So you're online with your high-speed cable or DSL and now you're ready for wireless.
Take a few minutes and learn how to secure your wireless router from prying neighbors. It's easy!
Why you should secure your wireless router
Connecting to your unsecured wireless router is easy. Plug in your new wireless router, turn on your laptop, and it
connects (almost) automatically. The problem is that anyone else within one-quarter of a mile can also connect to your
wireless router! Do you want your next door neighbor, or some stranger parked in his car across the street using your
internet? Before you answer, consider what those people might be doing: downloading child-porn, planning terrorist
activities, sharing illegal music or movie files? If someone is using your wireless internet connection for wrong-doing the
FBI is going to knock on YOUR door. It will then be up to you to prove that someone other than you was doing these
dirty deeds!
WEP, WPA, PSK, AES, TKIP: What do these things mean?
Don't get worked-up over all these wireless (WiFi) security terms. All new routers are compliant with WPA security. WPA
security replaces the now obsolete WEP security. Don't worry about all the other terms, WPA or WEP are the two terms
to remember.
Making The Secure Wireless Connection
All routers have a web page that you can connect to for configuring WiFi security. Refer to the instructions that came
with your router to access the configuration page. From the security configuration page, turn on the WPA (or WEP if
WPA is not available) and enter a password. Remember this password because you'll have to enter it into all the laptops
or PC's connecting to your wireless router. Save your changes and restart the router (if necessary).
The next time you connect your laptop or PC to your wireless WiFi router it will ask you to enter the connection
password you entered into the router. This password is what keeps strangers from connecting to your WiFi router. You
only have to enter that password one time. Windows XP will remember the password.
Securing your WiFi this way does not make it 'hack-proof', but most bad guys will skip yours and move on to an easier,
unsecured target.
How to shop for and buy a new wireless router
WiFi routers are cheap. Look for these options when shopping: 802.11g or 802.11n, WPA Security. You can find great
deals for wireless routers online, often for as low as $24.99
I can connect to my neighbor's wireless internet, can't I just use his?
Well.. Yes and no..
Connecting to someones WiFi without his or her permission is against the law in the United States. Most people agree
that it's also not moral to "steal" someones internet without their permission.
WiFi routers aren't very expensive - buy your own and everyone will be happy. Besides, think of how much fun it will be
for you to teach your neighbor how to secure his WiFi connection!
USING WIRELESS ROUTERS