Linksys WBP54G manual Appendix B Wireless Security

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Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters

SSID. There are several things to keep in mind about the SSID:

1.Disable Broadcast

2.Make it unique

3.Change it often

Most wireless networking devices will give you the option of broadcasting the SSID. While this option may be more convenient, it allows anyone to log into your wireless network. This includes hackers. So, don’t broadcast the SSID.

Wireless networking products come with a default SSID set 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.

Change your SSID regularly so that any hackers who have gained access to your wireless network will have to start from the beginning in trying to break in.

MAC Addresses. Enable MAC Address filtering. 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 to access your network with a random MAC Address.

WEP Encryption. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is often looked upon as a cure-all for wireless security concerns. This is overstating WEP’s ability. Again, this can only provide enough security to make a hacker’s job more difficult.

There are several ways that WEP can be maximized:

1.Use the highest level of encryption possible

2.Use “Shared Key” authentication

3.Change your WEP key regularly

WPA. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is the newest and best available standard in Wi-Fi security. Two modes are available: WPA and WPA2. For encryption, WPA automatically uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP), which incorporates Message Integrity Code (MIC) to provide protection against hackers. WPA2-Personal only uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption, which is stronger than TKIP and utilizes a symmetric 128-bit block data encryption.

WPA. Enter a password in the Passphrase field of 8-63 characters.

Appendix B: Wireless Security

IMPORTANT: Always remember that each device in your wireless network MUST use the same encryption method and encryption key or your wireless network will not function properly.

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Security Threats Facing Wireless Networks

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Contents User Guide Word definition Copyright and TrademarksTable of Contents List of Figures Power PortFigure C-10 BIN File Information Screen Introduction WelcomeAdapter a device that adds network functionality to your PC What’s in This User Guide? Topology the physical layout of a network Planning Your Wireless NetworkNetwork Topology RoamingNetwork Layout Port Getting to Know the Wireless-G Bridge for Phone AdaptersOverview LEDsCombination Cable CableRunning the Setup Wizard Starting the Setup WizardCheck for Compatibility Screen Connecting the Network Cable to a Router Screen Wireless-G Bridge Setup Screen Encryption encoding data transmitted in a network WPA11 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 Appendix a Troubleshooting Common Problems and SolutionsSpeed of the wireless connection is very slow What Ieee 802.11b features are supported? Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Ieee 802.11b standard? What is the Ieee 802.11g standard? What is the ISM band? What Ieee 802.11g features are supported? What is infrastructure mode? What is roaming?What is WPA? What is Spread Spectrum?What is DSSS? What is FHSS? And what are their differences? What is WEP?Appendix B Wireless Security Security PrecautionsSecurity Threats Facing Wireless Networks Appendix B Wireless Security Wireless-G Bridge for Phone Adapters Appendix C Upgrading Firmware To upgrade the Bridge’s firmware, follow these instructionsFigure 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 TCP/IP Appendix D Windows HelpAppendix 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 WBP54G Appendix F SpecificationsCertifications Limited Warranty Appendix G Warranty InformationAppendix 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