Using Encryption

Generally all wireless access point uses different built in encryption mechanism. That is the most important step to look over in order to secure your wireless network communications from any kind of attacks. WEP encryption methods are used by older access points while newer access points give two choices i.e., WEP and WPA. People prefer WPA more than WEP for the wireless network performance. It’s possible to recover the original information from the ciphered data if someone is able to sneak away with large proportion of data-chunk, which can only happen in a WEP communication. Yet it takes many tried for an intruder to read through the data to come out with a string to compromise a server or workstation.

It’s always recommended to upgrade to the hardware which offers WPA support if the current older hardware doesn’t support. Go for WEP encryption only if you do not have enough budgets for WPA encryption. That’s true WEP is already flawed, but then, something is better than nothing. WEP could be better than no encryption. Because WEP can be hacked easily than WPA only if a hacker sniffs packets to understand the encryption type being WEP or WPA. If they found out you’re using WEP, they would love to attack the network or workstation at will. They will definitely choose an easier one as their target. Obviously no one wants to be hacked. So just try to go for better encryption method.

The only other drawback to using encryption on your access point is that it can be a little complicated to set up if you aren’t the technical type. If you can’t figure out how to set up wireless encryption, then invite the neighborhood nerd over for dinner and have them enable encryption. Do what ever you have to do, but get encryption enabled as it will be the encryption that would protect your network or home computer from getting hacked by others. Consider it to be the only and most powerful tool for every wireless network security. It’s not easy to setup for non-technical people. That is not a big problem actually. You can ask your friend for help. Your friends may already have encrypted their network. Or it won’t be too expensive to hire a technician even if you don’t have anyone who knows how to encrypt your network.

Don’t Announce Yourself

A Wi-Fi access point announces them using a mechanism which is called Identifier broadcasting. Be careful at this point. You should disable that for the security of your network. You already have the information about your wireless network; therefore you don’t need them to announce it to you. It only helps the hackers. They can use it as a benefit. All wireless access points do not have facility to disable identifier broadcasting but if your have then go, disable that. Wireless access points are assigned with SSID or ESSID. When you are going to disable to identifier broadcasting you should also alter your SSID or ESSID. You do not want to have an out of a box name that’s why you need to change the SSID or ESSID. Each access point have already assigned SSID or ESSID by the manufacturers same to the assembly line. What hackers generally try after looking for the broadcasting is to attach the access points using default ESSID and SSID because it’s not hard to find out that there is an access point in your workplace. And it works sometimes for them. They can do that even if the access points are not broadcasting SSID or ESSID.

Each access point has default passwords. It’s important for you to alter the default password of access point just like the SSID and ESSID. Hackers can use the default password of the access points to hack your network. That is why changing the default password is very important. If hackers take control of your access points them they can even kick you out of your own network.

Limit Access to Your Access Point

Another stuff that can be helpful to protect your access point is to assign the right to use access point to limited computers. Each Network Interface card (NIC) or Wi-Fi cards has a kind of address called MAC or Media Access Control attached to it. And those MAC Addresses can be used to tell the access point to that which machines is allowed to use the network. The MAC address is like a key to each computer or machine to get access to the access point. MAC addresses can be determined via command prompt. Open the command prompt window. Type “IPCONFIG/ALL”. This command displays the computers TCP/IP configuration. That means it displays all the information regarding to the network configuration of the machine. MAC broadband packages address of the machine can be finding as Physical Address.

Hackers still can use some type of tools called protocol analyzer to find which MAC address allowed in network. So limiting the access to the access point with the help of MAC address is not yet a perfect security method. If they are able to spoof the valid address then they can bypass your address filter. Non of wireless mechanism are perfect since the hackers always derive new idea to defeat security but if you care about at least these things then your network cant be easily hacked or harmed.

Paid ones have certain additional features which might not be available on free one. One of them is emergency call service functionality. Most of free VoIP services do not have those services. This actually cost more because of the difficulty of pinpoint a geographical location of a call that is being routed through the Internet. All VoIP providers hooking up to PSTN networks are required to comply with providing full emergency service as per the rule of telecom. Otherwise they will not be allowed to obtain new customers in areas where it is compulsory. Although most of free ones also have same voice quality service some people says that the voice transmission quality differs between paid and free VoIP. But I don’t believe that. I’ve experience with both of them and I didn’t notice anything like that.

Normally free VoIP services do not offer any additional services where you can find additional or supplementary services often. Local phone number availability is another issue. All paid VoIP service providers provide this service while free ones do not offers this facility. You will need to pay some for that on free VoIPs. Even call forwarding, call waiting and miss call alert are not available on free VoIP services. You may get that for paying little money but that goes paid if you do that. So it’s better to stick with paid service if you need those fancy services. Definitely you will be eager to use other incredible features like call conferencing, fax and location facility. You will need to go for paid service for these all services. The service increase depending upon how much you pay. Free ones works very fine if the normal service is enough for you. If you do not need to dial International numbers, if you do not need to call often then it’s better not to be with paid VoIP providers. In fact your requirement determines which type of VoIP is best for you.

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One popular device that belongs to the series of wireless USB adapter is the 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g USB Adapter. The 11g products are reversely compatible with 11b technologies, thus, both 11g and 11b end users can dwell on similar networks. It can give you a speed up to 54 Mbps, closely five times the speed capability of 802.11b networks at an expanse of up to one hundred meters. For legal clients, 128-bit, 40/64-bit and WPA encryption are sharing key WEP encryption. Furthermore, it has a pivoted USB connector and a dependent antenna.

This device is described with reliable, simple, and high speed 802.11g wireless access applicable for notebook and desktop users. Choose 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g USB Adapter for you can start wandering your office while obtaining all the resources from your networks such as e-mails and internet up to 54 Mbps speed at the distance of 328 feet, best for multimedia and other applications that requires higher bandwidth. The USB adapter works hand in hand with the DSL/Cable gateway and 3Com OfficeConnect Wireless 11g access point to produce high speed, powerful and complete wireless connection in just several minutes for office, home, classrooms and even on remote areas. The adapters proffer the convenience and adaptability of USB accessibility without surrendering the performance. It has also the feature of Card Manage that produces profiles for mobile broadband users that display particular wireless settings for LAN at any locations they travel. For just an easy way, users have to choose the exact profile and they are installed for connectivity. Shifting on dynamic rate spontaneously matches the ideal speed connection in response to actual and traffic situation so that wireless networks would stay authentic.

Product Details

]]> http://www.broadbandsuppliers.co.uk/uk-isp/3com-officeconnect-wireless-11g-usb-adapter/feed/ 0 http://www.broadbandsuppliers.co.uk/uk-isp/wiflyer-wireless-router-modem/ http://www.broadbandsuppliers.co.uk/uk-isp/wiflyer-wireless-router-modem/#comments Tue, 20 Feb 2007 05:10:48 +0000 RM http://www.broadbandsuppliers.co.uk/uk-isp/wiflyer-wireless-router-modem/ The internet has helped us in so many ways and business had been great because of this. That’s why most companies focused their research in improving and to make the broadband internet more accessible by all. Many new devices make their way through stores each year. Upgrades and new technologies are very in demand.

One device that is already out in the market is the WiFlyer wireless device. It’s compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g enable computers. With range at 200ft and a network speed of 11Mbps. The device also supports industry-standard 128-bit WEP encryption. WiFlyer is compatible with Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Unix systems.

This device works similarly with other wireless modem device when the unit is connected it automatically detects all necessary settings and you’ll be able to use it. And you could also connect through dial-up using the GUI onboard WiFlyer where you could enter the phone number and password necessary to connect you. This device is so handy and perfect for people who always travel and having problems finding a high speed internet connection from where they’re staying. Because it’s really slim and could even fit inside your back pocket. And the best thing about it is that it has a charger that is completely smaller than the device itself.

So you don’t have to suffer all hassle bringing bulky stuff. And if you feel you need to add range to the device there is an antenna port on WiFlyer compatible with Hawking Hi-Gain 6dBi Omni Antenna to improve the signal of your device available at a very reasonable price. And if you’re planning to use this on a dial-up connection it is highly recommended that you use the WiFlyer Accelerator which it’s is software that helps enhance the internet speed. The unit’s price ranges from 76.23 to 98.3367 Euro.

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Cost

Hanging up after work has been established is absolutely worry-free. Why? Because there is no charges required for your calls. Using a broadband, paying your monthly fee for your subscription is one of the disadvantages. In addition, you are required to purchase a modem specialized for broadband connection only.

Time Management for Connection

You can always benefit on the “Consistently On” feature of the broadband. You can hang on to your work as soon as the connection has been established. You can maximize your time along with your connection without limitation. In dial up, logging off can truly save your effort and money. In broadband, no need to worry for that. You will be saved from hanging such as waiting for your modem to dial, connect and create a connection. Sometimes, authenticating your password is a time-wasting process. This time, you have to relax and make the most out of the service offered by a broadband connection.

Speed Sharing

Common modems used for dial ups can have 56k for the maximum speed. In broadband, it can provide you from 1meg up to 8meg speed capacity for your connection needs. In other words, it will advance more than 150 percent of your existing dial up speed. Since you are sharing bandwidth to any users in your location, the speed of data transmissions vary and you’re unlikely to reach the highest throughput. This process is referred to as contention. It eases traffic on sending information on ISP and even in your telephone line exchanges.

Telephone Line

When connection is established with broadband, your telephone line is not tied up. You can still use your phone without cutting off your internet and  phone access. Not like with dial ups, it makes your line busy after connection has been done completely. Aside, you have to spare extra phone line for your incoming and outgoing calls if you don’t want any destruction from your internet service.

Miscellaneous

You made your own control towards your PC if you’re using a broadband internet service. As for your alternatives, you can watch TV and performed voice calls with the use of the net. Your task can be multiplied dependent on you, without giving any excuse when it comes to speed.

These simple ideas will contribute to help you come up with a final plan of getting broadband connection. In spite, other people might also recommend this one, making you pledged a goodbye for your dial-up service.