Linksys wireless

[Jonathan]

Anybody here using the 802.11g wireless router?
I got a "Wireless-G USB Kit" from Sam's Club a few hours ago.
Pretty darn cheap, bout $90 ($125 from PC shop w/ wireless card).

I like it so far.. just wondering what "secure method" I should pick?
I picked "PSK" and enabled the "MAC FILTER" with only my mac addie listed.
Is this secure enough to prevent others from using my internet?
I picked a different channel rather than use the default as well and
assigned a unique SSID name. I'm only getting 61% connectivity and
I am only maybe 25' MAX away from the router Should I try a diff channel?

Also finally I still can't figure out how to set it up so I can use the printer
connected to the other PC; any ideas on how to do this? Maybe its different
with a wireless linksys than with my old wired Belkin router. Thanks

[james]

Hey Jonathan,

I would try a different channel, and see if the signal strength improves. It will probably not, however. Also make sure the access point is up relatively high, and also that it's not within a metre or so of other electrical devices such as printers, monitors, pcs etc. The more isolated it is the better.

Regarding security, I would enable WEP, or possibly WPA (if your router and pc support it). You could also disable SSID broadcast, but this doesnt seem to help with security that much.

Cheers,

James

[Jonathan]

Hey Jonathan,

I would try a different channel, and see if the signal strength improves. It will probably not, however. Also make sure the access point is up relatively high, and also that it's not within a metre or so of other electrical devices such as printers, monitors, pcs etc. The more isolated it is the better.

Regarding security, I would enable WEP, or possibly WPA (if your router and pc support it). You could also disable SSID broadcast, but this doesnt seem to help with security that much.

Cheers,

James

Thanks I tried a diff channel seems to be better. I can't get the adapter
outside that 3' range though I'll need to buy a longer USB cord soon lol.
I checked the web-based panel thing and enabled PSK.. is this same as WEP or WPA??
Also I disabled the SSID Broadcast and changed the name to something very unique.
I also checked bout and enabled "MAC Filtering" for the wireless aspect and
now it (should I think?) only let my PC's mac address get a wireless connection

[sdjl]

I would stick with the PSK, i read somewhere that it's supposed to be more secure than WEP as it varies it's key constantly.
More info here: http://searchnetworking.techtarget.c...213937,00.html

As for others being able to access it whilst using mac address filtering, you should be fine. Unless someone knows our mac address and how to change theirs to match that, no one should be able to get through easily

David