New Wireless Connection

[Uzoma]

I have just set up my new AOL wireless network.

Apparently it is firewalled but I named the network my address but without the postcode (e.g. 1 High Road).

My wife is a little concerned that this might breach our security. I'm not so sure or concerned because I figured everyone going past the front door knows the address but maybe not the post code.
Should I be more 'secure'?

[rojash]

I can't see that it matters what you call it. Presumably you have set up some security to stop piggy-backing (e.g) WPA or WEP. I've configured my router to accept connections only from specified MAC addresses as well.

[Uzoma]

WPA? WEP?? Router Configuration?

Those are all new terms to me.

Does it mean a firewall isn't enough?

Please could you point me in the right direction.

[rojash]

The firewall sits between your network and the internet.
Your network will consist of any machines which are connected to the router either by Ethernet cable or wirelessly. If you don't set up a secure wireless connection, then anyone with a wifi enabled PC can hook into your network and use your internet connection. What's more, if you have setup simple file sharing and shared any of your folders, they only need to guess the name of your workgroup (probably WORKGROUP or HOME) in order to access your machines (unless you also have software firewalls on your machines.
You router should include instructions for configuring it (where else would you have named it?). Most routers also offer configuration via your browser (I can access mine by typing 192.168.2.1 into the IE address bar).
From there you can go to the "Wireless" section and select the type of Authentication to use. Once you have done this, you then configure the settings on your laptop or other wifi device to match, so that only your machines can connect wirelessly.

[Ethel]

Just to add to Rojash's excellent answer.

To save yourself from possibly hours of frustration, connect ALL your desktops and laptops to the router during configuration - setting the WPA.

This will stop you locking yourself out of your internet connection when you disconnect the wires and go wireless.

I can't imagine why you have named your wifi by your address - I wouldn't do it. Mine is called a totally nonsensical word.

To see if your wifi is already secure, and assuming you have Windows XP:

Start - My Network Places - View Network Connections (in right hand panel)

Now click on Wireless Network Connection - view wireless networks

You should see your own network - you will recognise it by your address - can you see a little yellow padlock and the words 'security enabled wireless network'?

If so, you are already secure. If it says 'unsecured wireless network' you must configure the router and make it secure.

[alfgbt]

I agree with the above but wouldnt advise using addresses as a network name, for instance any of your neighbours viewing available networks will know that the network is broadcast from 1 high st due to the fact that wireless networks only have a lilmited range.It is not really a security risk but never give away more than you need to. A pets name or nickname would do as it is only there so that you yourself can distinguish it against other networks being displayed. aol use wep encryption it would be the 16 figure number you typed in when setting up using the installation cd.

[ACtheTROLL]

just jumping on the bandwaggon .... addresses are definately a bad idea .... ok so the outsider doesn't know your postcode ..... (if you wanted to come to my house .... which would make it easier (once you knew the town) .... postcode or street/number???)

postcodes only describe a general street or area - on my street - any one of 20 houses - the house number finalises the info.

Similarly a wireless network broadcasts over a general area (if you are lucky)
With the info you have so thoughtfully provided the drive by guy knows exactly which house has the computer and possibly other stuff worth breaking in for!

and that's before we start on the "road warrior" types who use other ppls wireless connections for bad bad things! (rojash and ethel have covered that in good detail)

same with GPS devices ....
ppl leave it in the car .... someone breaks into the car .... presses the "navigate to" button ..... select home .....
you have not only let them know you are out and about .... they now have detailed directions to your house ..... sweet!

a thought ..... you could use your bank account .... or better yet your credit card details .... (don't forget the expiry date!!!)

follow their advice .... rename the network troll bridge or the hall_of_uzoma
and implement wep wpa or something