Questions from a Networking Newbie.

Ok, My sister and I purchased some laptops with Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network cards in them. This will be the first time I've ever had to get a wireless router, so I don't know what I'm doing.

I did read Nickspohn's guide stickied on the top of the forum, but I still have a few questions.

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The Linksys WRT54GS(Speedboster model) looks pretty nice. I was wondering, is there a Linksys speedbooster wireless card that I have to get the increased speeds from the router, or will my Intel card do that?

I also was wondering about security. I've heard stories of people "stealing" their neighbor's internet by using their Wireless Network. Can I prevent this with any LinkSys wireless router I get? Or do I need to buy a third party thing to do that. My sister and I for the most part are going to be using it, but my other sister and my brother bring their laptops here when they stop by once a while. I'd like for them to be able to access my wireless network also, how do I do that but at the same time prevent people from outside my house from using my Wireless Network? Is there something I'm supposed to configure?

Finally, what router should I get? I've had a Linksys router before, but not wireless just ethernet. I do download alot of stuff, so I want to be able to maintain good download speeds. Also, where I'm setting up my wireless router there's alot of walls in between the router and my room. So I guess I'd need one with a strong signal?

Thanks for any help in advanced.

 

I'm only qualified to answer one of your questions.

You could potentially prevent other people from "stealing" your wi-fi by making using WPA encryption. But do note that if people are desperate, and want to "steal" it, they will - and there's nothing you can do to stop that. There are programs out there that'll decrypt the WPA signal and give the "hacker" the key to connect to the network. I'm fine because my fear is the same fear that my neighbors have. So every network that my card picks up is "secure".

 

Keep one thing in mind when considering speeds. For Internet work, the "b" speed devices are more than adequate. You do not need all this "speedbooster" stuff for the Internet.

As for security, there are basically three ways to go about it:
1. Program the router to accept only certain MAC addresses - might not be convenient for the visitors if they change their wireless equipment.
2. Encrypt the network - i.e. you need a password to get access. This is okay as long as you don't forget the password. LOL.
3. Disable the SSID broadcast so your network name is not visible. In order to get access, you need to know the network name and also if it is not visible (by being disabled) it is less likely that someone will want to get access.

 

So what router do you guys suggest I get for my needs?

Things i'm going to do with my laptop:
Online Gaming (not hardcore)
Downloads

 

Basically any 802.11g router will do. Other forum members might have suggestions for models that are particularly easy to set up. I recommend 802.11g over 802.11b because you get higher speeds when you transfer files from one computer on the network to another. Downloads from the Internet won't be faster with an 802.11g router, unless the speed of your Internet connection exceeds that of an 802.11b network, which is unlikely. Try to find a store that offers full refunds on returns. If one router doesn't work you can try one from another maker. Staples has a generous return policy, for example.

 

I've got a Linksys WRT54G for like $50 about a 1.5 years ago, and I love it. I recommend it to anyone looking for a router without frills and such.



As for security.

Use WPA or WPA2; MAC filtering; and close the network so it isn't broadcast.

 

Question, if I did this MAC filtering or whatever... would this block any PC's that I connect to the router via ethernet? Because I'm not only going to be using my laptop, but still my desktop.

 

Mac filter is realy not much of security. Any body with a scanner will see the mac address and there are numerous utilities that allowy you to change them. In fact your router does it when you clone yours pc into the router

If you are heavy in downloads you want to be on a wired connection. As more wireless devices connect the bandwidth goes down.

The best security is with WPA or WPA2. But you have to use a good pass key. Which consist of all printable chrs and max length it will take. The good ones look like a program just crashed and posted garbage.

Linksys use to make a good wireless router. No more since they went to v5 and away from the Linux code. May take a look at Dlink or Netgear.

 

It's still better than nothing. For many people the main problem is not to keep out dedicated hackers, but to keep out the opportunistic neighbor who doesn't want to pay for his own Internet access.

 

That's pretty much what I'm looking for.

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I want to be able to block out those neighbors who don't want to pay for their internet. Hackers dont' really concern me, its just that I have alot of cheap neighbors with laptops but are too cheap to pay for broadband.

Are there any good wireless routers that get good speeds without having to buy the third party "enhancer" cards? I'm looking at some of these Linksys and D-Link routers that say they give you double the speed, but only if you buy the "enhancer" wireless card.

 

The WRT54G works fine with my Intel 3945ABG card in my notebook, and with my desktop's wireless adapter.

I get the signal up to about 125 feet away. Maybe more. I don't really test it to the max, since I don't need to surf the web in my garage or down the street.

 

The Linksys WRT54G is still a **** good router. I'd prefer a v4 that is Linux powered but I finally gave up and settled for a v6 and I have no regrets especially for $50. My brother has a v4, I have a v6 and my parents have a v6. No complaints from any of us.

If you are super paranoid about security which you should do the following:

Download a password from www.grc.com/password and use WPA2 encryption. Next disable SSID and don't allow wireless admin access to your router, only allow https connection from a computer connected to the router via an ethernet cable.

Enable software firewalling on all your computers. I have firehol enabled on my linux box and changed the port that the sshd lilstens on to something other than 22 and only allow connections that are on my local network only allowing 192.168.1.2(winxp desktop) and 192.168.1.3(laptop). This way if someone does manage to hack the wireless and connect and say gets assigned 192.168.1.100 they can't ssh to my linux box. Super paranoid you bet, I got a lot of important files on that baby.

Good luck

 

I just wanted to make clear that, while MAC filtering and other safeguards help, the best approach is to secure your network with WPA or WPA2 encryption.

 

Actualy the best way to secure your network is to wardrive yourself, see what your footprint is. Turn down the tx power on your AP.

Once it leaves your property it becomes public domain.

 

Heh heh.

I'm not trying to block out hackers, I'm just trying to prevent the neighbors from stealing my wifi.

Can somebody answer my earlier question?

Are there any routers out there that have alot of speed, but without having to purchase a third party "enhancer" wireless card?