Password Protect a Wireless Network

Password Protect a Wireless Network

Password Protect a Wireless Network : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.

If at home or in your office you use a wireless router or network to exchange files with other computers and to access the Internet, securing it with a password is one of the best things you can do to protect your network from ruthless hackers and Internet violators.

Having a password to protect your wireless network works wonders. Not only does it secure your household or office from hackers who have no other business but to obtain confidential information from you, but it also speeds up your Internet since nobody else can access it except the people who know the password to join the network.

To help you password protect your wireless network, here are the steps.

• Obtain your IP address. This is probably the most difficult step you will have to go through in securing your wireless network. To help you, it is important that you have a basic understanding of computers and networks.

  Obtaining your IP address is a prerequisite for establishing a password for your router since this is what you will also use to log in to your network. To obtain your IP address, you will need to access the command prompt on your machine. Here's how:

  • 1st way:
    • Click Start
    • Go to Programs
    • Then to Accessories
    • Click Command Prompt
  • 2nd way:
    • Click Start
    • Select Run, then type cmd

Once you get to the command prompt menu, it will show you the list of data and information for your network.

Access your router. This is the part where you type in your IP address to establish a network connection. Here's how:

• Type your IP address in the URL search box. (This will take you to the homepage of the manufacturer of your router.)
• Refer to your router manual and get the information you will need to log in to their site.

• Set up your password. Being able to log in to your router will give you access to its administrative functions. The administrative functions should show you the security settings of your router, where you will be able to change it to your preferred username and password for logging in to your router.
• Disable the remote administrative functions of your router. This type of function allows any person to have access to your Internet through your router. So it is best that you secure yourself by disabling this function.
• Personalize your network name. Routers usually come with a default network name like Linksys or WLAN. Get creative and change it to something that you can identify without people finding out that it is yours.
• Enable your encryption. There are three types: WPA2, WPA and WEP. The first is the most secure of all, so use that if your router permits. If you only have the last two to choose from, it is okay. Better to have something than nothing.
• Jot down your passwords and network settings. This is for future reference or in case you forget and need to reconfigure your router settings.
• Restart your router and computer.

Once you have configured your wireless network settings, you can now sleep soundly knowing that no stranger or hacker is trying to get access to your network.