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NP7032 - Wireless LAN PC Card
How to Make Your Wireless Network More Secure
Wireless networks can be vulnerable to an outsider gaining access if the encryption settings are
not set adequately. Some of the default security settings on some wireless hardware, and in
Microsoft Windows, may allow access to your wireless network from other wireless devices.
The concepts that are presented here are offered only as a guide, and may help make your
wireless network more difficult for an outsider to gain access. For more specific information
about the implementation of these suggestions, you should consult a trusted security source.
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Enable Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption
The 802.11b standard, which your NetComm WLAN device is based on, permits Wired
Equivalent Privacy (WEP) encryption. Depending on what other hardware you use your
NetComm NP7032 - Wireless LAN PC Card with, there are two levels of WEP typically
available: 64-bit encryption (based on a 40-bit encryption key), and 128-bit encryption
(based on a 104-bit key). We strongly recommend that you enable WEP.
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Change the default Service Set Identifier (SSID) and passwords for your network devices.
Do not change the SSID or password to reflect your name, address, or anything that would
be easy to guess as this could make it easy for an outsider to gain access to your wireless
network.
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Install Access Points away from windows
If you are installing access points, think about locating them towards the centre of your
home instead of near the windows. Plan your coverage to radiate out to the windows, but
not beyond. If the access points are located near the windows, a stronger signal will be
radiated outside your home making it easier for those outside the building to locate your
network.
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Check the range of your network
Take a notebook, or a PDA computer, that is equipped with a wireless network PC Card and
go outside your home to survey what range you get when moving around your property or
neighbourhood. You may be surprised how far the signal radiates. If you can connect from
three or four houses away, so can someone else.
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Use a combination of the previous suggestions.
