Cisco Systems WRT54G manual Ssid

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Wireless-G Broadband Router

5) SSID

There are a few things you can do to make your SSID more secure:

a. Disable Broadcast

b. Make it unique

c. Change it often

Most wireless networking devices will give you the option of broadcasting the SSID. This is a option for convenience, allowing anyone to log into your wireless network. In this case, however, anyone includes hackers. So don't broadcast the SSID.

A default SSID is set on your wireless devices by the factory. (The Linksys default SSID is "linksys".) Hackers know these defaults and can check these against your network. Change your SSID to something unique and not something related to your company or the networking products you use.

Changing your SSID regularly will force any hacker attempting to gain access to your wireless network to start looking for that new SSID.

With these three steps in mind, please remember that while SSIDs are good for segmenting networks, they fall short with regards to security. Hackers can usually find them quite easily.

6)MAC addresses

Enable MAC address filtering if your wireless products allow it. MAC address filtering will allow you to provide access to only those wireless nodes with certain MAC addresses. This makes it harder for a hacker using a random MAC address or spoofing (faking) a MAC address.

7)Firewalls

Once a hacker has broken into your wireless network, if it is connected to your wired network, they'll have access to that, too. This means that the hacker has effectively used your wireless network as a backdoor through your firewall, which you've put in place to protect your network from just this kind of attack via the Internet.

You can use the same firewall technology to protect your wired network from hackers coming in through your wireless network as you did for the Internet. Rather than connecting your access point to an unprotected switch, swap those out for a router with a built-in firewall. The router will show the access point coming in through its WAN port and its firewall will protect your network from any transmissions entering via your wireless network.

Appendix B: Wireless Security

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Maximizing Wireless Security

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Contents Jameco Part Number 487058UsersGuide 54Mbps GHz Wireless- G Word definition Copyright and TrademarksTable of Contents Appendix B Wireless Security Appendix ATroubleshootingBroadband Router’s Back Panel List of Figures18 Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings Figure B-12 WEP Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide? Wireless-G Broadband Router Roaming Network TopologyNetwork Layout Back Panel Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband RouterDMZ Front PanelHardware Installation Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband RouterConnecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Overview Configuring the PCsConfiguring Windows 98 and Millennium PCs Properties Configuring Windows 2000 PCsConfiguring Windows XP PCs Configuring the PCs Configuring Windows XP PCs Password Screen Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband RouterInternet Setup Setup Tab Basic SetupPPPoE Connection Type Router IP Time Setting 11 Setup Tab Ddns Setup Tab Ddns12 Setup Tab MAC Address Clone Setup Tab MAC Address Clone13 Setup Tab Advanced Routing Gateway Setup Tab Advanced RoutingCorrectly Wireless Tab Basic Wireless Settings16 Wireless Tab Wireless MAC Filter Wireless Tab Wireless MAC Filter18 Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless Settings Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless SettingsWireless-G Broadband Router Security Tab VPN Passthrough Security Tab Firewall21 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WPA Pre-Shared Key Security Tab Wireless Security23 Wireless Tab Wireless Security Radius 25 Access Restrictions Tab Access Restrictions Tab28 Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forward Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range Forward29 Applications and Gaming DMZ Applications and Gaming Tab DMZAdministration Tab Log Administration Tab Management32 Administration Tab Diagnostics Administration Tab DiagnosticsAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Administration Tab Factory Defaults37 Status Tab Router Status Tab Router38 Status Tab Local Network Status Tab Local Network39 Status Tab Wireless Status Tab WirelessNeed to set a static IP address on a PC Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Open a command prompt. For Windows 98 and Me Wireless-G Broadband Router TCP UDP Can’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work VPN IpsecFirmware upgrade failed, and/or the Power LED is flashing To start over, I need to set the Router to factory defaultNeed to upgrade the firmware My DSL service’s PPPoE is always disconnecting Power LED keeps flashing Frequently Asked QuestionsWhere is the Router installed on the network? Is IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router?Does the Router support ICQ send file? What is Network Address Translation and what is it used for?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? What are the advanced features of the Router? What is DMZ Hosting?What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What is infrastructure mode? What is ad-hoc mode?What is roaming? What is ISM band?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is Spread Spectrum?What is WEP? What is a MAC Address?Have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network How do I resolve issues with signal loss?What Are The Risks? Appendix B Wireless SecurityBrief Overview Passive Attacks Active Attacks Maximizing Wireless SecurityCommon Sense Solutions Ssid WEP WPA WPA Radius Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Figure C-1 Upgrade FirmwareTCP/IP Appendix D Windows HelpWindows 2000 or XP Instructions Windows 98 or Me InstructionsFigure E-3 MAC Address/Physical Address For the Router’s Web-based UtilityAppendix F Glossary Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Appendix G Specifications Wireless-G Broadband Router Limited Warranty Appendix H Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix I Regulatory InformationWireless-G Broadband Router Wireless-G Broadband Router Appendix J Contact Information

WRT54G specifications

The Cisco Systems WRT54G is a cornerstone of home and small office networking, renowned for its robust features and reliability since its release in 2002. Widely acknowledged as one of the first consumer-grade routers to combine wireless and wired networking capabilities, the WRT54G has earned a legacy as a hallmark of simplicity and performance.

At the heart of its functionality is the 802.11g wireless standard, which allows for wireless connections at speeds of up to 54 Mbps. This technology ensures a reliable connection over significant distances, making it suitable for various home and office environments. The WRT54G operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which provides compatibility with many devices but can be susceptible to interference from other electronic devices.

One of the standout features of the WRT54G is its user-friendly web interface, allowing even non-technical users to easily configure their network settings. This feature promotes security by enabling users to modify their network name, set up encryption protocols like WEP or WPA, and create a guest network for visitors. The router also incorporates a built-in firewall and supports Network Address Translation (NAT), adding an additional layer of security to users’ private networks.

The WRT54G boasts four Ethernet ports for wired connections, accommodating multiple devices simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for users with desktop computers, gaming consoles, or network-attached storage devices requiring stable, high-speed connections. The ability to connect devices through Ethernet ensures that users can enjoy the benefits of a reliable and fast network, especially in environments where wireless connectivity may be limited.

Another distinguishing characteristic of the WRT54G is its open-source firmware capability, which has led to a devoted community of enthusiasts who have developed alternative firmware for greater customization and advanced features. This flexibility not only enhances the router's lifespan but also caters to users who require specific functionalities, such as advanced Quality of Service (QoS) settings or more extensive parental controls.

In conclusion, the Cisco Systems WRT54G remains a significant player in the realm of consumer networking due to its innovative features, ease of use, and adaptability. While newer models have since emerged, the WRT54G's enduring reputation speaks to its reliability and solid performance, making it a preferred choice for many users seeking to establish a dependable network.
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