Wireless (again)

Sounds like you have not set up WPA security

 

If you used the AOSS facility to set up the network it does set it up with encryption. Other things to check are
1) SSID is hidden
2) Only specified MAC addresses can access the network.

Neither of the above are hack proof ( what is?) but will provide some defence against the casual snooper

 

If I use the supplied software and look at the current connection status, next to security it says "WPAPSK(AES)".

How do I check the other 2 points you mention?

 

AES is the highest level of encryption that Buffalo supports

To stop broadcasting SSID type 192.168.11.1 in a browser and enter the configuration utility of the router.

Under "System info" then "Wireless Info", then 802.11g Security you can select options for broadcasting SSID and enabling "privacy seperator"

Under "System info" then "wireless info" then "Mac Access Limit" - here you can select options to only allow specific MAC addresses from accessing your wireless network. MAC address is a unique id for a network device (a long string of numbers somake sure you type them correctly). make sure the MAc address of the wireless cleint installed on your desktop PC is listed.

 

I don't understand how his games console went straight on if encryption is enabled.

 

Yes mystery that. Don't really have an explanation

 

I tried to unselect the broadcast SSID option and I lost the wireless connection

With the PSP it asked me if I wanted to use AOSS and i just had to click ok on it a few times. Even I managed it in under a minute

 

AOSS (AirStation OneTouch Secure System) by Buffalo Technology allows secure wireless connections with the push of a button. ...

This is the definition. However I fail to understand how your network is secure if all you need to do is click OK and not input a password.

MO do you or do you not have WPA security enabled on your network? Did you have to enter a password on any wireless device trying to access you network.

If the answer is not yes then anyone with a wireless device within range can use your bandwidth. It may be you live in a field in which case its probably no bover.

 

The AOSS thing is secure - the base station sends the password to the device you are connecting to. You need to push the button both on the base station AND the client device to connect so it is actually "at the push of two buttons" - one being a real one on the base station and the other being a software button on the client device.

So MO rest assured your connection is secure. Use of AOSS requires broadcasting the SSID ( if you want to connect new devices) However I would have thought that once you have connected a device you could stop broadcasting. I don't actually have a Buffalo device so you may want to ask the Buffalo support people.

However, since your network is secure ( with AES) you needn't worry about it.

 

The time has come.....

I'm now looking to add a laptop to the network.

It's asking me to enter a "security key or passphrase", which apparantly the person who set up the network can give me. However, at no point do I remember having to set a password

Assuming it's a pre-set one, where and how, do I go about finding it?

MO

 

Hi MO, assuming you can login to your wireless router you should be able to change the security key or passphrase depending on the security option you opt for.

You should get a choice of None, WEP, WPA and others(?).

You don't really want None, so the most basic is the WEP (for Wired Equivalent Privacy (sic)) which comes in 2 versions 64 and 128bit. I'd chose WPA if your laptop and router supports it, which also comes in various flavours. Just enter a passphrase of your choice to the router and make a note of it. You'll need to enter this passphrase on every device that needs to connect to your router.

Personally I'd also put an access control list to only allow specific MAC addresses to connect to your router. Finally, I hope you haven't left the router password to default.

Sorry I just realised I've waffled on for a bit .