Linksys WBP54G manual Appendix B Wireless Security, Security Precautions

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Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters

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 encryption keys periodically.

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 User Guide Copyright and Trademarks Word definitionTable of Contents Power Port List of FiguresFigure C-10 BIN File Information Screen Adapter a device that adds network functionality to your PC IntroductionWelcome What’s in This User Guide? Roaming Planning Your Wireless NetworkNetwork Topology Topology the physical layout of a networkNetwork Layout LEDs Getting to Know the Wireless-G Bridge for Phone AdaptersOverview PortCable Combination CableStarting the Setup Wizard Running the Setup WizardCheck for Compatibility Screen Connecting the Network Cable to a Router Screen Wireless-G Bridge Setup Screen WPA Encryption encoding data transmitted in a network11 Security Settings WEP 64-Bit Screen 13 Confirmation Screen 17 Disconnect the Network Cable from Phone Adapter Screen 19 Wireless is Now Active Screen 20 Congratulations Screen Speed of the wireless connection is very slow Appendix a TroubleshootingCommon Problems and Solutions What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Ieee 802.11b standard? What Ieee 802.11b features are supported?What is roaming? What Ieee 802.11g features are supported?What is infrastructure mode? What is the ISM band?What is WEP? What is Spread Spectrum?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is WPA?Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless SecuritySecurity Precautions Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters To upgrade the Bridge’s firmware, follow these instructions Appendix C Upgrading FirmwareFigure C-4 Choose Destination Location Figure C-8 Browsed Devices on Network Screen Click Files Figure C-9 Open Firmware File Disconnect the Ethernet network cable from the PC Appendix D Windows Help TCP/IPAppendix E Glossary Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Appendix F Specifications WBP54GCertifications Appendix G Warranty Information Limited WarrantyAppendix H Regulatory Information Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Dual-Band Wireless Access Point Appendix I Contact Information
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