wireless encryption

hi

i have a wireless network set up at home (1 desktop, 1 laptop and maybe another lt if i can get i working) and need to set up some kind of encrytion seeing as there are many other wireless networks in my area (some unencrypted as i found out). Ive had it set up for a while and it's only recently when or new laptop linked straight up to it that i discovered that it wasn't encrypted.

which type of encryption would you advise (wep/tkip/aes/other) and can you give me a hand setting it up.

thanks in advance

 

I would go for the strongest that the router can handle. But also take a look at any of the devices that you will be connecting. I know, for instance that some of the older gameboy advances will only to WEP, which is considered outdated (and hackable)

I think, you want wpa2 (wpa, if wpa2 isn't an option)
and then I think you will be given an option for additional things, like tkip.

probably the simplest thing to do is, download the application available for your model of router (they mostly all come with some setup software). it will take you step by step through configuring your router with wireless encryption, and also give you an option to change the username/password of the router, and probably more. make sure you do this from a wired connection.

 

i shll havea look in the attic for the box and see if set up software is in there, if not, where would i find it?

:confused neither computer is wired...

thanks for the quick reply

 

a wireless connection will probably do, but when the security is set, you will have to reconnect.

you should be able to download the software from the router manufacturer's website.

 

thank you!! i have managed to do it

 

just a few questions...
how do i get the computer to remember the password so it doesn't need typing everytime we turn the compter on?
and is there a way to get the pc to 'autotune' to our own network so we don't end up on our neighbours?

 

i've put on WPA PreShared Key (the other options i got to choose from were WPA radius, Radius and WEP) because i understood what it was asking for to set that up...

the default ip is correct, but it links first to the unencryted networks instead. i can't see a box for 'automatically connect' (see image) i've been through the other tabs, but can't see anything like that :confused might this be to do with the utility itself?

 

probably, but there should also be an option somewhere in there to tell it to not connect automatically to the first one it finds.