by Mark Dunne
Whenever you buy a new wireless router, remember that it is not secured. It comes from the production line with some general configuration settings, and everyone knows them. You have to follow a few steps to increase its security.

To connect to the router you have to access the following address: http://192.168.1.1 or http://192.168.2.1. Here you can carry on with the following methods of increasing security.

First of all change the password for the default Admin user. Initially, many routers have no password for the admin user, or they come with a pre-defined password. This pre-defined password can be found out very easy with a google search, or directly from the website of the producer from the service manual. This password has to be changed as soon as possible, and the password that will replace it must be as complex as possible.

Then, you should activate network encryption. This is initially deactivated on the majority of routers. You will have to choose between WEP, WPA and WPA2. The newest encrypting method named WPA2 should be the one chosen, if it is available on your router. This encryption must be configured both on the router and on the computer.

The next step involves changing the name of the SSID network. This SSID number will initially be the routers model number, and it is again something that can be guessed or found out. Use something random to name the network.

All router models send out signals to allow the PCs from near by that there is a wireless network available. That means anyone nearby will see the wireless network in your home or office. You are not benefiting from this feature because you already know the wireless network is there, since it is yours. If you deactivate this service the router will become invisible and only those that know the SSID will be able to connect.

The routers firmware must be up to date. There are lots of chances after you buy that it has a firmware older than the last available version. It is recommended to download and install the newest version from the manufacturers website. Also, you should constantly upgrade it throughout the use period. Each new version of firmware brings an added security and solves most of the common problems.

Another thing you can do is to activate the MAC control. Each router has this option and each pc has a MAC address, which is the hardware address. After activating this service, only some computers will be able to connect to the network, and each MAC will get added manually only by the admin.

After all the configuring and actualizing that is needed for a good functioning of the network, a backup is recommended. Each router must have an option that can backup settings. There might be situations when you might need to click the reset to factory setting button, and this backup will help you bring the router to the desired state in no time.

Mark Dunne is a writer providing advice on Wireless Camera if you have time drop by his site for some tips and information.

Article Source: PLJMagazine.com