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    Wireless security WPA vs. MAC Filter

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by NYBOY, Nov 8, 2005.

  1. NYBOY

    NYBOY Notebook Geek

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    How about if i setup in my WRT54G that the only MAC can pass thru is my laptop MAC. Do i still need to enable the WP? security feature? or they can still sniff content over the air if i dont WP?-secure the wireless data transmission?

    thanks
     
    NYBOY, Nov 8, 2005
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  2. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    You should really enable WPA. That has some pluses also including mac filtering and harder passworks. WPA Recommended.
     
    nickspohn, Nov 8, 2005
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  3. NYBOY

    NYBOY Notebook Geek

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    But my question still remains... if i enable mac filtering you (an outsider) can't connect to my router and use my internet...since this is at home i am not THAT concern about ppl sniffing my data transsmision...so i am not sure why should i enable WPA...
     
    NYBOY, Nov 9, 2005
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  4. Waeggles

    Waeggles Notebook Consultant

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    Even if you do enable mac filtering people can scan or find out your Mac address, clone it onto their computer and connect to your network.
    Many people use the "i don't do anything private on my network so I don't need encryption", but the thing is, if someone connects to your network and does something illegal on the Internet, YOU are responsible. So think about that, and definately activate WPA.
     
    Waeggles, Nov 9, 2005
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  5. NYBOY

    NYBOY Notebook Geek

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    certainly a more convincing approach. does enabling encryption slowdown your transfer rate?
     
    NYBOY, Nov 9, 2005
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  6. Waeggles

    Waeggles Notebook Consultant

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    Theoretically, I believe it does. However, I am using a WRT54G in my 2-floor apartment, and I did not notice any differences with WPA activated or deactivated while browsing the Internet etc. It might have an impact depending on what you do of course.
     
    Waeggles, Nov 9, 2005
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  7. noahsark

    noahsark Notebook Evangelist

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    Waeggles is absolutely correct. It's very easy spoof a mac address. There's software out there for doing this and any script kiddy can do it. Definitely go for WPA.
     
    noahsark, Nov 9, 2005
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  8. Eutychus

    Eutychus Notebook Enthusiast

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    Enabling encryption does slow your transfer rate, but not by any noticable amount. I did some testing once, and the loss of speed was less than the normal variation in the measurements. So, go for it and don't worry about it.
     
    Eutychus, Nov 9, 2005
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  9. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Yeah, its very very little, almost no difference. WPA is your best choice.
     
    nickspohn, Nov 9, 2005
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