The use of wireless Internet access has grown rapidly over the past few years. The ability to use a network without being physically connected to it is an important technology that is here to stay. With the popularity of wireless networking on the rise in both home and business, more and more wireless networks are coming into existence. Although turning on a wireless network can be as easy as pressing a button, securing a wireless network against unwelcome guests takes a little bit of work. This article will explain the importance of having a secured wireless network and give technical information for securing your wireless network.

You would be surprised at how many wireless networks you can find in a well populated residential or business area. Chances are you will find more than just your own. Since you can see other people's wireless networks, other people can also see yours. If your wireless network does not have a password, anyone can use your Internet connection. This can be bad for two reasons: First, that person is getting free XMission Internet on your dime. Second, their actions on the Internet appear to be your actions on the Internet. This is because your XMission DSL comes with a static IP address, a 12 digit number that represents your Internet connection. If you'd like to see your IP address is visit http://ip.xmission.com. Any unwelcome visitor's actions on your wireless network appear to the outside world as coming from you. For these reasons securing your wireless network is very important.

The following instructions use the Qwest Actiontec 701g modem as an example. If you use a different wireless device the same actions are required but the instructions will vary. Always consult the manual.

Instructions:

  1. Open your web browser and put this in the address bar: http://192.168.0.1 (or the ip address of your computer's gateway)
  2. Click Setup/Configuration > Advanced setup (on the left) > Begin advanced setup
  3. Select Wireless Settings on the left and check that wireless is set to 'on'.
  4. The ESSID is the name of your wireless network. Change this to something you will recognize, but does not include any personal information such as your name or location.
  5. Now under the 'Security' listing select WPA and hit next. (We recommend selecting WPA over WEP because it is more secure. WPA has been recently developed to address these issues.)
  6. In the 'Wireless WPA Settings' window select the [PSK String] button. (Stands for Pre-Shared Key) In this field you input a secure password. Having a top-notch password is the key to having a secured network. If a malicious person wanted to try and force their way onto your network their best bet is to try and guess your password. Sometimes this is an automated "dictionary" process that without rest tries every available password combination until it succeeds. Having a complicated password can help maintain network security. For in depth information on creating a secure password please read the article on the following link: http://www.cit.cornell.edu/services/identity/password.html
  7. Putting a password on your wireless network is sufficient to secure it. At this point you may select Save and Restart on the bottom left to complete the process.

Further security is available through MAC authentication. This method is usually used when only a specific amount of known wireless connections will be using the wireless network. This step is not beneficial if you want your wireless network to be easily available to visitors whom you share the wireless key.

Every computer has a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address, and your wireless router can be set to reject all wireless connections except for those coming from pre-defined MAC addresses.

To view your MAC Address:

On Windows XP: Click Start and go to Run. Type 'cmd' and hit enter. In this DOS prompt type: ipconfig /all - It will list a 'Physical Address' that looks like 11-22-33-4a-56-7b

On Mac OSX: Click Apple and go to System Preferences. Double Click the Network Icon. Where it lists 'Show' select "Airport". It will show an 'Airport ID' that looks like 11:22:33:4a:56:7b

To set your Actiontec to deny all wireless connections except those you specify go to the Wireless MAC Authentication section in the Actiontec's advanced setup. Select 'Enable Access List' and select 'Deny All Clients'. Fill in the 'Client MAC address' field and select 'Add'. To finish the change select 'Save and restart' on the bottom left.

Adding these security measures to your wireless network will help provide the peace of mind that you know who is using your XMission Internet connection.

Did you know that XMission provides free wireless connections at over 18 Utah locations including downtown Main Street between 400 South and South Temple, and the Salt Lake City Main Library? For more information visit: http://xmission.com/wireless/