Implement Appropriate Wireless Security - NETGEAR MBR814X Reference Manual

Reference Manual for the Mobile Broadband Router MBR814X
The time it takes to establish a wireless connection can vary depending on both your security
settings and placement. WEP connections can take slightly longer to establish. Also, WEP
encryption can consume more battery power on a notebook computer.

Implement Appropriate Wireless Security

Note: Indoors, computers can connect over 802.11g wireless networks at a maximum
range of up to 300 feet. Such distances can allow for others outside of your immediate
area to access your network.
Unlike wired network data, your wireless data transmissions can extend beyond your walls and
can be received by anyone with a compatible adapter. For this reason, use the security features of
your wireless equipment. The MBR814X router provides highly effective security features which
are covered in detail in this chapter. Deploy the security features appropriate to your needs.
Figure 4-1: MBR814X wireless data security options
There are several ways you can enhance the security of your wireless network:
• Restrict Access Based on MAC Address. You can allow only trusted PCs to connect so that
unknown PCs cannot wirelessly connect to the MBR814X. Restricting access by MAC address
adds an obstacle against unwanted access to your network, but the data broadcast over the
wireless link is fully exposed.
• Turn Off the Broadcast of the Wireless Network Name SSID. If you disable broadcast of
the SSID, only devices that have the correct SSID can connect. This nullifies wireless network
'discovery' feature of some products, such as Windows XP, but the data is still exposed.
4-2
Wireless Data
Security Options
MBR814X
Range: Up to 300 Feet
1) Open System: Easy but no security
2) MAC Access List: No data security
3) WEP: Security but some performance impact
v1.0, January 2006