I’ve never set one up before.  Any recomendations?  I know a little about WEP and WPA, but are they necessary?  Is there such a thing as a closed WI-FI?  What I mean is can I set authorization for only one or two laptops to connect to my network and make it to where nobody else can even see my home network?

Sorry for all the question dumping.  I am just one of theose anal geeks that likes to know everything before I invest time and money.  This helps me not having to go through a lot of trial and error. (which is why I have you folks! 8) )

WEP and WPA are encryption. WEP sucks, but just about everybody supports it. WPA doesn’t suck as much, but it’s not as widely supported. The Intel WiFi adaptors in the TRs support it as do many relatively cheap WAPs. You just need to put a key into the router and then the same key into each of the NIC cards that want to attach. Most reasonably intelligent routers will allow you to set them so that only specified MAC addresses can access the router. It’s also advisable to not have your WAP broadcast it’s SSID name. None of that will stop the really determined cracker, but it makes you much less of a target for wardriving. A wardriver would much rather hit the idiot next door broadcasting “Linksys” without encryption rather than a more secure site that will take a few minutes to crack.

I have two 2.4ghz cordless phones. whenever i was on the phone, my wireless network was interfered.
what can i do about it?

Beyond the “Doctor, doctor, it hurts when I do this.” “Then don’t do that.” response, I’d suggest changing channels on the phone or the network.

[quote author=“snow flake”]I have two 2.4ghz cordless phones. whenever i was on the phone, my wireless network was interfered.
what can i do about it?

Channels 1, 6 and 11 are your best options as there are supposed to be overlap-free (US channel asignments).  Scan for other people/APs using them before selecting one.  I’d also stay away from channel 6 as it is the default for many APs and therefore, the most crowded.

Regards,
Marcelo

So if WAP doesnt broadcast SSID, and I designate specific MAC addresses to the router, and employ WPA encryption, is that as good as it gets without getting complicated?  Additionally, if I do all this, do I sacrifice any bandwidth or signal strength?  In other words are there any downsides?  I would think that everyone would do what you just suggested.  Right Drachen?

Oh, I forgot.  I should also kill the 2.4 Ghz phones for the newer 5Ghz phones and only operate on either channels 1 or 11.  How am I doing so far?

Here’s a good article on Ars Technica explaining why I made the recommendations I did and has some other good setup tips. Both WEP and WPA will slice off a little speed but give you a little added protection.

Thanks, Drachen.   Its an older article, but lays a good foundation of knowledge for me to go by.

If I already have a DSL external USB modem…do I still need a router and a WAP?  Or can I just get a WAP and use my DSL modem as the router?  Sorry for the dumb question…like I said, I’m new to networking.

TruthSeeker,

I got the same problem.
I have ADSL modem connected to my desktop via USB. now, would like to set up a wireless network, so I could get on the net with my TR and clie.
If you got yours up and running do you mind sharing steps that you took with me? what hardware did you use? how much did it cost you?

Regards,

KZ2030

I just ordered the Linksys Wireless-G Broadband router with Speedbooster.  The model # is WRT54GS.  It is an Access Point, Router, and 4 port 10/100 hub all in one.  I have not recieved it yet, but I will let you know.  As I understand it several members on this forum use the same or similar product.  It seems Linksys is highly recommended here.

I have been using the Linksys WRT54G for a while now and have been happy with it.  I don’t need a lot of range.  Most of the time I am within 60 feet of the router.  However, I just know I am going to feel inadequate without the S at the end of the model name.

Let me ease your pain, VAIO Jet…the “S” you refer to only works when all devices are using speedbooster.  Our TR’s do not have this functionality that I am aware of.  Your mind can now be at rest.

TruthSeeker,

Thanks for the note.  I’ve just went and checked that device (wrt54g) on Linksys website, and it got me wondering. How you gonna connect your USB ADSL modem to it, when it only shows a network cable connection, not a USB? or am I missing something?

KZ…you’re right!  I just received my router in the mail and noticed that I now have the same problem… :cry:

Does anyone have a fix for this?