need help with wireless-G router

[mada726]

Hey there,

I bought a Blanc Wireless Router along with 2 wireless-G USB networking adapters, all from Best Buy. I have three computers in my household and we share a cable internet connection provided by Rogers. Those three computers goes as follows:

- My P4 Computer at 1.4Ghz
- a Celeron D system at 2.66Ghz
- a P3 computer at 500Mhz

I'm connected directly using my ethernet connection on my computer. If the two computers want to connect wirelessly, I plugged the USB adapters in those USB ports. My Celeron system has a Hi-speed USB port, so one adapter has been connected at 54mbps, whileas the P3 system, it has the older USB ports and it only connects at limited speed at 11mbps or the Wireless B standard. If I want to take full advantage of the Wireless-G speed, I have to obtain a USB 2.0 upgrade (in the form of a PCI card).

Anyway, I want to know how can I protect my wireless network from hackers and to wirelessly connect the internet. I password-protected the router's admin settings, changed the SSID to a somewhat unique name and now I want to know how can I enable WEP or WPA on the router, so that way, only two computers that has the USB adapters can connect safely.

Any suggestions?

[FastFokker]

Disable the SSID broadcast and enable WPA (or WEP if you must) encryption.

[mada726]

Disable the SSID broadcast and enable WPA (or WEP if you must) encryption.

What is the difference between WEP and WPA? Also, I have four options to enable WEP or WPA. They are:

WEP
WPA(TKIP)
WPA2(EAS)
WPA2(Mixed)

Which encrypton protocol do you recommend? What effect does enabling WEP or WPA affect the way on how I connect the two USB adapters in my Celeron and P3 system?

[FastFokker]

I'm not an expert, but my understanding is WEP can be cracked within minutes to hours, while WPA will take muuuuuuuuuch much longer to crack.

Basically WEP is useless.

[nuropa]

WPA2 AES is the most secure. WPA2 Mixed means it will use AES if supported, TKIP if not. WEP is the worst of the bunch.

Make sure you use long keys for WPA to make it secure, and change it once in awhile. use this site to generate the maximum 63 characters key for WPA, http://www.kurtm.net/wpa-pskgen/

There is also MAC address filtering which will limit access to only NICs that are allowed to connect.

[FastFokker]

MAC filtering is probably best choice of all, since you know the only computers you want on the network.

Go to "Start>Run" then type "ipconfig/all"

You will something similar saying Physical Address: 00-12-04-5F-7A-69

Now you know the MAC of that computer and can tell the router to only allow the MAC's you input into it.

I use this system as our notebook does not have WPA capabilities (no SP2, as SP2 causes problems).

[mada726]

WPA2 AES is the most secure. WPA2 Mixed means it will use AES if supported, TKIP if not. WEP is the worst of the bunch.

Make sure you use long keys for WPA to make it secure, and change it once in awhile. use this site to generate the maximum 63 characters key for WPA, http://www.kurtm.net/wpa-pskgen/

There is also MAC address filtering which will limit access to only NICs that are allowed to connect.

Thanks for the advice, people. Now that I finally set up a passphrase, how often do I need to change it? Monthly? semi-annually? one year?

[FastFokker]

Thanks for the advice, people. Now that I finally set up a passphrase, how often do I need to change it? Monthly? semi-annually? one year?
You don't NEED to change it ever... you only need to change it if it's been cracked or if you hold valuable data or if you are just plain paranoid.

In which case you could change it every 3-4months. But why bother honestly? Just check every once in a while on the wireless connections to see if someone has hacked in and is stealing your internet connection.

[mada726]

I didn't mention this earlier, all Three computers are running Windoze XP.

My P4 and P3 are on XP Professional SP2 and my Celeron is on XP Home SP2.

[mada726]

thanks for giving me the advice, folks.

off-topic, but I've just did a security scan on my computer system and I use the "shields up!" page at GRC.com to test my security. The results were staggering. They told me that Port number 53 has been left open. Even though that I have a built-in firewall in my router and have Zonealarm software on my system, I'm therefore invulnerable to such attacks.

Is there anyway on how to close this port? hth.

[FastFokker]

If you are using the router as your firewall, I personally would disable your software firewall.

I'm not familiar with your router, but this is what it looks like on mine for port 53:

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6703/port537so.gif

[mada726]

Alright,

I've set up a port filter on port number 53 and even though I set up a filter on that and did a test on the ShieldsUP! website, it still displays that the port is still open. However, I went to another website, which is this one: http://www.auditmypc.com/ and they found out that I have no ports open.

Anyway, I also set up a WPA key on my router and configure that with each and every wireless networking adapter hooked up to my P3 and Celeron systems. I've tried that with my Celeron system and at first glance, the signal seemed to be sporadic, even thought I entered the passphrase or paraphrase key. I've seen my wireless connection going on and off, until it can be connected sucessfully. I've installed a program called "netstumbler" to make sure that my network is fully encrypted. Anyway, is it normal or do I need to rework with my WPA settings?

[coilz]

Hows the Blanc router working for you?.. Range/ signal strength-wise? Easy to setup?

[mada726]

Hows the Blanc router working for you?.. Range/ signal strength-wise? Easy to setup?

Well, The Blanc router is working properly, except that I have to figure out which port that I have to block access. You see, when I did a security test (one of them is at www.grc.com), I found out that port number 53 is open. I've tried adding that port in my port filter section of my router's admin, but even though that I added this port to be blocked, it is still displayed. I have Zonealarm (free version) firewall, but it doesn't have the capability to find out which port I want to block.

When I enabled WPA for the first time, there was one computer that has the wireless adapter and my Celeron system is one example. At first glance the connection can be a little sporadic - meaning it can go on and off. If I remembered today, I was able to connect it successfully, however a couple minutes later, i've fiddled around with the settings and the constant on/oif connection occurred again. Is that normal or do I need to adjust my settings further?

Any other suggestions?

[mada726]

Okay, here's what my current situation regarding my router configuration:

Yesterday, I was able to connect to the internet along with the WPA key that I was able to provide (only to know that I have to enable the WPA key on my router). I was able to connect to the internet for only a short time, however I fiddled around with the settings on my wireless adapter. as far as i know, the adapter was able to communicate with the router, but it often goes on and off sproadically. I believe that I mention this with you guys already.

The adapter came with the software that allows me to connect with the adapter and communicate with the router, but it kept crashing on me so therefore I uninstalled it. I only installed the driver for the adapter, but this time after I installed the driver, there was a window telling me which wireless network I want to connect to. I've tried to connect to the wireless network that was encrypted, but however it wouldn't connect me because my network is out of range. I've tried entering my WPA passphrase on the Wireless network connection properties on my Celeron computer, but even though I entered that and my network is in range, it refused to connect.

Is there anything missing that I need to do in order to make my connection truly connect? Has anyone got this router (and/or adapters) and experience this case?

[ichpen]

Okay, here's what my current situation regarding my router configuration:

Yesterday, I was able to connect to the internet along with the WPA key that I was able to provide (only to know that I have to enable the WPA key on my router). I was able to connect to the internet for only a short time, however I fiddled around with the settings on my wireless adapter. as far as i know, the adapter was able to communicate with the router, but it often goes on and off sproadically. I believe that I mention this with you guys already.

The adapter came with the software that allows me to connect with the adapter and communicate with the router, but it kept crashing on me so therefore I uninstalled it. I only installed the driver for the adapter, but this time after I installed the driver, there was a window telling me which wireless network I want to connect to. I've tried to connect to the wireless network that was encrypted, but however it wouldn't connect me because my network is out of range. I've tried entering my WPA passphrase on the Wireless network connection properties on my Celeron computer, but even though I entered that and my network is in range, it refused to connect.

Is there anything missing that I need to do in order to make my connection truly connect? Has anyone got this router (and/or adapters) and experience this case?


My first instinct would be to do a full hard reset of your router which means all settings would be wiped out and you'd need to configure it from scratch. Always a good approach when things are not connecting.

No experience with USB wireless adapters but I would be very weary of any proprietary wireless management software (it may come with one). Instead install the driver that came with the adapter and let Windows XP Zero-G (the built-in wireless utility) manage your connections. It's easier and much more stable than most other varieties I've encountered.

Hope this helps.

Oh, and I disagree with earlier comments that software firewalls should be disabled. Hardware firewalls protect you from the outside world but a software firewall will determine if any trojans/viruses are broadcasting from your PC so they have their uses.

[mada726]

My first instinct would be to do a full hard reset of your router which means all settings would be wiped out and you'd need to configure it from scratch. Always a good approach when things are not connecting.

No experience with USB wireless adapters but I would be very weary of any proprietary wireless management software (it may come with one). Instead install the driver that came with the adapter and let Windows XP Zero-G (the built-in wireless utility) manage your connections. It's easier and much more stable than most other varieties I've encountered.

Hope this helps.

Oh, and I disagree with earlier comments that software firewalls should be disabled. Hardware firewalls protect you from the outside world but a software firewall will determine if any trojans/viruses are broadcasting from your PC so they have their uses.

That could be a good idea, but after I do a hard reset, do I need to reinstate the WPA encrypton as well? Anyway thanks for that advice. I'll try to deal with this asap. Thank you. btw, do you have that same router (the Blanc Wireless Router) or do you have a somewhat completely different router?

[mada726]

ok here's my current situation:

Today, I've just fiddled around with my router's settings. I simply reset the values to the factory defaults one of you people told me and then as I found out on the "Security" settings on my router's admin settings, I finally found out what happened that my one of my wireless adapters weren't not connecting to the internet! It seems that I enabled the "WPA2(AES)" encryption and thus therefore I wouldn't connect to the internet wirelessly after all.

I then changed the security settings to "WPA2 Mixed" and after all that ordeal, I was able to connect wirelessly to the internet!!! I didn't mention this at first, but I have to provide a WPA key in order to connect to the wireless network. Do I need to use the same WPA key if I want to connect from different computers (even my laptop, I haven't got one as of yet, but just a figure of speech)?

It seems that I finally got that obstacle out of it's way. Now to find out how can I close port number 53....Thank you for your help, folks!

If there's any problems that I have, I'll keep them posted as they develop. Once again, thank you!!!

[coilz]

You should be able to use the same key for all your comps....

[ynchu]

How's that router anyway? I have mine on the way, planning to open it up and change all LEDs inside, and just use it as a switch (and see the Christmas lights!)

[mada726]

How's that router anyway? I have mine on the way, planning to open it up and change all LEDs inside, and just use it as a switch (and see the Christmas lights!)

Well the router peforms perfectly. Today, when we bring down the celeron computer downstairs to my sister's basement and then tried to power on the system, it took a while for one of the USB adapters to communicate with the router upstars in my bedroom and then finally establishing contact.

The signal can be a little sporadic, in this case I experienced the sporadic signal. In Windows XP, I can see in the wireless network connection properties, the signal drops to 11mbps, 2mbps, 1mbps and then up to 12mbps and so on, until the signal strength drops to low to very low to no signal. Other than it, I can surf the internet no problem, despite the drop in signal.

Anyway, is there anyway to boost my wireless signal?

[mada726]

OK, here's my current situation regarding the router situation:

We recently moved the Celeron computer downstairs to our basement for our sister and tried to hook everything up and power up the system. The problems that I encounter were that the signal could be a little sproadic, but the worse case scenario is that she is going to be quite angry if she realizes the drop in the wireless signal. She told me that she doesn't want to have a wireless networking connection anyway, and go back in favour of the solid networking cable connection. That means I have to run another network cable through our house and hook it up to our computer, which involves a costly procedure.

In my humble opinion, my Blanc router's wireless antenna is not detachable and thus unable to boost the wireless connectivity of the connection.

Is there anyway on how can I boost the wireless connection from my wireless router in my bedroom (that's where I currently place it at) to meet up with the wireless networking adapter found on Celeron computer?

Please do not hesitate me on providing a solution and/or quick fix ASAP.

[coilz]

I think its a problem with that adapter. I've been having problems with that adapter where by it'll connect when first plugged in, then signal will drop, then disconnect and I wont be able to connect to the connection again.

[amputato]

i can't seem to get to the config screens, when i try 192.168.1.254 it tells me i need to be connected to the internet. i can't get to the net until i configure the router...

anyone know if i'm doing something wrong? routerless, my sympatico HS setup works fine.

to get back on topic, i was also sent an adapter instead of the router. when i called, the CSR told me to take it to canada post and "return to sender". when i called bestbuy to get an update on the status he told me about the case # and purolator. wtf?!?!? why did the first guy tell me to take it to canada post?? GRRR!! so i just went to the store and got one for $3.99 instead, so much easier and painless. now if i could just get it to work!

[mada726]

If you people wanted to know what my current situation is, here it goes:
I completely ran out of solutions, until I find something that can "really" boost my signal - a simple aluminum can (either a tall beer can or a soda pop can). I made a somewhat makeshift antenna...... You wanted to know how I did this? Well here's what I done (I know it is an offence to post this on the board):

(NOTE: While this is a creepy and unorthodox idea to boost your wireless network signal, I cannot be held responsible for any damages or liabilities of this idea, so please do so at your own risk, subject to laws imposed by your jurisdiction)

List of things you need:
- an empty soda pop or beer can
- a pair of scissors or a sharp knife (be careful!)
- safety glasses
- drill (optional, but needed if you want to drill a hole to put the can on the antenna - either your router or a networking adapter)
- pliers to hold the can in place for the drilling

1) I took an empty soda pop or beer can and then cut it in half with some scissors or a knife (be careful that you don't cut yourself!)
2) I then drill a big hole by holding the pliers on one end and drilling a hole on the other - making sure that the hole is big enough to fit on the antenna mounted on the router or the wireless adapter (I also made a makeshift version, just for the wireless USB adapter in the size of a pen. All you need is a can and a USB cable to fit the adapter that is plugged in the USB cable)
3) I powered up the compuer downstairs and it really gives it a slight boost on the signal. My sister was quite proud!!!

Sorry if those directions are quite misleading, folks...

Anyway, That's how I boost up my wireless signal. The first time it was low to very low and now it's increased from good to very good!!!!

I gathered this idea from various websites on the internet on creating parabolic antennas to boost up your wifi connection.....

[smalltownfart]

Interesting. When you cut in half, did u cut in lengthwise along the vertical axis or was it along the horizontal axis?

[sLAsh]

Try these sights for things that will work even better and not look quite so ghetto :cheesygri
http://www.freeantennas.com/
http://www.usbwifi.orcon.net.nz/

[mada726]

Interesting. When you cut in half, did u cut in lengthwise along the vertical axis or was it along the horizontal axis?

Well I most likely to cut into that position and then I've attempted to put a hole on the bottom of the beer can. I've drilled a hole big enough for the antenna to fit in, but it failed. So therefore, I have to leave one half of the beer can sitting toward the antenna.

As for one of the wireless adapters, I have to stick one half of the pop can beside one of the wireless adapter and thus show a big improvement on the connection. I would have created a makeshift wireless USB antenna (involving placing a wireless G USB adapter and a USB extension cable over one half of the pop can), but my sister is quite proud of my idea.

[jacker]

MAC filtering is probably best choice of all, since you know the only computers you want on the network.

Go to "Start>Run" then type "ipconfig/all"

You will something similar saying Physical Address: 00-12-04-5F-7A-69

Now you know the MAC of that computer and can tell the router to only allow the MAC's you input into it.

I use this system as our notebook does not have WPA capabilities (no SP2, as SP2 causes problems).

Be careful with using MAC filtering alone, if you don't use some flavour of encryption your data is traveling through the air, perfectly interceptable (or worse). I wouldn't do anything sensitive on any of your computers that are connected wirelessly w/o encryption.

[coilz]

I got fed up with the disconnects from the blanc adapters.. just went and got some Dlink ones. Works like a charm.