Getting Started
11
SMCWUSB-N4 300 Mbps Wireless USB Adapter User Manual
MAC Address and Serial Number
The back panel of your Adapter shows its Media Access Control (MAC) address. The MAC
address of your Adapter is a unique serial number assigned to the device by the
manufacturer. Every wired or wireless network device has a unique MAC address.
The back panel also shows the Adapter’s serial number.
Storing the Cap
Your Adapter comes with a cap that protects its USB connector. Before inserting your
Adapter into a
computer’s USB port, remove the cap from the end of the Adapter and store
the cap in a safe place. When you finish using the Adapter, push the cap o
ver the Adapter’s
USB connector until the cap fits snugly into place.
Figure 1-2. Removing the Cap
Preparing for Your Wireless Connection
Like cordless and cellular phones, wireless networks operate by sending information over
radio waves. As a result, wireless networks can be more vulnerable to intruders than
traditional wired networks. To protect your wireless network from hackers and other
unauthorized users, you need to take steps to keep your network secure.
The topics in this section cover precautions you can take to protect your wireless network.
Change the Default Wireless Network Name (SSID)
For a wireless device such as your SMCWUSB-N4 Adapter to connect to a wireless
network, it must know the network name or Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the wireless
network. Wireless devices have a default SSID preset at the factory and can be up to 32
characters long. The defaults may be fine for letting you connect and get the device up and
running quickly, but to keep snoopers and would-be attackers out, change the defaults as
soon as possible.
Often, the default settings are so common that an attacker does not need to do any
research. Many vendors use Admin or Administrator as the username and
“admin" or
"password" as the password. A couple educated guesses and an attacker can infiltrate a
wireless network.
