Encrypting NTL Wireless Network

shingy · 31-01-2007, 22:32

Have just watched a programme on tv regarding insecure wireless internet access. Anyone know how to encrypt my NTL Broadband - I am using Actiontec Wireless Router and running 3 home pc's off it.
Many thanks
Shingy

**Rob** · 31-01-2007, 23:04

to Cable Forum

I'm not familiar with the specifics of your router. This article may give you some clues. http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...php?t=33602423

**Matt D** · 31-01-2007, 23:05

I'm not familiar with that router, but I'd assume it supports WPA, or at least WEP.

Use WPA if possible (WPA Pre Shared Key, WPA-PSK, WPA Personal), or the newer WPA2 (WPA2 Pre Shared Key, PSK etc) if it supports that.

You'd need to log on to your router's admin interface (by going to the router's IP in your browser...commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), & find a section related to wireless security.

Enable WPA2 PSK or WPA PSK & select a "key" or password.

When it's enabled, your PC's wireless connection will drop, & you'll have to reconnect it to the router, & enter the password you chose earlier. Set it to remember it, & there you go. You have wireless security.

You can also probably set up MAC filtering in addition...this lets you set the router to only allow devices with specified MAC addresses to connect to it.

If you haven't done so already, you should also change your router's SSID from the default to something else, plus change the admin password from the default.

Aragorn · 31-01-2007, 23:07

I would download the manual from the Actiontec website.
Essentially, you enable security on the router - ideally WPA or WPA2 - using a Pre-Shared Key (PSK) which is usually automatically generated.
copy this key (either write it down or better still save in a text file and put on USB key) and at each PC input the key when Windows tries to connect.
If you are using XP on all systems, you should be able to use WPA (depending on the Wireless adapters. Anything pre-XP might not support WPA, in which case you may have to settle for WEP which is very easy to break.
HTH

stallyon · 01-02-2007, 11:14

FWIW, i've just installed wireless on NTL at my friend's house. He lives in a built-up area and we found 6 unprotected wireless connections in the area. needless to say we encrypted his wireless connection but it does prove that the majority of laymen users do not know how important having a secure connection is...and they'll then complain when someone steals their identity!!!

**Stuart C** · 01-02-2007, 11:19

They either don't know, or don't bother..