How to block unwanted wireless connections???

[iMage]

Hey all,

Im using a Netgear MR314 (wireless 802.11b router). I'm in an apt complex with a bunch of other people also using 802.11b. I'm guessing they dont get as good of a connection on their SMC router because I always see them on my network!... Is there anyway to block unwanted wireless connections?? Its getting annoying because I think its affecting my bandwidth etc.

If i setup WEP would that work? can I only allow certain machine names acess to my ssid? I'm not really sure how to go about doing this. Perhaps someone has done this before? or could point me in the right direction? thanks.


-w.

 

[JackMDS]

If the concern is "Casual Security", i.e. no body is "after you", and there is no "big secrets" on your Hard Drive.

1. Change the default setting of the Wireless Access point. I.e. give the Wireless Network a unique name (SSID)

2. Change the Default channel from 6 to some thing else.

3. Restrict your wireless communication, by allowing communicating with the MAC numbers of your Wireless Clients.

Next step (if necessary) use WEP.

Take into consideration that WEP reduces the bandwidth of the Wireless connection (some times 40%-60%).

BTW, I think that the SMC Barricade and Netgear 314 are the same OEM.

 

[Intelman07]

I have the netgear mr314 go to advance then wireless then click the access filter at the top and only allow your mac address.

 

[Flashram]

Take into consideration that WEP reduces the bandwidth of the Wireless connection (some times 40%-60%).

Is this documented anywhere credible? I see absolutely no reduction in my bandwidth.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: Flashram

Take into consideration that WEP reduces the bandwidth of the Wireless connection (some times 40%-60%).

Is this documented anywhere credible? I see absolutely no reduction in my bandwidth.

Read some reviews. Some of these wireless access points deal with wep better than others. Some show a significant loss of bandwidth, some dont.

 

[rw120555]

This review claims that the Netgear MR314 suffers a 50% cut in throughput when WEP is enabled. Oddly enough, the Netgear ME102 WAP supposedly suffers no hit at all. You wonder why there are such seeming discrepancies across products, especially since many of them share the same chip set. Also, maybe firmware upgrades help make the WEP more efficient.

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Flashram.Is this documented anywhere credible? I see absolutely no reduction in my bandwidth.

Let me rephrase.

WEP reduces the bandwidth; it is a scientific fact, not an opinion.

The question is how much?

Depending on the chipset, and design, some are minimal, and some 40% - 60%

As a scientist you need proof.

Quote from: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/review.asp?pid=301

Review of Linksys BEFW11S4

Pros:
- Fast routing speed
- Priced right

Cons : - Enabling WEP cuts throughput in half

If you will bother to look through the reviews, you will find many more that do not fair better.

 

[Santa]

The cutting down of bandwidth is not something that WEP is directly doing to the bandwidth but that the packets are a tad bigger and the chip processing the encrypt/decrypt are producing a slight delay on the transmission and we all know bandwidth is measured based on time so any delay can mean slower throughput.

I agree with JackMDS on trying his steps out first.

If you are paranoid try turning on WEP after his recommendation and see if your experience is acceptable. If it is then I would leave it on perhaps you don't need the full amount of bandwidth so having it on doesn't hurt.

 

[rw120555]

For internet sharing and light file and printer sharing, you may not notice a difference whether WEP is on or not. WHen I want to do heavy duty file transfers between machines, I connect my laptop via ethernet cable to one of my routers or switches -- it is far faster and reliable than wireless is for such purposes.

Another low-cost security measure that I have heard suggested: disable the dhcp server on your router and give your machines fixed IP addresses. Outsiders then have to guess what ip settings to use. Of couse, this may also make things less convenient for you.