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