Wireless Network Security

[Bram]

Hi

Don't know if it's been asked before, so apologies for duplication.
I am looking at setting up a wireless network and -following on from the stuff I read here- will go for a Linksys combo of WRT54G and WPC54G. (Please shout if this is a silly choice). This to connect my PC through ethernet to the router (which I understand can plug straigt into the cable modem) and use my laptop wirelessaround the house.

Anyway, my question now is to with security and firewalls.
From the way I understand it, you can set the security of the network to prevent people standing outside and getting access to your network. I also think this can be done without getting any additional software. Am I correct?
What about firewalls though? Are you supposed to keep firewalls on your computers seperatly? (I currently have ZoneAlarm) Or does this wireless network security stuff removes the need for a firewall?

Thanks a lot for your advise!

(And a happy New Year to you all!)

[kfridge]

recommend that you keep the firewalls on your individual machines as well as using the hardware one in the router. As for security:

if the router has it use WPA as it is more secure than WEP

turn off the SSID so people cannot easily find your network (the SSID is continually broadcast, much like a TV signal and can be picked up by any wireless equipped PC)

enable MAC address access, i.e. only PC's with MAC addresses in the access list will be able to connect

Hope this helps!

[MovedGoalPosts]

The Linksys WRT54G has a firewall as part of the router software. That in fact is the only firewall I have protecting my network and it works fine.

As belt and braces you can also run a firewall on each computer you have attached to your network. This could be the Windows XP SP2 firewall, Zonealarm or whatever.

Best form of wireless security is a cable! but if you have to use wireless the router you have chosen has WEP capibilities where you can set a key which will encrypt your wireless communications. Its a great router BTW!

I would always suggest a personal firewall such as Zone Alarm to secure your PC. Don't just rely on your router to be your firewall.

[Gareth]

Originally Posted by TW_BUS_DATA_TECH

Best form of wireless security is a cable! but if you have to use wireless the router you have chosen has WEP capibilities where you can set a key which will encrypt your wireless communications. Its a great router BTW!

I would always suggest a personal firewall such as Zone Alarm to secure your PC. Don't just rely on your router to be your firewall.

I'd agree with all this... and would just add that both this particular router and the wireless adapter are both WEP and WPA compatible, and as WPA is more secure than WEP, I'd recommend you use WPA at all times. There is an overhead using WPA compared to WEP in terms of the encryption, but it is so negligable that you won't notice any difference.

For what it's worth, WEP encryption can be cracked in approximately 10 minutes provided someone has gathered enough of your network traffic. WPA takes a helluva lot longer

---------- Post added at 01:17 ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 ----------

Oh, and I'd also recommend reading through this article that covers some useful points that you should be aware of before setting up your wireless network

[Bram]

Thanks a lot for all your replies. I will take it on board and make sure my network is secure.
Just one final question. I'm looking at PCworld website, and they only sell the WRT54GSUK. That's the one with speedbooster. Is there any difference between this one and the normal one? Does it matter if I get speedbooster one??

Cheers

Bram