wireless network security - help needed!!
 

hi folks, after buying a laptop nearly a week ago we think we have finally managed to get it connected to the internet on the connection we have set up..however its saying its unsecured - could someone talk me through the process of securing it so no one can hack into our connection..


thanks

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

Which make and medel or wireless router do you have? DO you have any instructions for it?

Basically you need to go into the configuration page of you router using your web browser and go to the wireless security settings page. Most routers are all similar to each other. You will be looking to turn on WPA2 encryption and enter a password to secure it. Some routers call it WPA2-PSK. The PSK stands for public shared key.

It will be easier if you tell us what router you have first though. Was it supplied by your ISP, if so who is your ISP?

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

the router we have is a 'peak' one - we got it when we bought the laptop and my ISP is virgin..the instructions for it were very basic really..didnt tell you much more than how to plug it together..nothing about unsecured network...really stumped as wireless stuff is new to me!

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

There is a PDF file you can down load to set it up
http://www.peakhardware.com/DB/Knowl...ss-product.pdf

But basically you need to open your browser and enter 192.168.1.254 this will give you the router settings look for security and set a password.

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

it was asking for a key to type in for the wireless security part of it but I dont know how to get it..is it generated from somewhere?

and whats the better - WEP OR WPA?

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

if you have not set that then try leaving it blank or try "ADMIN" if it askes for a second password put "PASSWORD" this is the detault for NETGEAR router basic setup before you set everything

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

I did set a password on it when doing the admin thing but when I look at the connection on the laptop it says unsecured..
really really baffles me..

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

That password is just to get to the settings you have not set the security up yet

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

You need tclick on security under the wireless setting you need to select the type of security. You mentioned WEp or WPA. Select WPA. If it has it select WPA2. It will ask for a password or key. Enter a password in here. Make it hard to guess with numbers and letters about 10 or more long. When you do a save the router might restart. You should then loose your wireless connection to it. You will need to go into the wireless settings on your laptop, find your network again and then enter the password when prompted. Just like you did when you first connected the laptop to the wireless except this time it will ask for the password.

That pdf manual is very basic and does nothing to help make everyone's wireless networks secure.

I just found this for you

http://www.peakhardware.com/DB/FAQ/F...g-reviewed.htm

If you go to this page you can see all the guides at the bottom of the page

http://www.peakhardware.com/products...il.asp?PAID=48

This looks like the full manual for your router http://www.peakhardware.com.tw/DB/Do...uterManual.pdf

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

Something else that might help: Print or save all the instructions you find.

If you rely on navigating back to this (or other) pages, but then lose your net connection, you'll be stuffed.

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

Usually some information is on the wireless box! Like with sky on their wireless box is the name and password but it does tell you to change it!

Re: wireless network security - help needed!!
 

It tells you to change them because you can hack the original passwords.

When you buy a wireless router they come unsecured. When you install and set them up you secure them.