Wireless Security

Question

Good Evening,   Have a Inspiron 9100 with a Dell Wireless 1450 dual band WLAN mini-pci card, using Dell wireless software version 4.100.15.8 dated 10/26/2006; with Driver version 4.100.15.5 dated 10/12/2006 and a supplicant version 4.100.15.8 dated 10/26/2006.  Using Windows XP pro Also using a Dell router through a Dell 4200 desktop and Norton Internet security.   During the last several years there were no other wireless networks in my neighborhood.  All of a sudden networks have been popping up - now there are more than 8 in the surrounding homes. I notice that two have security with a lock as an icon and the rest (including me) apparently have none listed. My Encryption type is listed as disabled and the Connection type is listed as Infrastructure.   Wireless network connections uses:                 Client Service for Netware                 Client for Microsoft Network                 File and printer sharing for Microsoft Network                 NWLink NetBIOS                 NWLink IPX/SPX / NetBIOS compatible transport                 Network Monitor Driver                 Internet Protocal (TCP/IP)          Several of these networks use the Network Name as 'wireless' including mine. The others have unique names. I can only distingish my connectin because it has the greatest reception.   How can I rename the Network Name 'wireless' to something that I can identify as my own network?                        How can I enable the security on my wireless connection?

volcano11 · Answer

Changing the name of your router and enabling security can all be accomplished by logging on to your router's configuration page.   You do this from a wired connection to the router and then typing the router's IP address into the address bar of your web browser.  You should probably dig out your router's users manual to find out how to do this.   You don't say which model Dell router you have, so it's difficult to provide further details.   Steve

mombodog · Answer

You can also set the router to Not broadcast your SSID (name) so that neighbors will not see it in their list.

bimmer75 · Answer

Thank you for your response. The router is a TrueMoblie 2300. I am reviewing the manual online.

bimmer75 · Answer

My Dimension is a 8200 not a 4200 (sorry for the confusion)

NemesisDB · Answer

>You can also set the router to Not broadcast your SSID (name) so that neighbors will not see it in their list.

Just to offer a counter-opinion. I would keep broadcast on. Enabling security (preferably WPA) is the real thing you need to do. Making a unique SSID will be a help in terms of connecting and stability but I do not view it (or disabling its broadcast) as a security measure.

good reading: http://www.icsalabs.com/icsa/docs/html/communities/WLAN/wp_ssid_hiding.pdf

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/Ou/?p=43

Message Edited by NemesisDB on 03-13-2007 12:50 PM

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Wireless Security

Was this post helpful?