I just bought a linksys wireless router WRT54GS! This is my first time though. Once I set up the router, I can use it from my laptop right? It has a wireless card builtin already. Now, I don't mean using the laptop while the ethernet wires are plugged into my laptop's jack. I will use it from my living room and the desktop is in my room.
Also, how can i protect and secure the router? So, no one steals my connection without me knowning about it.
Once I set up the router, I can use it from my laptop right? It has a wireless card builtin already. Now, I don't mean using the laptop while the ethernet wires are plugged into my laptop's jack. I will use it from my living room and the desktop is in my room.
Yes.
Also, how can i protect and secure the router? So, no one steals my connection without me knowning about it.
Your manual should explain the details but:
1. Disable SSID broadcast.
2. Use encryption.
3. Use MAC Address filter to allow only listed units to connect.
I forgot this but where do I get the Mac address from? Wasn't it from cmd then ipconfig ?
There are probably other ways but (in Windows XP) I use Control Panel > Network Connections > Wireless Network Connection > Support > Details > Physical Address.
If you don't mind let me recommend a site for inspection. This is what I use here.
WRT54GC & WMP54G Combo
WPA2 Personal, AES & a 63 bit key
I rather have used WPA2 Mixed but the WMP54G card doesn't support.
channel 10, not 6, why? EVERYONE uses Channel 6. Most people just leave the defaults on. From experience I get better reception moving the channel to 10. List of inference: Cell, cordless phones, Microwaves, florencent lighting(WORSE), large mechanical motors(elevators)
SSID is enabled, why? With SSID off it makes it more difficult to authenticate machine. Also you are more prone to diconnects. I may be wrong, but this works for me. I used to run with out SSID off, had nothing but problems.