Internet Security

[Curly13]

Hi all, Is it possible to set up a security password to stop neighbours using our wireless broadband?
TIA

[koster]

Yes.

You access the settings of your wireless router via a page in Internet Explorer.

The address will be in your router handbook, but if you don't have that handy you can try these:
Linksys routers use http://192.168.1.1. D-Link and Netgear routers use http://192.168.0.1. Some US Robotics routers use http://192.168.123.254, and some SMC routers use http://192.168.2.1.

If you have Windows Vista you can also find the address by going to Start -> Network. here you will see your computers and "Residential Gateway Device". Right-click on "Residential gateway Device" and click on "Properties". Click on the "Network Device" tab and look for "IP address".

Type the address into the address bar in Internet Explorer. You need a username and password to access the page but if you have never set it up this will probably be "admin" and nothing (again, specified in the router handbook).

Look for the section about wireless security and set up the password.

[Curly13]

Thank You very much for your answer.
I will have a go later. It's not that I am being mean but every time he comes on, my connection goes from 'excellent' to 'weak' and I am limited to what I can do.

[Ethel]

He's not limited though, Curly.

He could be indulging in all sorts of illegal activities that will show as being downloaded to you.

[ACtheTROLL]

why should you pay for him?

tell us which router and we can be more detailed

first you need to connect to the router with a cable

2 names you need to think up

a ssid - this is just a lable
you could use curly ....
the wireless password - there isn't actually a password as such
in the router it will be called "security"

and there are a couple of versions

look for 64 bit WEP
it's good enough in most cases
you'll be asked to enter a wep key
(10 characters ... any combination of numbers and a, b, c, d, e & f)

write the code down
now you can disconnect the cable ...
in network properties setup a wireless network

you'll see a list of those in range (their ssids)
select yours
and you'll be asked for the key
.... enter the wep key you put on the router

and that's done

no one can connect wirelessly without the wep key
(cable connections don't need this key)

remember - as ethel says ... you are responsible for everything downloaded through the router ...
so don'y put it off

why you feel mean for not allowing your neighbour to cripple your system I can't imagine .... take him a couple of quid round ... and don't forget a nice takeaway .... yea right!

[Huderon]

And don't forget to change the default password on the admin user of your router as well as setting up one to restrict internet access - after all, you don't want to go to the trouble of stopping your neighbour using your connection and then have him go in to the router and change everything back again.

[Curly13]

Thank You all for taking the time to help me on this. I've just shown your instructions/tips to my husband and he thinks he will be able to do it now.
Thanks again!