Wireless-G PrintServer for USB 2.0

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 Internet port and its firewall will protect your network from any transmissions entering via your wireless network.

Appendix B: Wireless Security

52

What Are The Risks?

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Linksys WPS54GU2 manual Ssid
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WPS54GU2 specifications

The Linksys WPS54GU2 is a reliable and efficient wireless print server designed to simplify the process of sharing printers across a local network. This device enables users to connect a USB printer to an existing wireless network, allowing multiple computers to access the printer without the need for direct connections. As part of Linksys' commitment to providing practical networking solutions, the WPS54GU2 has been tailored to meet the needs of home and small office users.

One of the standout features of the WPS54GU2 is its support for the IEEE 802.11b/g wireless standards. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of network devices, and users can expect data transfer speeds of up to 54 Mbps, making it suitable for everyday printing tasks. Its wireless capability eliminates the hassle of tangled cables and allows for flexible printer placement within the workspace.

The WPS54GU2 supports multiple operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS, broadening its accessibility. The intuitive setup process is another highlight, facilitated by a user-friendly web-based interface. The inclusion of Quick Setup Wizard ensures even novice users can configure their device with ease. By following the simple prompts, users can seamlessly connect their printer to the network and begin printing in no time.

Certainly, security is a crucial consideration in today’s networking environment, and the Linksys WPS54GU2 includes robust security features. It supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 encryption standards, helping to protect data transmitted over the network. Additionally, the device allows for the configuration of various security modes to match the specific needs of a home or office environment.

Moreover, an interesting characteristic of the WPS54GU2 is its ability to support both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 printers, enhancing its compatibility with various printer models. The ability to connect multiple computers to a single printer not only improves efficiency but also optimizes resource use.

In summary, the Linksys WPS54GU2 serves as a versatile wireless print server, offering ease of use, compatibility, and strong security features. By enabling users to connect and share printers over a wireless network, it enhances the functionality of workspaces, making it a valuable addition to any home or small office setup.
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