Ziay!

Ray

how do i set up the WPA encryption?

Tim

Your best bet is to give your network a unique name and turn off the broadcasting of the SSID. Using WEP or WPA encryption can help but is easy to break. Also remember to change the default password on your wireless router.

odonnellja2

I agree with condorhauck, nailing down access via mac addresses is virtually foolproof because you are telling the router that the devices that can authenticate and have access are those with specific unique ID’s.

kballard

Tim - your priorities are in reverse order. Turning off the SSID, while probably a good idea, is not at all secure. You really need to turn on encryption. WEP is better than nothing, but is fairly easy to break. To really make your network secure, you need to use WPA2 encryption (or just WPA if your computer doesn't support WPA2, but WPA2 is better), and, of course, change the default password.

My own home network has a hidden SSID with WPA2 encryption and a good password.

forceuser2004

First of all, what kind of router do you have? That can make a big difference. Fist make sure the default password is changed so it is secure. From a hard wired PC (plugged directly by a cable into the router) turn off the SSID broadcast and then change it to a unique name, almost like it is a password. After this is done, turn on your encryption. For the best instructions on what is best for your router, you will need to go to your router manufacturer's website and look up your router in conjunction with security. After that, you should be set, although you should be warned, no network is completely secure. Just ask the government!