Protecting a Wireless Connection

Wireless routers have become a mainstream product in the past few years, but are users taking the necessary steps to protect their wireless connection? The consequences of not having the correct safe guards in place can be dire. But those safe guards are generally very easy and are something that users of wireless routers should not overlook.

With the explosion in broadband penetration, use of the internet has grown massively. It is relatively common for households to have more then one Computer. It is also common for people to own laptops and want to access the internet from anywhere in their home. A wireless router allows households to connect to the internet from more then one Computer at a time, and it allows people to access the internet without the need to be physically connected to a cable.

However, many consumers do not fully understand the need to protect this wireless connection. One of the main culprits is people who do not set a password on their wireless router. This means that anyone within range can access the internet or their Computer from their wireless router. The following is just some of the consequences of this:

ID theft Copying bank details as the user types them (key stroke logging) Viewing illegal sites Stealing bandwidth Changing or deleting files

It is usually very straightforward to set up the correct security settings on a wireless router. Consumers are advised to allows follow the manufacturers instructions, as they may vary. Security settings for the wireless router can normally be access via included software, or a specific URL that you can visit.

The first thing that all consumers should do is to set a different username and password to the default. This should be something personal that others will not be able to guess.

Most wireless routers have built in encryption. This should always be turned on. If the wireless router and devices are built to the wireless B standard, then the encryption should be set to WEP. If the router and devices are the newer wireless G standard, then the encryption should be set to a more powerful WPA. Setting the encryption will prevent anyone else from access the wireless router without the encryption key. This is a very powerful security measure and is almost impossible for an intruder to get around.

Some wireless routers come with MAC adDress Filtering. This means that only Computers and devices that are specified can access the wireless router. Turning on MAC Filtering offers another layer of protection.

Failing to protect a wireless router from hackers and intruders can lead to very serious consequences. But putting the correct security measures in place is very straightforward. Always follow the manufacturers instructions. Ensure a personal username and password is set. Turn on encryption and add the encryption key to each computer and device. Set MAC Filtering if available.

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Connect Your Xbox 360 to the Internet - Wired LAN, Wireless Wi-Fi, or Internet Connection Sharing

Microsoft wants the Xbox 360 to be the center of your living room where you can do all sorts of things with your Hdtv such as play the hottest new games with advanced graphics engines and Watch HD video content. You can use the gaming console to access files in PCs as long as you let it join the same network the other Computers are in.

Xbox 360 has plenty of Internet features including Xbox LIVE which is basically a network of millions of gamers around the world that want to play cooperatively or competitively while sharing achieveMents, scores, and even downloadable titles. There are three ways you can connect to the Internet.

Wired Connection

1. Take an Ethernet cable and Plug it in the back of the Xbox 360. Plug the other end of the cable to an available jack on the router or directly to a modem if you do not have a router.

2. Turn on your Xbox 360 and go to "My Xbox." choose "System Settings" and go to "Network Settings." Choose the "Text Xbox LIVE Connection" option and choose "Yes" to allow the service to update your console's software. If this finishes successfully, you should have no problems with using the Internet.

Wireless Connection

1. For old Xbox 360 owners, connect the Wireless Networking Adapter to the console. Skip this step if you have the slimmer Xbox 360 model and want to connect wirelessly.

2. Head to the "System Settings" option from the "My Xbox" screen and then go to "Network Settings." Find the network name that matches the router with Internet access that you wish to connect to. Ask the person who set up the wireless router if you are unsure which one you need to connect to. If you cannot find the name, select "Specify Unlisted Network" and type in the name yourself. The person who set up the router should know the name.

3. Input the wireless network password if prompted. You also need to contact the administrator or individual that set up the router if you do not know the password.

4. Wait for the Xbox 360 to connect to the Internet and choose the "Yes" option to allow the console to download the latest update from Microsoft's servers. You should end up in Xbox LIVE afterwards which shows that your Internet properly works.

Internet Connection Sharing

1. Turn on the Computer or laptop that is using the Internet so you can share the connection with your Xbox 360. Click the Start Menu type "Ncpa.cpl" on the search box. Type this in the "Run" dialog if you are using Windows XP.

2. Right-click the connection icon that is hooked up to your router (usually the wireless connection). Click the "Sharing" tab and tick the first two checkboxes.

3. Now that your wireless connection is actively sharing, Plug your Xbox 360 into the vacant Ethernet jack.

4. Go to "My Xbox" on your Xbox 360 console and go to "System Settings" followed by "Network Settings." Choose "Wired Network" if prompted and then go to "Additional Settings". Choose "Restore to Factory defaults" and choose "Test Xbox LIVE Connection" to see if you have Internet connectivity.

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How to Choose the Best Xbox Wireless Adapter For Wireless Connection to the Network

Xbox Wireless adapters are used to connect the Xbox console wirelessly to the existing network (that is connected to the broadband internet) to allow you play games online in the comfort of your living room without the hassle of running the network cable.

Wireless network in home provides the easiness and portability. For gamers, having the wireless network in home is a much benefits. With your Xbox console, you can find a convenience place to experience online gaming without the clutter of the wires. How can you do that? You need an interface that allows you to connect to the existing network via the radio frequency band. Xbox wireless adapter will function as the bridge that will allow the Xbox console to communicate with the network via the Airwave and then connect to the wild internet.

Identify Your Existing Wireless Standard

One of the main reasons you build a wireless network in home is to share the broadband internet connection with many Computers or any other network clients including the Xbox in the household. Now, which Xbox wireless adapter will fit to your existing network? Firstly you need to identify your existing network environMent which wireless standard it is: 802.11 b/g/n or dual band. Dual-band frequency can be wireless G/A (802.11a/g) or wireless N/A (802.11a/n) network standards.

Knowing which standard your existing network is, certainly you need the adapter with the same standard as your network. For example, if you use the wireless -G router for your network, you should also need wireless -G adapter for the Xbox. However that stateMent doesn't always true. Basically you can connect wireless -N adapter to the existing wireless -G network. But, you need to identify if the adapter is labeled with the Wi-Fi Certified. With the Wi-Fi Certified labeled, the adapter is assured to be compatible with the standards as described in the labeled (wireless b/g/n).

Should y0u choose the adapter from the same vendor as your router? Wi-Fi Certified labeled will guarantee that the adapter will be compatible with any industrial wireless devices. Or you can identify the manufacturer specification if the adapter supports the Xbox console. Basically the principle of the Xbox wireless adapter is a wireless bridge. You can use any types of wireless bridges as the wireless game adapter with Ethernet port enable to connect to the existing wireless network.

Future Upgrade

Probably your existing wireless b/g network is not satisfactory for daily tasks that demand higher speed, reliable connection and longer distance coverage, and you plan for future upgrade with the new wireless technology available today - the wireless n with dual-band network. Then you need the Xbox wireless adapter that is powered by the most recent technology available in the marketplace today: the 802.11n standard with dual-band feature. With the adapter that supports the draft 802.11n and dual-band technology, you will achieve the maximum throughput when connecting to the most powerful wireless router that supports draft 802.11n, dual-band, and QoS.

Wireless -G Adapter

If your existing network uses the router with 802.11 b/g standard, and you will never plan for future upgrade to 802.11n dual-band, then you should choose the Xbox wireless adapter with 802.11g standard. The adapter with 802.11G standard is cheaper than 802.11N.

Microsoft introduces two types Xbox adapters with 802.11G standards, one of them supports dual-band (wireless -G/A) and the other one is 802.11G adapter that supports all the wireless b/g/n networks.

D-Link also introduces DWL-G820 and DGL-3420 which are powered by 802.11G standards, but the DGL-3420 is a dual-band (wireless -g/a) version with the maximum speed up to 108Mbps in ideal condition.

Wireless -N adapter

For Xbox wireless adapter with 802.11n standard, Microsoft also introduces the wireless -n version with dual-band features. The adapter is designed for compact and high performance and is powered by Xbox 360 to eliminate adapter clutter. TrendNet also introduces TEW-647GA gaming adapter which is also powered by wireless -n standard. Linksys also introduces WET610n Linksys Gaming Adapter which is powered by wireless -n with dual-band feature too.

If the price different among Xbox wireless adapter products are not much big different, having the wireless -n with dual-band technology would be much benefit. If your current wireless network is based on wireless -n router with dual band, the throughput would be optimum. But if your current wireless network is based on wireless -g router, make sure that your wireless -n adapter is backward compatible with wireless -g standard.

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How to Get a Wireless Internet Connection With a Portable Router

D-Link has launched its portable router, mypocket DIR-457, a tiny wi-fi router that can use and distribuite a 3G Sim Mobile data connection. So this is a solution for users who move about a lot or those who have problems accessing Internet because of signal coverage. It's useful also to connect Ipad to Internet if you do not own a 3G version of the Apple toy.This router allows to bring 3G speed connection to devices equipped with Wi-Fi, such as iPod Touch or Nintendo DS. In this way, you can download your favorite music from iTunes,or download applications and games, surf the web and share content.

Once the Sim-data from any operator providing 3G connection has been installed, myPocket can connect up to 16 people in wireless mode, while the rechargeable battery has a three-hour reserve and provided there are no obstructions the unit can transmit up to a maximum of 100 metres. Download speed for DIR-457 can reach 3.6 Mbps and uses wpa/wpa2 and firewall password protection.

It's also equipped with a really handy slot for a micro-sd card so you can save and share files (such as picture, mp3, movies, games, text) within your own network. Microsd is a flashmemory cards, the smallest available commercially, that was originally invented by SanDisk, it measures about the size of a fingernail.

This portable router is convenient for traveling and it comes with an attractive traveling case which also provides accessories including cables and a power adapter. Discover how to get best wireless Air card coverage for your router and how to extend home wireless coverage.

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Which is Faster - Wireless Or Wired Connection?

A standard question asked when establishing a router for a house network is what could be sooner, wi-fi router or wired internet router. The answer to this might be a wired ethernet connection. The principle cause a wired ethernet internet connection is quicker is as a result of the connection runs in full duplex mode at the velocity of 100Mb/s or at 1000Mb/s. Wireless internet connection however can run at 11Mb/s using a 802.11b router, and 54Mb/S utilizing a 802.11g wireless router. As a consequence of recent expertise developMent in wi-fi know-how, the latest model of wi-fi routers released could be the 802.11n, which may run at 300Mb/S.

The primary cause that a wired ethernet web connection is Faster then a wireless router connection is because wi-fi solely runs at half-duplex mode, which is signifies that only one gadget can transmit or receive packets of knowledge at a time. To put this in perspective, if you are using a cb radio, you possibly can either discuss or you'll be able to listen, however by no means at the same time. On the other hand, a ethernet wired connection makes use of full duplex mode, which can ship and receive information on the same time. An excellent instance of full duplex mode would be in case you are using a phone, both events can speak and listen on the same time.

Another reason a wired web connection is a Faster connection, then a wireless router connection is due to noise degradation. Noise degradation is when a noise or sign losses strength after a sure length of distance, this in return causes more dangerous packets of data to be despatched or received. When a community linked system receives a nasty packet of knowledge, this machine will ask for similar information to be resent, till it has the correct information. On prime of this another problem with wi-fi internet is the wave band that wifi connection use.

The wireless normal presently used the 2.4GHZ band, which happens to run on the same wave size as different home equipMent in your home, equivalent to cordless cellphone or microwave. A simple resolution for this downside is to purchase a cordless phone that runs at a better wave size such a 5.8Ghz or inserting your wireless router away from such devices.

In conclusion, you now know why a ethernet wired connection is quicker then a wi-fi router connection. But you need to ask your self one query earlier than you jump into setting up your own network. Initially, what's more sensible and what kind of providers do plan on working in your network. For instance it could be fAirly difficult and costly to hard wire your own home, especially if you are trying to run a ethernet cable from your router in the baseMent to a laptop in a upstAirs bedroom. You even have to look at what kind of companies you're plan on operating similar to a gaming, internet looking, media obtain and upload.

To place this in easy phrases, if it requires a excessive amount of bandwidth corresponding to laptop gaming, media server streaming high definition or running a server, then a wired connection would be the best. But if you're utilizing Computer for checking e-mail, internet looking and other duties that almost all of people do everyday on their laptop, then a wi-fi connection could be essentially the most practical.

Only a phrase of warning, I don't recomMend paying payments online from wi-fi connection. Even thought their have been latest advancements in the types of safety used for wi-fi connections, something might be hacked. "If it was designed and built by a human, it may be hacked by a human."

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Selecting the Best Wireless Routers For Your Internet Connection Set-Up

There are certain considerations that have to be looked into before anyone should select the best wireless routers for their Internet connection. Because getting a wireless router can be a daunting task for just about anyone who wants to get the best and the most cost-efficient, it is better if a step by step process in determining what router to purchase should be followed.

In getting the best wireless routers, it is imperative that anyone should ascertain first what kind of user they are. With this, they should consider their Computer usage frequency, the regularity with which they use the Internet and the things that they normally use their Computers for. There are three groups of users and these are the heavy users, the average users and the beginners. As could be understood, the heavy users are those that have been exposed to using Computers and networks for a longer period of time. Usually they are the ones who need high speed Internet connections for online downloading of information. Average users, on the other hand, are those who may have been using computers for quite some time now but do not have a wireless network while the beginners are really those who are relatively new to the world of wireless networking. Usually they are the kind of users who just use their computers to read their emails.

The next consideration that anyone should look into when it comes to buying the best wireless routers is to know the features that they could need for their use. The most important features that a wireless router should have are reliability, speed, ease of use and range. For beginners, there are starter wireless router-kits that are not that expensive, easy to setup and contain all the necessary components required to make a wireless network that is just simple to run and understand. These kits usually offer a wireless network with a range that will be ideal for homes that are small and medium-sized.

The best wireless routers that average users will be looking out for are those that are known for their reliability rather than for their speed. Normally, these users would want to have a stable connection from their routers. The heavy users, on the other hand, will be looking for both reliability and speed. As online gamers are also excellent examples of heavy users, these two features are very important, especially during online gaming.

So, with the considerations that are stated here, anyone can really have a great chance at getting one of the best wireless routers for their own. No matter what kind of user they are, there are routers that will definitely suit their needs and preferences when it comes to setting up their Internet connection.

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Is Your Problem a Slow Internet Connection? What About Your Wireless Router?

Something else to think about when it comes to slow internet issues:

The office I used to work in had your typical network set up. And it was set up by a professional tech guy that I was told was real good. There were times that he really came through for us on some pretty sticky issues with our Computers and the network, so I do think he was good. But the problem was us having too many problems with slow internet connections, or at least that is what everyone thought.

We had our ISP check us out several times and each time they said we were good on their end... the problem was our network. Well to make this short, our wireless router was not capable of handling more than 4 Computers at one time, of course depending on the type of work each Computer was doing. And that was the problem. We could not narrow down the problem because it only happened when everyone (usually 4 or 5 computers) were doing work that involved the internet. Only then did it show up but we did not realize it for quite some time.

Anyway this type of issue is easy. Wireless routers are not created equal. It seems there were thousands of Dollars put into this network and probably only a hundred Dollars more spent on a better router would have eliminated our problem and the cost of many unproductive work hours. I forget the levels ratings for routers now, but check with your tech or provider. It's the little things that get us sometimes, huh?

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Troubleshooting Your IPad Wireless (WIFI) Connection

Troubleshooting Your IPad Wireless (WIFI) Connection

Wireless network adds a new set of potential problems for problem-solving activities. Below is a list of items the resolution of problems that you should consider all the problems with wireless connectivity that you are getting your iPad to be solved.

1) Make sure that the WiFi antenna. Tap "Settings". Touch "WIFI". Turn off WiFi.

2) Make sure that the iPad is not in flight mode. If so, tap "Settings" in main screen and then turn on AirplaneMode.

3) Check the connection. Make sure the iPad is a WiFi network is connected. Tap "Settings" in main screen. If the setting is not WIFI shows as Connected. Touch "WIFI" and then select the network.

4) Look for errors and check the scope of the device. The iPad may be too far from the wireless router, or it could be blocked something (like a thick wall or microwave) the location of the wireless signal.

5) renew the DHCP lease. TheiriPad is assigned a Dynamic Host Manage Protocol (DHCP) lease when you connect to any WIFI network. Renew the DHCP lease if your system is not connecting. Touch "Settings." Touch "WIFI." Touch the blue "More Info" icon. Touch "DHCP" tab and then Touch "Renew Lease."

6) Disconnect/Reconnect to your Network. Touch "Settings" on the home screen. Touch "WIFI." Touch the blue "More Info" icon. Touch "Forget This Network" button to disconnect. Then reconnect to the same network.

7) Reset your iPad System Settings. Warning: This will remove all the stored network information and will reset your iPad system settings to their near factory state. Touch "Settings" on the home screen. Touch "General." Touch "Reset." Your iPad will ask you to confirm your system reset.

8) Reboot and power cycle devices. Reset your hardware by performing the following tasks in order: restart your iPad, reboot your iPad's hardware, power cycle the wireless access point, and power cycle the broadband modem.

9) Make sure your wireless router is receiving data from your Internet Service Providers (ISP). You can connect an Ethernet (i.e. CAT 5 cable) from your router or internet modem directly to your laptop or desktop. If you are not able to connect to the internet this way, the problem is your connection to the ISP, not the wireless network. If it's an ISP issue, first turn off your internet modem and then your wireless router for a few minutes. Then Plug them back in. Sometimes you have to reset the connection to your ISP and turning off your modem does this. If you still can't get a signal, then call your ISP.

The Benefits of Using a Wireless Router With Your Broadband Connection

The Benefits of Using a Wireless Router With Your Broadband Connection

A high-speed connection to the Internet is something that no family or business can live without it. Regardless of how you use your Computer when you try to do things with a dial-up, then you probably do not get what what you have from your time on the internet and possibly avoid problems with the connection is very likely to get frustrated. If you have a Computer at home, as the broadband service is really the only way.

Another advanTAGe of using an Internet connection, suchbroadband as the possibility of using a wireless router to connect their devices to the network. Most people who find the use of the cabling system that have restrictions on how many devices can be connected and also creates a limit to the place far away from the router will be able to use their Internet-enabled devices. Despite these limitations can be frustrating, there is a solution that can solve your problems.

A wirelessInternet router is the best way to get the most out of your broadband Internet connection, because it allows devices to connect as many as you can only do through a router. The process of connecting a wireless router is very similar to a wired, with a crucial difference, you do not have hooks on each device to the router. Connect the individual devices is a very simple process through which you can assign a code to each device andthis helps them to locate the router and that is it. They are online.

It provides the code for the router means that you can make it something simple that you will not forget. And no matter where your house is placed a device that will be able to pick up wireless signals, something like when you're in a hotel that offers free wireless internet. The code is called a WEP or WPA code makes your connection secure, but if you have someone who comes to visit and bring a laptop or other Internet capable device all you have to do to that is connected and can give that code to access your Internet connection.

Setting up a wireless broadband connection in your home is a very simple way to make the most of your internet service. And being that the wireless range is rather large you will find that you can even take your laptop out into your yard and still receive a connection which can make your online time much more enjoyable.