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February 23, 2006
Setting up a Wireless WiFi network at home
I have 4 computers at home (2 desktops and 2 laptops). Networking them has always been the best thing to do. Initially I just wanted to share internet connection and tried a lot of things like cross over cable, hub. However I wanted the flexibility to move around in the house with my laptop. Also the cables were getting a lot messier than I thought they will be.
I read and experimented with the idea of Bluetooth based Personal Area Network (PAN). It was great for sharing internet connection (700Kbps wireless connection between computers) however it didn't give the true LAN experience. It was a pain transfering music/videos over the network.
I decided WiFi was the only way out. I purchased D-Link ADSL 604T Wireless Router. Plugged it in, did a quick installation and everything was working fine.
To harden the Wireless security, here is what I did.
1. Changed the default router password.
2. Disabled telnet and ping from external network
3. Enabled the router NAT and Firewall
4. Enabled WPA-PSK encryption for Wireless AP.
5. Created an access list of wireless machines (my two laptops)
I tested everything again and it seemed to work pretty fine. Its now fun to share files and internet connection over a 54Mbps wireless and 100Mbps wired connection.
Posted by manish at February 23, 2006 03:47 PM