Wireless Hardware recommendations

[Draco771]

Something just dawned on me.

Regarding INTSEC (Internet Security)

If you're doing wireless internet, I'd strongly recommend looking into Internet Security Devices. Wireless Internet connections are the easiest to break into.

You can get Intelligent hubs with Wireless Security features pre-installed in them. Essentially it encrypts the signal between the modem, router, to the recieving computers. Only the comps with the devices and/or frequency software required will have access to the info. at least off the bat anyway.

Firewalls only work for the specific computer from outside influence, it does not protect against others dropping into the signal itself. Think of a "phone tap" for instance.

Just something to think about depending what kind of information your husband is sending/recieving via your home based business over a wireless network.

[Irishsquid]

Being a responsible network security professional and all, there is absolutely no chance I might have done any "hacking," in my younger days, but if I had, I was probably looking for unencrypted/weakly encrypted wireless. IF I were a hacker, and saw, for instance, WPA2, using AES+TKIP, I know that Aircrack will take forever-and-a-day to crack anything...and the neighbor is probably running WEP (5 minutes to crack, and you'd be amazed how many ISPs still ship hardware with WEP enabled by default.)

I wouldn't worry about spending the extra money on specialized devices. Personally, WPA2, AES+TKIP, MAC filtering, hidden SSID. Remember...a "professional," will still get in if they want...you don't need to be bulletproof...just moreso than the guy next door.

[Draco771]

Originally Posted by Irishsquid

Being a responsible network security professional and all, there is absolutely no chance I might have done any "hacking," in my younger days, but if I had, I was probably looking for unencrypted/weakly encrypted wireless. IF I were a hacker, and saw, for instance, WPA2, using AES+TKIP, I know that Aircrack will take forever-and-a-day to crack anything...and the neighbor is probably running WEP (5 minutes to crack, and you'd be amazed how many ISPs still ship hardware with WEP enabled by default.)

I wouldn't worry about spending the extra money on specialized devices. Personally, WPA2, AES+TKIP, MAC filtering, hidden SSID. Remember...a "professional," will still get in if they want...you don't need to be bulletproof...just moreso than the guy next door.

Good point, just felt like pointing something out.

Just there are Security Devices you can get for even $10 that will put your info a little bit above someone elses.

[Irishsquid]

True dat...I take a different tactic, personally...detailed here, but I know most aren't going to go that far.

[Draco771]

Originally Posted by Irishsquid

True dat...I take a different tactic, personally...detailed here, but I know most aren't going to go that far.

Funny thing about hackers, is they look for the "easiest route" into a system.

If they can't get to your system directly, they can go indirectly for a signal intercept. (Technology is available to civilians now, to intercept radio and wireless network information)

It's proven the best way to get information isn't through a computer, but through the signal on the way to the computer.

but then again, that's for professionals, and not amateurs as previously stated.

I'd still look for a data encryption device, even if it only works for your end of the channel.

Hey, just curious, is it ok if I ask you some questions via PM? (that way not to thread jack?)

Either the case, it wouldn't hurt the OP to look into at least a super cheap encryption device/software. Even if just for her SOHO. That way, it really would require a professional to get the data/information being transmitted to/across her network.

[LibraryLady]

Originally Posted by Draco771

... Just something to think about depending what kind of information your husband is sending/recieving via your home based business over a wireless network.

Thanks for the info, Draco. The business related computer is hardwired, hence the wireless router in such a weird location of the house. The way his company requires his set up to be maintained, and he he down/up loads such massive files that wireless was out of the question. I'm just a cheapo at heart; I didn't want to have to pay for 2 computer modems from the evil empire (Comcast).

After serious input from various sources, we ended up adding an SF-produced parabolic antenna boost (foil and wire hanger style) to the router and rearranged the location of desktop computer so the wireless antenna (on a USB dongle) had a straight line through just one interior wall and 2 windows, the house is L-shaped, and we get decent signal. (can you tell the general consensus was that repeaters are not worth the effort?)

LL

[Irishsquid]

Originally Posted by LibraryLady

Thanks for the info, Draco. The business related computer is hardwired, hence the wireless router in such a weird location of the house. The way his company requires his set up to be maintained, and he he down/up loads such massive files that wireless was out of the question. I'm just a cheapo at heart; I didn't want to have to pay for 2 computer modems from the evil empire (Comcast).

After serious input from various sources, we ended up adding an SF-produced parabolic antenna boost (foil and wire hanger style) to the router and rearranged the location of desktop computer so the wireless antenna (on a USB dongle) had a straight line through just one interior wall and 2 windows, the house is L-shaped, and we get decent signal. (can you tell the general consensus was that repeaters are not worth the effort?)

LL

That's funny...I was about to send you directions for a field-expedient directional antenna ;-)

[Nightfall]

My 2 cents:

Nice like the one pictured previously:

http://hackaday.com/2005/02/20/a-better-wifi-antenna/

And my personal favorite, recycle your Pringles can! :

http://www.oreillynet.com/cs/weblog/view/wlg/448

[Dad]

I don't know what you call it but we had very weak signals in much of the house. Geek Squad comes out and plugs this thing into the electric outlet, comes out another electric socket and works great. Best $150 I have spent. No need to wire because uses the electric wire already there.