Securing your wireless network

What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi regroups various IEEE802.11 standards and technologies, using radio waves to provide reliable wireless high-speed internet and network connectivity and is suitable for either a short range or a long range application.
Nowadays Wi-Fi technology is supported by may application and devices, ranging from personal computers, gaming consoles, PDA, mobile phones, OS to home networks and several basic electronic devices.

There exist two ways to set up your wireless network:

Ad-hoc mode

The ad-hoc mode is suitable for small networks. Each of the wireless adapters is configured for ad-hoc mode allowing the devices within range to connect using a peer -to-peer configuration. The fact that all the users on the network share the same SSID (Service Set Identifier or Network Name) and that connectivity between an ad-hoc and another network or the internet requires a special purpose gateway, this type of network is mostly recommended for domestic use.

Infrastructure mode connection

Connection between a wireless network and a wired network is done via a access point (central node managing data transfer in and out the WLAN).The users will again use the same SSID for the WLAN and through the AP they can access to the internet or to other peripherals found on a wired network. Multiple AP can be used to increase the range of the network.
Setting up your wireless network is quite simple. Your major requirements should an AP (D-link DWL-900AP series and a D-Link ant24-1400 if you want to extend the range of your network) and a couple of Wi-Fi adapters.

Security and protection

First of all ensure that the network name (SSID) is known only by the allowed users.

Make use of WEP/WPA

Data on your network is encrypted using pre-shared key, users must use a passphrase (some kind of long password) to access your network. Though WAP certification program is quite reliable and less easily cracked than the WEP version, it is recommended that you change your password every 3-4 month, for enhanced security.

Enabling MAC Address Filtering.

Media Access Control address or hardware address are embedded on network cards /adapters by the manufactures for identification. This option is usually turned off, follow the following steps to access your MAC address

Type cmd in the run console.



Type ipconfig/all in as command prompt.



You should get the necessary information on screen.



You can create a list of allowed MAC address on your Wi-Fi router.

DHCP

DHCP, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is an Internet Protocol that can be use to automatically assign IP addresses, default gateway simplifying network administration. It is recommended that you use a unique IP address.


Normally the combination of these three measures can provide efficient security to your wireless network, but you can go further if you want.

Going further in securing your wireless network

Secure your wireless router or access point admin interface


Most routers and access points have an administrator password that is required to sign into the device and modify the configuration settings. By default these devices use weakly typed password such as the manufacturer’s name (e.g Linksys) or ‘password’, so better change the default password of a newly acquired WLAN router or access point.

Reduce your WLAN transmitter power

Unfortunately this feature is not present on all wireless routers and access points, but some allows you lower the power of your WLAN transmitter and thus reduce the range of the signal and limit how far outside the signal reaches, minimizing the opportunity for outsiders to access your network.


Disable remote administration

Most WLAN routers can be remotely monitored via the Internet. You can use this feature only if it lets you define a specific IP address or limited set of addresses that will have access to the router. Otherwise, someone may find and access your router.