Appendix B Configuring Wireless Security

Instant Broadband™ Series

Appendix B: Configuring

Wireless Security

Note: WEP Encryption is an additional data security measure and not essential for Gateway operation.

An acronym for Wired Equivalent Privacy, WEP is an encryption scheme used to protect your wireless data communications. WEP uses a combination of 64- bit or 128-bit keys to provide access control to your network and encryption security for every data transmission. To decode a data transmission, each point in a network must use an identical 64-bit or 128-bit key. Higher encryption lev- els mean higher levels of security, but due to the complexity of the encryption, they may mean decreased network performance.

You may also have heard the term “40-bit” used in conjunction with WEP Encryption. This is simply another term for 64-bit WEP encryption. This level of WEP encryption has been called 40-bit because it uses a 40-bit secret key along with a 24-bit Initialization Vector (40 + 24 = 64). Wireless vendors may use either name. Linksys uses the term “64-bit” when referring to this level of encryption.

If possible, make sure your wireless network is functioning before attempting to configure WEP.

A 128-bit WEP encrypted wireless network will NOT communicate with a 64- bit WEP encrypted wireless network. Therefore, make sure that all of your wireless devices are using the same encryption level. All wireless devices com- plying with the 802.11b standard will support 64-bit WEP.

In addition to enabling WEP, Linksys also recommends the following security implementations:

•Changing the SSID from the default “linksys”

•Changing the WEP key regularly

Note: In order for WEP Encryption to be enabled, wireless functions must first be enabled. Select Enable under the Wireless section before proceeding.

ADSL Gateway with Modem / Router / 4-Port Switch / Wireless-Ready

1.At the Wireless Screen, if you choose to enable WEP Encryption, select Mandatory under the WEP section.

2.Press the WEP Key Setting button to set the WEP Encryption type and level.

Figure B-1

3.The following screen may appear, verifying that you are enabling WEP Encryption. Press the OK button to continue.

Figure B-2

BEFDSR41W specifications

The Linksys BEFDSR41W is a versatile and reliable wireless router designed primarily for small to medium-sized networks, providing high-performance capabilities and an array of advanced features. With its sleek design and user-friendly interface, it is an ideal choice for home users and small businesses looking to establish a robust and secure wireless environment.

One of the standout features of the BEFDSR41W is its dual wireless capability. It supports both 802.11b and 802.11g wireless standards, allowing users to connect a wide range of devices, from older equipment to newer, high-speed devices. This flexibility ensures compatibility across various platforms while delivering decent wireless speeds, making it perfect for basic web browsing, streaming, and online gaming.

The BEFDSR41W is equipped with a built-in firewall that includes Network Address Translation (NAT) and Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) to provide robust security against external threats. This ensures that the users' personal data and network resources are safeguarded from unauthorized access. Additionally, it supports WPA2 encryption, which enhances wireless security by protecting sensitive information during transmission.

Another notable feature is its four Ethernet ports, allowing for wired connections to multiple devices, such as computers, printers, and gaming consoles. This is particularly beneficial for users who require stable connections for bandwidth-intensive applications. The router also supports DHCP, enabling automatic IP address assignment to connected devices, which simplifies network management.

The BEFDSR41W boasts an easy-to-navigate web interface for setup and management, facilitating quick configuration of wireless settings, security protocols, and other essential preferences. Furthermore, the router offers Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, allowing users to prioritize specific types of traffic to ensure uninterrupted streaming and gaming experiences.

In summary, the Linksys BEFDSR41W is a dependable wireless router that combines essential features with a user-friendly approach. Its dual wireless standard support, built-in security measures, multiple Ethernet ports, and QoS capabilities make it an excellent choice for those looking to maintain an efficient and secure network. Whether for home use or small businesses, the BEFDSR41W stands out as a reliable networking solution in today's digital landscape.