Going wireless

Posted by: JamieWednesday on 09 December 2004

Guys, any good/bad experiences or recommendations?

I want to connect our new 2nd PC to internet wirelessly. I use XP and NTL cable with ethernet connection at present.

Would like to protect data from outside world as much as poss.

Understand I can use these to allow Xbox live and wireless music access too (with right kit on hifi), right?

I've seen all the usual makes at stores such as Belkin, Dlink, Linksys etc.

I would value your opinions because they all seem to offer the same thing but I'm not sure I can tell the difference anymore between what I need and what I don't... and PC World staff appear kind but not very knowledgeable...

Thank you
Posted on: 09 December 2004 by Matthew T
If you want to be really secure go for WPA (using a long random alpha-numeric code) and MAC address filtering, however though this is very secure not sure it is compatable with X-box etc. The alternative is to use WEP encryption which is not as secure and can be hacked (though not that easily). MAC will eliminate next door neighbours form free internet access unless they are real hacks (and then you would need pretty secure firewall configurations to stop them getting in on the broadband connection). Odds on your wireless network would be vastly more secure then 99% of homeusers with MAC filtering and WPA encryption.

In terms of hard ware I would go for a ADSL modem/router/firewall/wireless link that has WPA capability, they start at around £70. You will then be able to turn on or off MAC filtering, WEP/WPA encryption and also configure your firewall to reduce hits from outside and use NAT to 'hide' PC's from the outside world. Of course you still need virus checking software on each PC and keep the Windows XP firewall on.

Hope this helps

Matthew
Posted on: 09 December 2004 by Rasher
quote:
Originally posted by Matthew T:
In terms of hard ware I would go for a ADSL modem/router/firewall/wireless link

I use the Netgear one, and make sure it's the faster g version. Don't forget to turn off "Allow broadcasting your network name" on the set-up!