Wireless networks, often abbreviated to "Wi Fi", allow PCs, laptops and other devices to "speak" to each other employing a short range radio signal. Yet, to produce a protected wireless network you would have to make some changes to the way in which it works once it is switched on.

The signal of any short range radio transmission may be picked up by any device in range that is tuned to exactly the same frequency. This means that anyone using a radio PC or laptop in range of your wireless network might be able to connect to it unless you take precautions.

If this happens then your network and PC are exposed to any or all the following:

Freeloaders - A "Freeloader" may connect to your network and use your broadband connection without your knowledge or permission. This may have an impact on your own use. You could notice your connection slows down as it shares the availability of the Internet with more users. Many dwelling Internet services have limits to the quantity of information you can download per month - a "Freeloader" could exceed this limit and you also locate your Internet bill charged for the extra quantities of data. More seriously, a "Freeloader" may use your Internet connection for many annoyance or illegal activity. The Police may track the Internet connection used for such action it could lead them straight back to you.

If you liked this information and you would certainly like to get even more details concerning voip kindly visit our website. Eavesdropping - As information is transmitted an "eavesdropper" may connect to your wireless network and view all of the info as it passes by. This is completely undetectable from the user as the "Eavesdropper" is just listening not transmitting. Such sensitive information as bank account details, credit card numbers, usernames and passwords may be recorded.

Hacking - Even when the security attributes of a wireless network happen to be switched on unless these features are set-up right then anyone in range can hack into the network. All home wireless network routers have a conventional username and password for the management of the network. All a hacker needs to do is go through the listing of standard usernames and passwords until he gains access. A hacker may subsequently use your network for any of the above mentioned or gain access to your own PC - your firewall may not prevent him because, as he is connected to your own network, he is within the trusted zone.

Most wireless network equipment, when it comes from the carton, is not protected against these dangers by default. What this means is you have to configure the network yourself to make it a secure wireless network.

How to fix a wireless network



Although all wireless equipment marked as 802.11 will have regular features such as encryption and access control each manufacturer has a distinct way it is controlled or obtained. What this means is the guidance that follows may appear somewhat technical because we can only tell you what you must do not how to do it. You must read the manual or help files that came with your gear so that you can determine how to make a safe wireless network.

1. Use encryption. This is the bedrock of any protected wireless network and means the info that passes within the radio can only be decoded using the correct system of encryption and the correct password. Presently there are three methods of encryption for wireless networks typically referred to by their acronyms: WPA2, WPA-PSK and WEP. Each procedure can only be used if all of the gear on the network has the capability. As WPA2 is the most recent approach to encryption, unless you've got lately got the latest PCs, laptops & network device you likely will never manage to use it. WPA-PSK is the next best and can be obtained on most hardware. In case you are using older access points and network cards, you might find which you can only use WEP. Make sure you make use of a word or phrase that might not be easily guessed.

2. These last two (ad hoc and peer-to-peer) mean that network devices for example PCs and notebooks can connect right with each other without going via an access point.

3. Pick an obscure name for the network - This important trick to getting a secure wireless network might be not used by about 99% of home users. The default SSID is normally the name and model of the wireless router or Internet provider e.g. NetgearDG834G or Sky9091. Should you depart the SSID like this it makes hacking really easy so change the SSID when you set up your network. Do not use your address, house name or family name these are too simple to think.4. Switch off the SSID broadcast. This suggestion goes in conjunction with No3 in developing a secure wireless network. This means that anyone wanting to connect to your wireless network must understand its SSID i.e. the name of the network.

5. A safe wireless network may have an admin user ID that's hard to imagine and a strong password that uses letter and numbers.

6. Unplug the wireless router if you are going to be away from home (or the office). It is additionally a good idea to create the time the network may be used in the event the device allows it. For instance, in a office you might not need to unplug the wireless router by the end of each and every day so that you could set it to only allow connections between the hours of 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM.

7. Use MAC filtering In Case your wireless router or access point enables it, MAC filtering easily adds an additional layer to make your wireless network safe. Every network card (the apparatus installed in PCs and laptops that connect it to a network) has its own unique code, called a "MAC address". In the support window click on "details". The code tagged "physical address" is the MAC code for that network connection device. Be sure it's the wireless network connection you select as the LAN connection will have a distinct MAC address. Most wireless routers or access points allow you to list the MAC codes that you wish to use the network. This implies that you must grant permission to any PC or laptop that desires to connect to the network.

If you can place all seven of these suggestions in operation you will possess a secure wireless network.