Linksys WRT54GX2 manual Appendix B Wireless Security, Security Precautions

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Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200

Appendix B: Wireless Security

Linksys wants to make wireless networking as safe and easy for you as possible. The current generation of Linksys products provide several network security features, but they require specific action on your part for implementation. So, keep the following in mind whenever you are setting up or using your wireless network.

Security Precautions

The following is a complete list of security precautions to take (at least steps 1 through 5 should be followed):

1.Change the default SSID.

2.Disable SSID Broadcast.

3.Change the default password for the Administrator account.

4.Enable MAC Address Filtering.

5.Change the SSID periodically.

6.Use the highest encryption algorithm possible. Use WPA if it is available. Please note that this may reduce your network performance.

7.Change the WEP encryption keys periodically.

For information on implementing these security features, refer to “Chapter 5: Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband Router.”

Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

Wireless networks are easy to find. Hackers know that in order to join a wireless network, wireless networking products first listen for “beacon messages”. These messages can be easily decrypted and contain much of the network’s information, such as the network’s SSID (Service Set Identifier). Here are the steps you can take:

Change the administrator’s password regularly. With every wireless networking device you use, keep in mind that network settings (SSID, WEP keys, etc.) are stored in its firmware. Your network administrator is the only person who can change network settings. If a hacker gets a hold of the administrator’s password, he, too, can change those settings. So, make it harder for a hacker to get that information. Change the administrator’s password regularly.

Appendix B: Wireless Security

NOTE: Some of these security features are available only through the network router or access point. Refer to the router or access point’s documentation for more information.

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Security Precautions

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Contents Wireless- G Word definition How to Use This User GuideCopyright and Trademarks Table of Contents Appendix B Wireless Security Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions Frequently Asked Questions Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Appendix D Windows HelpConnect a PC Router’s Side Panel24 Security Tab Firewall Welcome IntroductionWhat’s in this Guide? Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Ad-Hoc versus Infrastructure Mode Planning Your Wireless NetworkSsid your wireless network’s name Network TopologyPlanning Your Wireless Network Network Layout Broadband an always-on, fast Internet connection Getting to Know the Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200Router’s Ports and Reset Button Router’s LEDs WirelessOverview Connecting the Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200Wall-Mount Option Placement OptionsStand Option Isp your internet provider Configuring the Wireless-G Broadband RouterInternet Connection Type Setup Tab Basic SetupInternet Setup Static IP Connection Type Pptp Connection Type Optional Settings Network SetupRouter IP Packet a unit of data sent over a networkTime Setting Network Address Server Settings DhcpDdns Setup Tab DdnsMac address the unique address that a Setup Tab MAC Address CloneNAT Mode Setup Tab Advanced RoutingAdvanced Routing Dynamic Routing16 Setup Tab Advanced Routing NAT Mode Routing Table Wireless Network Wireless Tab Basic Wireless SettingsEncryption encoding data transmitted in a network Wireless Tab Wireless SecurityWireless Security 20 Wireless Tab Wireless Security WEP Wireless MAC Filter Wireless Tab Wireless MAC FilterAdvanced Wireless Wireless Tab Advanced Wireless SettingsWireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Firewall Security Tab FirewallVPN Pass Through Block WAN RequestTo create an Internet Access policy Access Restrictions Tab Internet AccessInternet Access Url the address of a file located on the Internet Ftp a protocol used to transfer files over a TCP/IP networkPort Range Applications and Gaming Tab Port Range ForwardPort Range Forward Applications and Gaming Tab DMZ Applications and Gaming Tab Port TriggeringPort Triggering Triggered Range and Forwarded RangeWireless QoS Quality of ServiceInternet Access Priority Applications and Gaming Tab QoSPort Range SummaryCancel Changes button Router Password Administration Tab ManagementUPnP MulticastSystem Log Administration Tab LogURL Filter Log DoS LogPing Test Administration Tab DiagnosticsTraceroute Test Ping ParametersAdministration Tab Firmware Upgrade Administration Tab Factory DefaultsFactory Defaults Upgrade FirmwareRestore Configuration Administration Tab Config ManagementBackup Configuration Internet Connection Status Tab RouterRouter Information Local Network Status Tab Local NetworkWireless Status Tab WirelessSystem Performance Internet/WirelessStatus Tab System Performance Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Need to set a static IP address on a PC Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions For Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, and XP Open a command prompt. For Windows 98SE and Me TCP Application Start and End Protocol IP Address EnabledCan’t get the Internet game, server, or application to work Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 My power LED will not stop flashing To start over, I need to set the Router to factory defaultNeed to upgrade the firmware My DSL service’s PPPoE is always disconnectingCannot connect to the Internet My wireless-G speed seems to be slowWhere is the Router installed on the network? Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I turn on SRX on my router? Is IPSec Pass-Through supported by the Router?How can I block corrupted FTP downloads? Does the Router support ICQ send file?What is DMZ Hosting? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What are the advanced features of the Router?What is the Ieee 802.11b standard? Is the Router cross-platform compatible?What Ieee 802.11b features are supported? What Ieee 802.11g features are supported?What is ad-hoc mode? What is infrastructure mode?What is Spread Spectrum? What is ISM band?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is WEP?Have excellent signal strength, but I cannot see my network How do I reset the Router?How do I resolve issues with signal loss? Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Appendix C Upgrading Firmware Figure C-1 Upgrade FirmwareNetwork Neighborhood/My Network Places Appendix D Windows HelpShared Resources Windows 98SE or Me Instructions Figure E-1 IP Configuration ScreenFor the Router’s Web-based Utility Windows 2000 or XP InstructionsAppendix F Glossary Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Standards Appendix G SpecificationsModel Limited Warranty Appendix H Warranty InformationFCC Statement Appendix I Regulatory InformationWireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Wireless-G Broadband Router with SRX200 Information section in this Guide Appendix J Contact InformationNeed to contact Linksys?