Alright! I did it! Thanks soo much for all of your help! You're the best!