| In todays' modern world wireless networks have | | | | name, which basically identifies your network. |
| now become commonplace. With wireless | | | | Every computer in your network must have the |
| networking you can connect multiple computers | | | | same SSID name. Assign your SSID a name that |
| together without the need for cables. Wireless | | | | is familiar to you and write it down for future |
| networking also allows you to share resources | | | | reference. Disable SSID broadcast. The router |
| such as printers, Internet and files. | | | | broadcast your SSID name, which means other |
| To set up your Wireless Local Area Network or | | | | people outside your network can also see your |
| (WLAN) for short you will need a Wireless Router. | | | | SSID. Our goal here is to not allow others outside |
| A Router is actually 3 network device in 1. It acts | | | | your network to know that you have a WLAN in |
| as a Wireless access point, which allows several | | | | your home. Outside intruders usually scan SSID to |
| wireless devices to connect to each other. A | | | | locate a potential target. |
| switch which essentially directs information over | | | | By disabling your broadcast you are essentially |
| the LAN, and allows computers or printers to | | | | hiding your network from outside intruders. And |
| communicate with each other as well as share | | | | preventing others from stealing your Internet |
| their resources. Finally most routers nowadays | | | | bandwidth as well. Now we come to your WLAN |
| provide a firewall, which helps protect your | | | | security options. This is where people usually |
| network from outside intrusions by filtering | | | | make another mistake. I have seen countless |
| incoming data. Protection and security of your | | | | WLAN that were using WEP, (wireless equivalent |
| wireless network is vital. | | | | privacy) encryption which is a weak form of |
| Fortunately, it can be achieved by the average | | | | encryption. The FBI has recently reported that |
| home user with a little bit of know how. Here are | | | | WEP can be hacked within 3 minutes. WPA or the |
| some simple steps that you can do to help | | | | newer WPA 2 provide much stronger security. All |
| protect your wireless home network form | | | | wireless network equipments support some kind |
| hackers and keep your personal data secure. As | | | | of encryption. Encryption allows your data to be |
| you follow the directions provided with your | | | | encrypted before sending it out to the Internet. |
| router you will come across a section, which | | | | The computer, which receives the information, |
| provides you with the routers user name and | | | | must know how to unscramble the data to read |
| password. It is usually marked as admin for the | | | | it. You must use the strongest encryption |
| user name and password for, yes you guessed it | | | | technology that your router and or Network card |
| password. | | | | allows.If you are able to see the options for WPA |
| Now this information is publicly known and leaving | | | | 2 then that in most cases it is your best bet, |
| this information, as its default is the 1st mistake | | | | however if your computer needs to support older |
| many home users make. Use something original | | | | legacy devices then WPA or even WEP might be |
| for the user name and password and write it | | | | your only option. I hope this guide has given you a |
| down on a separate piece of paper for your | | | | basic understanding of the security that is needed |
| records. | | | | to keep your WLAN safe from outside intrusions. |
| Next, Change the Default SSID. The SSID is a | | | | |