[arainert]

Hey,

I'm using a TiBook 800 and a Linksys router and I'd love to password protect my network from outside users (or at least protect my computers from them)

I read about setting the WEP key which will generate a Hexadecimal number. Is that what I have to do. If so, will I have to enter that every time I use my laptop on the network?


Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks so much,

:a

[foop]

No, you won't have to enter it every time. You enter it in to the Wireless Network Settings on your client (TiBook) in the setup process. From then on it's stored.

[mofu]

On the Linksys, input the passphrase and click the OK/Submit button to accept. (Use 128-bit Encryption) After accepting write down the long string of hexadecimal (0-9,A-F) characters in the box below, be sure to put the cursor in the box and scroll over to see the end of the string.

When you input the key into the Airport Card Setup put a $ in front of the string to tell OS X its a hex key.

Also, change the password used for your router setup, everyone knows the default password on a Linksys is 'admin', change it to something less obvious.

[unix2mac]

You can also disable the broadcasting of the ESSID (providing you are running the latest version of software for the access point). I just do this instead of enabling encryption.

[tooki]

arainert, please take care to post your questions in the correct forum. You may own a PowerBook, but your question was about networking.

If you're using Mac OS X 10.2, you don't need the $ in front of the WEP key; just choose 128-bit Hex from the popup menu.


Disabling beaconing (broadcasting of the ESSID) is an extremely poor method of providing security, because anyone with the desire to break into a network will have software that allows them to see access points with beaconing turned off.

ALWAYS use encryption, if you ask me.

Even better, use MAC address controls, where only wireless cards whose MAC addresses you have put on an "approved list" can log on to your access point. Also not infallable, but very, very hard to break.

tooki

[ghporter]

Tooki's right on target. Use WEP all the time. Choose shared key authentication (it's a bit more secure). Use MAC address filtering, which only allows specific wireless cards to connect through your network. Change keys frequently-monthly is good.

[dafuser]

Originally posted by tooki:


If you're using Mac OS X 10.2, you don't need the $ in front of the WEP key; just choose 128-bit Hex from the popup menu.

I'm running a 1Ghz TiBook and OS 10.2.3 with a LinkSys WAP11 router. I use 128 bit WEP, disable SSID broadcasts, and use MAC ACL's.

I had to use the "$" in front of the hex key generated by my WAP11 to enable 128 bit WEP on my TiBook. Where did you find the 128-bit pull down item on the TiBook?

I don't see it in the Network AirPort screen.

Thanks

[unix2mac]

Originally posted by tooki:
arainert, please take care to post your questions in the correct forum. You may own a PowerBook, but your question was about networking.

If you're using Mac OS X 10.2, you don't need the $ in front of the WEP key; just choose 128-bit Hex from the popup menu.


Disabling beaconing (broadcasting of the ESSID) is an extremely poor method of providing security, because anyone with the desire to break into a network will have software that allows them to see access points with beaconing turned off.

ALWAYS use encryption, if you ask me.

Even better, use MAC address controls, where only wireless cards whose MAC addresses you have put on an "approved list" can log on to your access point. Also not infallable, but very, very hard to break.

tooki

I think it depends on your environment. I live in a fairly "technically unsavvy" area and don't really have a fear of someone driving by with a wireless sniffer. I would probably reconsider if I was in a large city or if this was in an office environment. I would rather not add the additional overhead of encryption.

BTW, I used Net Stumbler to see if my WLAN was able to be detected and it didn't find it.

[t_hah]

I am also confused on where to enter the 128-bit key to my Airport card. I have a Netgear router and I can set it to use 128-bit WEp, but not sure how to access it afterwards with my Airport card. Would I have to enter it lets say when I am joining the Wireless network, which I can do by selecting Other... from the Airport menu item in the Airport menubar item?
Can someone clarify this please.

Also...some people seem to be using the Airport Admin Utility with their router. Is it possible to use that utility with other routers than Apple's own?

Thank you,


t