Start by making sure you use a wireless base station (gateway or router) that provides built-in security settings.

By providing wireless security and a built-in firewall, the Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station is configured to help protect your network from the most common wireless security risks.

Wireless Security, also known as Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), is a wireless security protocol that helps protect your information by using a network key (called a WEP key) to encode, or encrypt, all network traffic before transmitting it over the airwaves. This helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing the data as it is being transmitted. The Microsoft Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station uses WEP wireless security.

The Microsoft Wireless Base Station provides WEP encryption in two strengths: 64-bit (standard-strength encryption) or 128-bit (stronger encryption, and with more characters). 128-bit encryption is enabled by default when you run the Microsoft Setup Wizard, and we recommend that you use this stronger form of wireless encryption during wireless network setup unless your wireless network adapter only supports 64-bit encryption. Usually, you can allow your setup program to assign your network a WEP key. Alternatively, you can set up your own key, generate a different key, or choose other advanced options. If you want, you can save the information on a floppy disk for later use when setting up other wireless connections.

Note   WEP does not protect data transmitted over wired connections on your network or on the Internet. For more information on protecting your wired connections, see Security Guidelines for Your Broadband Network.

The Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station provides a firewall to help protect your network against malicious transmissions and unsolicited requests for data.

The firewall is enabled by default, and we recommend not disabling the firewall.

Just as the name implies, a firewall acts as a barrier or buffer zone between your local network and the Internet. It checks data being transmitted and requests for data that are sent to your network and discards any suspicious items.  

• In addition to using the security features built into your Broadband Networking Wireless Base Station, here are some common-sense steps you can take to help keep your wireless network secure:
  • Position wireless components away from windows and toward the center of your home to decrease the strength of the radio signal outside your intended coverage area.
  • Do not give your wireless encryption key to anyone not authorized to use your network, and avoid leaving the key or password information in an obvious place (for example, taped to your monitor.)
  • Make sure you are protecting all parts of your network, not just the wireless segment. For more information about general network security, including passwords, firewalls, and antivirus measures, see Security Guidelines for Your Broadband Network.

For more information setting up a wireless network or tackling the issue of network security, please call us on 08451 304060 to speak to one of our advisors. Click here to purchase your wireless products online.

Information taken from Microsoft. Microsoft's complete range of IT software solutions can also be purchased from Readycrest. Call now to find out more.