Configuring Wireless Security (WEP/WPA/Access list)

Hackers can easily trap information transmitted over wireless network, it has to be encrypted to avoid unauthorized users to intercept and decode data. Read more about Importance of NOT using just defaults.

In order to secure the wireless network, enable either WEP, WPA-PSK or Access Control List. You can read more about WEP and WPA in the following links:

• WEP. See What is WEP Encryption for Wireless Network?
• WPA-PSK. See What's New in Security: WPA.

This article explains how to configure WEP/WPA-PSK/Access list on NETGEAR Wireless router (also applicable to access points).

Note:

• You can configure WEP or WPA. But you cannot enable both at the same time.
• You can configure Access list and also enable WEP or WPA for additional security.
• After you enable wireless security features on the router (or access point), you must configure your wireless clients (wireless computers) with matching settings. Your wireless clients will not be able to connect unless you configure matching settings.
• Its recommended you enable these wireless security settings from a computer wired to the router (or access point).

Configuring WEP:

1. Connect a computer to any one of the four LAN ports of the NETGEAR router.
2. Open an Internet explorer and type the router IP address which would be either http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1 (by default, refer to your product documentation ti determine the default IP address.) in the address bar and press Enter.
   The Login window will be prompting for a Username and Password. The default Username is admin and the default Password is password
3. Click Wireless Settings under Setup menu.

   

4. Under Security Options, Select WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
5. Select Authentication type as Automatic and Encryption Strength as 64-bit (or 128-bit) - You must later configure your wireless computers with the same setting.
6. Select Key 1 and enter any 10 hexadecimal digits - any combination of 0-9, A-F (26 digits if you selected 128-bit as the encryption strength) and Apply the settings. Please note down these values - You must later configure your wireless computers with the same setting.

Configuring WPA-PSK Encryption:

1. Connect a computer to any one of the four LAN ports of the NETGEAR router.
2. Open an Internet explorer and type the router IP address which would be either http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1 (by default, refer to your product documentation ti determine the default IP address.) in the address bar and press Enter.
   The Login window will be prompting for a Username and Password. The default Username is admin and the default Password is password
3. Click Wireless Settings under Setup menu.

   

4. Under Security Options, select WPA-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access Pre-Shared Key)
5. Enter a word or group of printable characters in the Passphrase box. The Passphrase must be 8 to 63 characters in length.
6. Click Apply

Configuring Access Control List:

Note: Before you enable access control list, you need to know the MAC address (aka Physical address or Hardware address) of all your wireless computers. Once you enable access control list, any wireless client (card) with a MAC address not listed will NOT be allowed to connect with the router.

1. Connect a computer to any one of the four LAN ports of the NETGEAR router.
2. Open an Internet explorer and type the router IP address which would be either http://192.168.0.1 or http://192.168.1.1 (by default, refer to your product documentation ti determine the default IP address.) in the address bar and press Enter.
   The Login window will be prompting for a Username and Password. The default Username is admin and the default Password is password
3. Click Wireless Settings under Advanced menu
4. Click Setup Access List

   

5. Click on the Add button

   

6. Enter the a descriptive Device Name (like HallDesktop) and the MAC address of the wireless card, and click Add.

   

7. Repeat the last 2 steps to add all wireless clients to the allowed list.
8. When you have completed adding all the wireless MAC address allowed to connect to wirelessly with your router, Check Turn Access Control On

   

9. Click Apply. Your settings will be saved and only the wireless clients with MAC address listed in the allowed list will be allowed to connect with your router.

Doc: n101675.asp May 28, 2007