Wireless Security (How-To?)

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I've been examining my internet speeds for a long time now, and I'm suspicious. Some companies do occasionally have some faults and their speeds go down for a while, but I'm noticing that my connection tends to play up-and-down with me more frequently than usual. And I can't help but get the feeling that someone nearby is laughing right in my face.

To clarify, I've no internet security for my wireless. I may sound like an idiot for not doing anything about it until now, but that's not what this is about.

I want to set a password for anyone (including me) that wishes to connect to my wireless router downstairs. Currently, my PC is inoperable - control panel cannot be accessed if that's what is needed.

I connect to the router everyday (successfully) but I want to make sure none of my neighbours are ''borrowing'' my connection (as it seems recently). I'd prefer if it was just the Mac, as I regularly need maximum speeds for big downloads.

I have done a WLAN scan with my friend's PSP to check and atleast 4-5 wireless networks showed up in these 5-6 houses that surround mine. What's my point here? Just saying that there's a good chance that one of them has used my network at some point.

So if anyone could instruct me to set up some basic but strong security for my wireless router (using my Mac), I'd appreciate the help.
 
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What kind of router? Basically all you have to do is go into your router's admin screen and set a wep or wpa encryption key. Then enter that key into your mac when prompted to connect to the wireless network.

Check this out....

http://resnet.uci.edu/routersetup.asp
 
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Sorry, that didn't help. It contained a load of files that I don't know what to do with. No executional files either.

My router is the Zoom X6. (Product from official site.)

I Googled around for a bit and most sites say that the Windows Firewall does all this? Isn't there a way I can set a password from the Mac Preferences?
 
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You would need to use the software (wizard) that came with your router. Or type in the i.p. address of the router from a web browser (Safari) to set up the security.
 
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Burim
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You would need to use the software (wizard) that came with your router. Or type in the i.p. address of the router from a web browser (Safari) to set up the security.

Okay, I looked around in all the Safari preferences but can't find that. Plus - the software that came with the router is only Windows-installable. As soon as the router turns on, my Mac recognizes it and establishes a connection.

On a side note, I managed to get my PC back up and running last night, so any tips about doing this via the Control Panel are welcome. :D
 

bobtomay

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To reiterate what the others have said a little more clearly.

This will not be set up in any preferences on your Mac.

It will not be set up via any preferences in Control Panel in Windows.

You will need to open a browser, any browser, in Windows, or in OS X and in the address bar, enter the address of your router. The router's address will look something like ... 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 etc...

Dig out the directions that came with the router and it will give you it's default address and the default password to log in to it. You'll need both of these to log on to the router. If you do not have the owner's manual any longer - go here.

Once logged onto the router, you will:
1) Change the password from the default so that your neighbors will not have access to it.

2) Go to it's wireless settings tab, and change the name of the network of the router.
Some routers will have a Wizard to walk you thru these steps, some will not.

3) Set up either WEP or WPA encryption on this network. Use WPA2, it is available on your router. It is the stronger of the two.

3) You will also set up an encryption key that must be put into any computer in order to access this network. Write it down, make sure you write it down correctly.

4) Hit the Save Changes button on the router and then close the browser window.

5) Go to your Mac and open System Preferences - Network - Airport - Advanced - and in that Preferred Network box you will enter the network along with the encryption key you set up.

And if you're windows machine is up and running, and you really can't wrap your head around doing the above, install the software that came with the router on your Win machine - it should walk you thru the whole process.
 
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Burim
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Oh man - bobtomay, thank you so much! I followed all your instructions and got into my network settings online. I had to ring up my ISP to get my log-in details but I did it. The Mac now requests a password every time Airport is turned on.

There's just one more question which is not related to this.

My Mac is wireless, my PC isn't. But with a router in between, is there a way we can wirelessly share files or play games together? Or do they both have to be wireless? (For the record, I'm running Vista on the PC and Tiger on the Mac).
 

bobtomay

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Make sure you do # 5 above - once done, it should save your password.

Once you have your network set up as your Preferred network, your Mac should automatically join that network whenever Airport is on and your Mac is within range, the same as it did before you set up your encryption.

Yes, you can share files, just haven't done it so I would not be the best at walking you through it. You might try some searching on the forum - am sure the question has been asked before.
 
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Actually, there is no "Advanced" menu or button in my Network preferences. I don't mind entering the password, but a way to save it would help. Is there another way?
 

bobtomay

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Are you running Tiger or Leopard?
 
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I'm running Tiger.

By the way, just to re-quote my other question:

My Mac is wireless, my PC isn't. But with a router in between, is there a way we can wirelessly share files or play games together? Or do they both have to be wireless? (For the record, I'm running Vista on the PC and Tiger on the Mac).
 

bobtomay

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Have Leopard so I don't remember the exact course.
But, here is a link showing the System Preferences page you're looking for and a short walkthru.

Once you have everything matching all those boxes down to - By default, join: Preferred networks

click on the plus sign under the big box - you'll get a pop up where you can input your network and WEP or WPA password
you can highlight and then click on the minus sign to delete any of your neighbors networks that may be there.
 
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Burim
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bobtomay - a BIG thank you to you, for helping me the most here. Thanks to everyone else who contributed with their info - it was much appreciated. :)

I've now sorted out my default password and secured my wireless network. No more nosy neighbours 'borrowing' my connection. All is well... for now! ;D
 

bobtomay

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Glad we could help.
 

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