[Novalug] wireless access points

[cmhowe at patriot.net]

This is off topic but in keeping with my standing as Charlie the perpetual
newbie. Here goes:

I have a WRT54G, I think, not a GL (and am not going to make the effort,
which is not inconsequential for me, to go downstairs and look). What does
that consist of? Is there a small hd and an os? An os running a system
consisting of a cpu and a few other chips, a ram (A purist would say an
rwm, wouldn't he?) and a rom. Or what?

Charlie

> If you do get a WRT54G, get the WRT54GL - this is the model that still
> runs Linux and can be flashed with DD-WRT or Openwrt - costs about $10
> more - $60 with free shipping from newegg...  The regular WRT54G models
> have half the memory and don't run Linux.
>
> Igor
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Maxwell Spangler <maxpublic08 at maxwellspangler.com>
> To: rosejw at cox.net; novalug <novalug at calypso.tux.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2008 4:20:57 PM
> Subject: Re: [Novalug] wireless access points
>
> I own and operate several Linksys brand WRT-54G model wireless access
> points.  I've had no significant problems with any of them and the
> problems I have had simply require a reboot when a guest can't see or
> can't connect with the network.  After 30 seconds everything works fine.
>
> I've got one Linksys WRT-54G loaded with the optional DD-WRT firmware in
> order to gain features not found with Linksys own pre-installed
> software.
>
> To me, the ability to buy a piece of hardware at a reasonable market
> price and then install your own software on it provides tremendous long
> term value.  You don't find yourself buying replacement equipment or
> software upgrades later if you discover you need a feature the initial
> hardware's software system did not provide.
>
> To secure it, use a combination of things:
>
> 1) Hide the broadcasting of the wireless access point's SSID so most
> people won't see it and bother to attempt to access it.
>
> 2) Use WEP or WPA security instead of leaving it wide open.  Neither of
> these is rock solid security from serious hackers, but most serious
> hackers won't bother with your home network.  I use WEP just to keep
> people off mine line.
>
> 3) Setup access restrictions so that the wireless access point will only
> let authorized network devices on by their MAC addresses.  This adds
> another level of complexity for someone to get beyond to get on your
> network but also makes it a chore to let a house guest get on as well.
>
> hope this helps!
>
> Maxwell
>
> On Tue, 2008-06-03 at 15:53 -0400, rosejw at cox.net wrote:
>> I am in the market for a wireless access point for my network.  I've
>> stayed away from them due to the security of issues of my network.   So
>> can someone point me to some good information on securing a wireless
>> access point to only allow access to users I grant access to?
>>
>> Also, can someone recommend a brand of access point to use, as I'm
>> really clueless here.   I would want something that has a good range and
>> good speeds.  I have about 1500 sq ft house, with the access point in my
>> network closet in the basement.  I would also like to spend as little as
>> possible, of course.. :)
>>
>> Thanks in advanced.
>>
>>
>> Set up of my network now:
>>   I have my cable modem connected directly to my linux firewall, from
>> there to a wired netgear switch, that all my other machiness are
>> connected to.  (currently 3 PCs, external hard drive, and printer)
>> It's a fairly simple set up, but it suits my needs.
>>
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