Securing Small Home Network

Hello, I am looking to "close the loop" (finally) on the security of my two-desktop set-up.

It seems I had done everything correctly several months ago when I set it up, but apparently (from reading I've done, here, at MG's), I need to install another Network Adapter ... I think (??).

I'd like to verify that with someone before I go willy-nilly buying parts (hardware) again, as well as needing assurance that all I need do at this point is to purchase and plug in another adapter (to the main/primary/host PC) - and then I believe Belkin-online will configure things for me.

All quite confusing to me, but I think what I have here is a "functioning" network, which is not fully secured, as it only has one (1) Network Adapter ("Dongle"?) installed (on the secondary PC). Everything "works", and all the lights are lit, except the final (or first?) left to the left, labeled: "Security".

I have attached screenshots to hopefully better explain.

Thanks in advance...

 

I'm assuming belkin provided software to setup your router. during the setup process, it will prompt you to provide info for the wireless security. That's probably the easiest way to go. What model is the router?

 

You have to access your Belkin router and enable your security. Open your browser and type in 192.168.2.1. I think that is the default address for your belkin router. Once you're at the login page, use admin for name and password should be blank. After logging in to your router, just look for the configuration options that allow you to enable security features.

 

Wow - thank you both, however...

The Belkin model # is: F5D8233-4v3.

My recollection (granted, from many months ago), was that it (the Belkin site Security page) stopped me for some reason, and I think others here had determined at the time that it was due to me not having a second network adapter installed, on the main (primary/host) PC.

I only have the one adapter (a dongle), and it is on the secondary PC...the one that is networked-in.

Are you two saying that I don't "need" that, and can configure full security otherwise (get the final blue light on this router to light-up)?

 

the belkin wireless router that I used in the past, did not have to have a dongle. I used the disk that come with the router to setup my network, and it prompted me to enter my network security password. however, I would think the dongle should be on the host pc.

 

Wow...now I'm confused again.

I am speaking of two desktops here...and I don't believe either one has a built-in network card (though the 2nd one "may"??).

I will have to take a look at things here again...see if I can set-it-up with the disk, and use the dongle on the host PC...though unfortunately it may be a few hours (this evening) before I will have time to get to it......

Thanks ......

 

Sorry if i missed something, but are you trying to install a wireless adapter on one of your desktops, then turn on and secure a wireless connection on your new router? or are you just trying to install a wired network card on a computer that doesnt have one?

 

if your wireless connection is working, then you can run the belkin setup program on that pc. It will go through prompts and let you select the security settings. In my previous attempts, I had to be connected with an ethernet cable in order to set up the wireless. But you say your wireless is working, then you can do it that way.

here's belkin's instructions on setting up wifi security, tho it says you need to be connected via the lan ports on the back of the router.
http://en-us-support.belkin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/33

 

Thanks for the reply (you highness - hah).

I was hoping my pics would explain all that I wish to (simply?) do.

I am up and running on this network (have been for months). The only issue I have is that the final blue light is not lit on the router (the "Security" light).

I simply want to make that happen, and am hoping that I don't have to buy any more equipment or hardware, but if I do, then so be it - I'd be happy to do that to get that final blue light lit.

 

Thanks for your reply...I apologize that I don't recall exactly what occurred when I attempted to finalize the set-up of this wireless router/network - but I know I wasn't able to get the security fully engaged.

Now that I think about it more, I am sure (via a thread here, that I now need to look-up) that the stopping point for me was that I needed to purchase another adapter, to get the security fully set.

I have been to the Belkin site (back then), and it was really neat how they could set it up for me - provided I have all my ducks in a row...I am simply trying to line the ducks back up again, and remember EXACTLY what I need to do, and how to do it.

I would REALLY prefer to avoid purchasing any more equipment/hardware if I can get away with it, but I don't think I can, unless someone here knows differently (?)......
PS ~ HERE'S THE LINK from before http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=206876

 

the reason you lost the signal when the encryption/security was enabled, is you need to reconnect to the router using the wireless password you provide while setting it up. (wpa)

 

Thanks for your reply...

So if I'm understanding you correctly, you're saying that I don't need a second adapter?

 

no, however, you might need to connect to the router via an ethernet cable connected to the wired network card (most/all computers have them) . On the otherhand, depending on the model of your adapter, it should work. Your adapter should support any of the choices on security you set in the router (wep, wpa, wpa2, etc)

Wpa2 is the probably your best option. while setting this up, you will choose a password. Once entered, and the router restarts/saves the settings, your wireless will disconnect, and upon reconnecting, it should ask you to enter the same password

 

I am so not trying to complicate this, but I don't understand.

I get (understand) that WPA or WPA2 is going to be my best, most secure bet, but I suppose I'm just needing to see or find a picture or diagram to know exactly what this is supposed to look like (when I'm done) ... I need to make absolutely sure that I purchase the correct part or parts, and not purchase any additional part or parts that I don't need.

I think I want to stick with the Belkin-brand (to minimize the chance of conflict/compatibility) as I already have a Belkin "N" Router and the one "N" adapter, but will any Belkin "N" adapter work?

And just to be sure, when you say; "you might need to connect to the router via an ethernet cable connected to the wired network card", are you speaking of (do you mean) like the dongle I already have one of? (all this terminology is confusing to me: "Card", "Adapter", etc., etc.?)

I do have additional (extra) ethernet cables if I should need them, but I'm already using one in the set-up, between the router and the modem, I believe.

 

I have now lost the connection to the networked (wireless) PC.

I have finally managed to get the "Security" light on the router to light-up (lit blue, as it should be), but the light next to it ("Wireless") is off, though it intermittently flashes orange (as if it is "trying" to connect?).

I very rarely come right-out and ask for (nor type the words) "h-e-l-p", but I need help. I live in an extremely rural area, and am disabled. My internet connection means a great deal to me.

Can someone please help?

 

In the link that I posted from belkin, on setting up the router. did you follow those steps?

Any/all wireless computers that connect to this network will be required to have this Pre-Shared Key (password).


Using your software that connects to your wireless network (the pc with the belkin usb dongle) , search for your network/SSID and connect to it. You will be prompted for the password/key that you entered during the previous step(s)

 

Thanks...my recollection was that I did follow the directions in the link you provided from Belkin, but that-that was simply a download for the security set-up(?) ... I will double-check it now.

And how would I go-about entering the Pre-shared key on the host PC please? Where do I find the place on the PC to enter it - or does that download link you sent need to be downloaded onto both PC's?

 

what i posted, from belkin, what a step by step process on setting up your router's security. Once you followed those steps (you only need to do it once), your wifi security is set. Now, using whatever connection software you use on your computer (any that connect wirelessly) you will need to re-search for your network, and while connecting, it will prompt you to enter a password. The software you use is probably either by belkin, or just windows' wireless connection manager.

 

Ok yes, I recall now (it was the middle of the night when I did it, and should have been asleep), anyway, I had trouble at first getting through my NO Script Add-on, but now that I have, it's telling me "Incorrect Password" ... though at some point last night, it supplied me with (provided) some sort of "Passphrase" (?).

I set-up (started using) this router 8 or 9 months ago, and may have (am having) trouble remembering the password that I initially used or attempted to use (Registered) - can you tell me, do you know, is it an eight digit number (do they use an 8-digit default?)

Worse case scenario, shouldn't I be able to contact Belkin, and have it reset now?

 

Ok, I have gotten to this page  http://192.168.2.1/setup_help.htm <-- but am not sure what to do (next)?

 

Also, I do use Windows Connection Manager, and have tried, but don't know where to find "network/SSID" to connect to it ...

 

This is so unbelievably frustrating.

Maybe I should just start-over (from the beginning) with this Router install?

Or just reinstall from the Belkin Disk?

The router has been working well-enough, I simply wish to have it secure.

Would anyone have any suggestions, please? I'm not even sure now which PC the disk would go in......

 

Well that's not working either...the disk tells me it can't find the router (even though the router and everything else is connected as it has been for the past 8-9 months, and as it has worked for the past 8-9 months).

Maybe if I could just get a straight answer as to whether I need ("must have") TWO (2) adapters - one on each PC - for the security to work?

I can NOT believe that this has to be so difficult........

 

nope, just one per pc is sufficient.

It's not, but maybe starting from the beginning would help.


I guess I should take a step backwards, and ask, how are you currently using the internet, if you don't have a wireless connection?
I would hate to assume anything, but I suspect you have a pc that's connected to the router already.


Ok, so lets start from the beginning. I'm thinking now you need to reset the router.
use this guide to do that
http://en-us-support.belkin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/48/p/331

once that completes, lets have you hook it up to one of your pc's that has an ethernet card on it (i'd bet both do) . Do you happen to have another ethernet cable to do this with? It's the same as the one you have connecting the router to the modem.
It's best to use pc that's closest to the router, as the cable you probably have is only a couple of feet long. Have a look at the back of the pc, and you should find an ethernet port that is similar to the shape of a phone jack, but slightly larger. It will be either in a location similar to this, which is integrated with the motherboard:
http://www.infernotech.com/ref_book/software4332arch/resource_img/ethernet-port.jpe

or further down the back of the pc, as an add-on card like this:
http://www.olympus.net/dsl/images/13eth.JPG

Plug the other end of the cable into the back of the router in one of the numbered ports.

Now, verify that this pc has an internet connection. I don't think I've asked what operating system you are using. But I'd imagine that it will pick it up automatically.

after this, you can follow the steps in the link i posted previously about setting up the wireless connection. Or furthermore, you can use the software that came with the router to set everything up from scratch. I believe belkin supplies router setup software with their routers?

 

Ok, this is where my main problem is - I only have a total of one (1) adapter - period (the dongle pictured earlier in this thread). I could access the internet wirelessly that way, but I could not get the security that I wish to have.

So this is what I will need to do (get another adapter) but it will be next week (Monday/Tuesday) before I can get to a store to buy one.

Yes, I would simply like to get the networked PC back online for now (as I mentioned, it will be several days before I can get another adapter) - but I don't know WHAT to do first, to reverse changes that I made?

Two PC's here at the house - the one I am typing on now (XP Home), and the other one (Vista Home) that had internet access for many months before I tried to make it more "secure" last night.

I'm going to try to do this, for now, just so I can get the 2nd PC (the networked machine) back online. But do I really need to do the following steps you laid-out, if I'm already connected to the internet? I do have extra Ethernet cables, but I don't think we need to do these remaining steps if I'm already online, correct?

I'm going to "attempt" to get my 2nd machine back online, and I suppose I need to perform this reset of the router...I will post back here just as absolutely soon as I possibly can get that link you supplied here figured-out...

Thanks again, and in advance,
Glenn...

 

Ok, this is EXTREMELY complicated now...something is really screwed-up...I have so many different little boxes of settings, etc., I don't know which is which.

Whereas before, I had a couple (two) different connections to use or connect to, I am only showing one now, with the message:

"The settings on this computer for the network do not match the requirements of the network".

I have five options to "Set-up a New Connection" - of which two don't apply (Dial-up and "Ad Hoc"). But none of the remaining three options seem to be able to get me going again either.

I was in touch with Belkin tech-support this morning (the guy was about as helpful as teets on a bull). He too me to that Security page (192.168.2.1) and had me change my Password (??), but now this computer is talking about some "Security Key" (??), and somewhere along the line here I read something about a "PassPhrase"??? Are these all the same thing??

Lastly, the reset did change things (again) - now I don't have either the "Security" light lit, nor the "Wireless" light.

Should I be pulling-out the Belkin Install Disk that came with this router, and doing something with that to reset things back to how they were originally, please?

 

Yes, but since the modem has been reset, use the pc you are currently on, and get the belkin install disk, and it should get you set up.

 

No go. This is the error I am getting from the set-up assistant (attached):

"The Setup Assistant is not able to connect to the Router via any of the network adapters in this computer..."

 

I (we) got it!

I had switched some properties in my attempt to get the security up and running, so once I figured that out, and switched them back - all is well.

Thank you very much for all the help (and your patience), and I plan-on coming back next week when I get another adapter, to get the security set-up.

Thanks again,
Glenn...
PS ~ And I apologize if I was freaking-out a bit...:-o

 

that's good to know.

why do you need to get a new adapter?

 

My understanding is that each PC (two of them, in my small-network) would need one to avail the security of the router? I thought you were confirming that with this quote (*below)?...

*

 

well, the security is strictly for wireless. so if the one you are using is wired, then no need for it. Wireless security protects the wireless signal, so, no need for it on a wired computer.

 

Thanks as always, however...one PC is wired (to the router, obviously) but the other one (which I'm typing-on now, and which I primarily use) is not.

That's been the whole gist or point of me starting this thread - to get the "Security" light on the router to light-up.

If you're saying I only need one adapter, on the wireless PC, then I have that, but the Security light (on the Router) is "off".

Again, my understanding (before that quote from you in my last post, and especially since you said that) is that I need "one on each PC" (BOTH PC's) to avail the router security FOR the wireless PC? Or am I just missing the point completely here, and can get the security light to light-up with just this one adapter, and availing the Belkin security page (192.68.2.1)?

 

yes, wep, wpa, wpa2, etc. is strictly for securing your wireless connection to your router, no matter which computer or device. that light is on to tell you that you will have some sort of secure connection whenever you connect a wireless device. There's no need for a wireless usb adapter (dongle) on the pc that connects via a wire. so in a nutshell, if both pc's are can connect to the internet, 1 secured wireless, one wired, then you are all set :cool

 

Thanks again, but I guess I'm doing a poor job of explaining (or simply not understanding your instructions on how to get that light lit).

1. The light "Security" on the router is not lit (not on).

2. I would like it to be lit (on).

3. I "think" you're saying that I can make that happen by going to Belkin's Security page, and configuring things there (?).

4. If that's the case, I suppose I'm concerned (worried) about doing anything "out of order", since everything seems so utterly dependent on being doing procedurally correct (in order).

I am at the 192.68.2.1 site/page now, trying to make the light come on, so that this PC that I am typing this to you on (wireless) will be more secure.

Does any of what I am saying make sense (seriously, because I surely don't know)?

Thanks again, and in advance...

PS - Lastly, must everything be done (visiting the Belkin site) on/from the host computer, or can I do it on this wirelessly connected machine?

 

huh...i thought you had it already, but then i remembered that you got stuck on the passkey/password thing. since the only thing you have a problem with is the security thing, then you can go back to the link on how to setup the wireless security.
http://en-us-support.belkin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/33
It's best to use the wired computer, since the wireless security doesn't do anything for it.

step 8:
Enter a word or group of characters in the password (PSK) box. The Pre-Shared Key must be 8 to 63 characters in length. Note: The PSK (Pre-Shared Key) is case-sensitive ("A" is different than "a").

http://en-us-support.belkin.com/euf/assets/images/answer/router/wireless_secur_wpa_key.jpg

Once you save the settings, your wireless computer will not be able to connect. So, if I'm correct, you are using Vista Home Edition on the wireless computer? If so, you can follow these steps to get it going again.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928429

The WEP mentioned is the same as the PSK/Pre-Shared Key you entered in the router's settings.

p.s. please mention if any of these things don't seem to be what I've typed. I don't use Windows Vista, or have a Belkin router. I'm just going on what I see from their websites. If anything is different, then let me know.

 

Ok, this is "beginning" to make a lot more sense to me, however, I am still having (a little bit of) trouble.

It seems I am still doing "something" (?) out of sequence?

I "think" it "may" go back to the instruction you gave me to "find "network/SSID" to connect to it" ... how do I do that, please, because I can't seem to find it?
PS ~ I'm running between these two PC's like some sort of a chicken with it's head cut-off, but each time I do, whatever I do on one PC seems to negate or cancel-out what was done on the other??

 

Re: SUCCESSFULLY Secured Small Home Network ~ finally

I (WE!) GOT IT...FINALLY !:wave:clap:guitar:dood:celebrate

I kept trying to "Set-up a New Connection", even though (and actually BECAUSE OF) the wireless PC defaulting to the original set-up (which wouldn't work until all the other settings were correct ... AKA: "Ducks in a row"!).

I finally have ALL of the lights lit on this router, and a fully secure (as secure as possible, I suppose) wireless connection!

Thank you very much for hanging-in here with me - I just go _____ (blank) sometimes, and get a real BLOCK in reference to this tech stuff sometimes.

Thanks "thesmokinggun" !

 

great!

A little more about network id/ssid
You should give your wireless network it's own unique name. Just in-case you have a neighbor or someone near you that has the same router as you. most router manufacturers give it some kind of default name (for example, belkin might be belkin wireless or something) In order to distinguish yours from the others, it helps to name it something else.

but besides that, i'm glad it's working.

 

Great - thanks again, and yes, I'd like to do that now...here's the REAL crazy part (screenshot attached) ! I can (and should, eh?) delete all of these except the first one, at the bottom of the list (Belkin_N_Wireless_ECF563) , which you are recommending that I change the name of, correct?